nofuturezine-blog

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Horizons announces twelve new acts for 2018

The Horizons launch event takes place on Thursday night(24th of May) at BBC Music's Biggest Weekend Fringe Festival at Unit 19 in Swansea from 6 pm, when some of the artists will be unveiled and will perform: Adwaith, CHROMA acoustic and Eadyth Crawford. A lot of the Horizons bands will also be there for the launch and available for press – Himalayas, Pitchforks, Aleighcia Scott, and Nia Wyn.  

 BBC Cymru Wales and Arts Council of Wales are excited to announce the names of twelve acts selected from across Wales to be part of the Horizons in 2018.

Horizons is a unique showcase of new, independent contemporary music in Wales, supporting and promoting emerging Welsh music talent to wider audiences. Nearly 300 artists applied for a place on the project, which is now in its fourth year.

A diverse list of a dozen of the finest emerging acts from across Wales, this year’s Horizons intake is notable for featuring strong, unique female musicians with 10 of the 12 made up of female solo artists and acts featuring female members. All 12 artists have a unique contemporary sound covering musical genres from indie, reggae, rock, folk and blues.

The Horizons project will be bringing music to many festivals over summer 2018 starting with a launch show at this year’s  BBC Music’s Biggest Weekend Fringe Festival in Swansea, where Huw Stephens will showcase some of the acts live on BBC Radio Cymru. 

The twelve selected Horizons artists are:

Adwaith Carmarthen trio craft  bilingual songwriting; their recent single ‘Fel i Fod’ has been streamed over 100,000 times on Spotify.

Aleighcia Scott Cardiff based reggae singer with a unique style and vocals whose wowed crowds in Wales, UK and Jamaica.

Alffa An exciting teenage two piece rock n roll band from Llanrug who are inspired by the blues.

Campfire Social A Llangollen collective whose exquisite knack for vocal harmonies and catchy instrumental textures earned them a slot at a Korean festival with Focus Wales last year.

CHROMA  Fearsome Pontypridd rock trio led by Katie Hall, one of the most charismatic frontwomen Wales has produced in quite some time and a band BBC Introducing booked for Reading and Leeds last summer.

Eadyth A unique young Welsh language electronic producer from Merthyr,  whose futuristic and empowering sound is influenced by urban, soul and electro.

Himalayas An incendiary rock four-piece from Cardiff, they have been delighting crowds at This Feeling gigs across the UK, and showcased at SXSW for BBC Introducing this March.

I See Rivers  A Tenby adopted female trio hailing originally from Norway crafting their own brand of awe-inspiring float folk. Through a studio in West Wales they found themselves drawn to and embraced by Wales.

Marged Welsh language cutting-edge pop star with evocative vocals and lyrics that chart self-discovery, she recently supported Katie B at a secret London show.

Nia Wyn An incredible voice and songwriting talent from Conwy whose work encompasses folk, country and pop she recently worked with Paul Weller on new songs.

No Good Boyo Cwmbran four-piece whose rousing celtic folk-inspired sound has delighted crowds at the National Eisteddfod of Wales and Lorient Festival, France.

The Pitchforks A young Tonypandy band whose floor-filling indie rock sound made them one of Radio One’s Huw Stephens’s ‘Ones to watch for 2018.’

 The 12 artists will be offered a platform at events across Wales and on BBC Wales’ national radio services - BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio Wales.

Horizons acts were selected by a panel of experts from within the partnership and the wider music sector. Panel included Bethan Elfyn (BBC Wales), Aeron Roberts (ACW), Joe Frankland (PRSF), Eluned Haf (Wales Arts International), Dwynwen Morgan (BBC Radio Cymru), Dan Potts (BBC Radio Wales), Helen Weatherhead (BBC 6Music), Rachel K Collier (Musician), Dom Gourlay (Drowned in Sound), Simon Parton (Swansea Music Hub), Bill Cummings (Sound & Vision PR), Feedy Frizzi (Moshi Moshi Management), Liz Hunt (Wales Goes Pop!), Jason Camileri (WMC Platform Project), David Owens (Media Wales), Estelle Wilkinson (Talks on Tour), Owain Schiavone (Y Selar), Richard Parfitt (Musician/ Education), Helia Phoenix (Visit Wales/ We Are Cardiff).  

Lisa Matthews, Portfolio Manager at the Arts Council of Wales, says:

“We’re proud to support Horizons for a further year and see another 12 artists have a creative and potentially career changing year. There have been some incredible opportunities created so far and we’re looking forward with excitement more incredible music experiences.”

Bethan Elfyn, Project Manager of Horizons at BBC Wales, said:

“The Welsh music scene has probably never seen such a time as this - a real explosion of creativity in so many towns and cities, and so we’ve been absolutely spoilt this year with the selection of talent.  We’ve got an incredibly diverse shortlist of artists, and we can’t wait to follow their journey for the next year. A few of the acts will be familiar names but there’s also bound to be one or two musical surprises for people to discover.”

Joseph Williams from the band Himalayas, one of the twelve bands selected said:

“It’s a real pleasure to be a part of BBC Horizons along with other great Welsh artists. We’re looking forward to working closely with the Horizons team to help progress and develop as a band.”

Horizons is a unique showcase of new, independent contemporary music in Wales.  Now in its fourth year, Horizons is a collaboration between BBC Wales and Arts Council of Wales.The Horizons project aims to be a comprehensive showcase of promising talent in Wales.  From providing promotional and performance opportunities. 

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Tim Pope to direct special project for The Cure’s 40th Anniversary

 In a recent Twitter post director and longtime Cure collaborator has revealed that he’s involved with a “special project” to celebrate The Cure’s 40th anniversary. 

source: @timpopedirector

Tim has been directing videos for several acclaimed musicians throughout his career, with The Cure perhaps being the most notable. He began working with the band in 1981, directing videos for songs, “Close To Me”, “Lullaby” “The Lovecats”,“Wrong Number”, “In Between Days” and “Friday I’m In Love”.

source: @timpopedirector

Since The Cure finished their tour in 2016 there has been little mention towards any future projects and plans. Although, “The Cure Greatest Hits” was issued for Record Store Day 2017, with a Cure calendar more recently being designed for the 2018 year. Both are available through the Cure official website.

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Ysgol Sul, Eventide EP, Review.

Evoking the sounds of 80’s twee pop Silhouette is the opening single to Ysgol Sul’s first English Language EP, “Eventide”. Lead by the vocals of Iolo Jones who’s baritone voice immediately struck me upon first listening to Silhouette. This contrast between lighter pop and harsh vocals leaves an uncomfortable combination of noise throughout the song. Although, the consistent surf sounding guitar that works it’s way in and out ‘Silhouette” reminiscent of Kevin Shields work with Loveless.

Moving forward, the second song on the Eventide EP is Promise Me which I found to be almost indistinguishable from Silhouette, making it difficult to comment upon. Perhaps Iolo’s vocals were sounding more angelic which suited the laidback theme of Eventide. Another similarity found was that lyrically Eventide was lacking. Very simple lyrics that went with a simple soundscape. A potential contender for music to suit Made In Chelsea or some other reality tv show.

On Ysgol Sul’s Soundcloud, “Elsewhere” the third track in the Eventide EP had the most listener engagement. Which, gave hope that this would be the song that turned tides, leading me to a treasure trove of quality music. Although, it was disappointed to learn that this was not necessarily the case. Initially, the opening of Elsewhere is a great combination of distinguished bass and guitar laden with whammy bars. But as the song progresses Iolo’s vocals which are more drawn out ultimately weigh the song down. If you’re looking for a song to feel sad too then Elsewhere is the one for you. But, it’s a relatively safe song kept afloat by a more upbeat style of drumming.

The harmonies on this next track, “Dwell” are great. At least the title of this track affirms my comments that Ysgol Sul were creating music that makes you dwell in sadness.

 To draw a close to Eventide is a song called, “Solitude” which again proves to be flowing directly from the aforementioned song, “Dwell” every song from this EP seems to sound similar. Something that perhaps Ysgol Sul were aiming for, in which case, great. But, as a listener I look towards music that is at least distinguishable. Although towards the end of Solitude, Ysgol Sul have gradually built up the song, carefully constructing where to place a fair amount of white noise in amongst the song, before a rhythmic bass begins to emerge from the quiet before fully encroaching the song to lead Solitude into a rather busy finish.

 For a first English Language EP Eventide is alright, it wasn’t necessarily surprising. But, it’s not a poorly produced EP either. Ysgol Sul are still amidst the higher end of Welsh talent.  But, Eventide is not their best work.

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Lle mae nhw nawr? Phobol a wnaeth siapo y sin Cymraeg.

Yn y series newydd yma, mae ein sylfaenydd o’r Jaunty Spiv Blog, Manon Williams yn edrych i fewn i ffigurau pwysig yn Cymru, i ffeindo allan, Lle mae nhw nawr?

Llun gan Rhys Ifans

Rhys Ifans

Ar ol dod yn enw cartref dryw cult ffilm, Twin Town. Mae actor a a cerddor, Rhys Ifans sy’n wreiddiol o Haverfordwest wedi mwynhau gyrfa 20 mlynedd. Ers y diwrnodau o chwarae criminal waethaf yn Abertawe, Jeremy Lewis. Mae Rhys wedi cario mlan i ehangu ei yrfa actorol, gan serennu yn ffilmiau; Notting Hill, Danny Deckchair, Enduring Love ac yn enwedig Y Boat That Rocked, ffilm sydd di cael i greu er mwyn dweud y stori hanesyddol o’r orsaf radio pirate, Radio Caroline.

Hefyd, mae Rhys Ifans yn cerddor llwyddiannus, ar ol unwaith fod yn aelod o’r band, Y Super Furry Animals ac Y Peth. Yn nghanol ei yrfa fel cerddor, wnaeth ffeindio amser i ail ymweld efo ei ochr actorol, gan chwarae rol serennol yn fideo ar gyfer gan Oasis, “The Importance of Being Idle”

Yn amserau fwy presennol, wnaeth Rhys Ifans sefydly, “Y Shelter Cymru” elusen sy’n edrych fewn i lleihau y nifer o phobol sy’n fyw heb cartref yn y strydau o Cymru. Allwch darllen ei 7 ffordd er mwyn lleihau homelessness fanhyn - https://sheltercymru.org.uk/7-ways/

Tom Jones

Llun gan Tom Jones

Ers y diwrnodau o enwogrwydd pop serennol, dwy Tom Jones ddim wedi gadw’n dawel. Ar ol cymryd y deitl o “Cerddor Fwyaf Cyfoethocaf Cymru” efo fortune o rownd £155 filiwn. Mae Tom wedi droi ei golygfeydd at amrywiaeth o mentrau newydd, yn cynnwys fod yn un o’r spinners cadair ac beirniad ar y sioe reality, The Voice.

Efo tabloids diweddar yn rhannu yn ei cyfoeth, wnaeth Jones werthu ei ty yn LA am swm eyewatering o £11.2 filiwn, swm syn adio at ei cyfoeth ormodol. At y oedran delediw o 77, mae Tom Jones dal i cynnal tours ac ar hyn o bryd maen gannol ei tour Haf, efo 10 dyddiad yn Prydain ar draws y mis Mehefin, Gorffennaf ac Awst. Er waethaf ei amserlen prysur, mae dal amser i Tom tapio i fewn i ei ochr orchestral. Yn wneud ei perfformiad gyntaf yn y proms flwyddyn yma, yn mis Medi. Ar gyfer sioe: The Sound of Soul: Stax Records.

Datblygu

Llun gan Datblygu

Ffurfiwyd yn 1982 ac yn cael i arwyddo i label legendary Pync, Ankst yn gloi. Roedd Pat, Dave a Wyn yn pioneers o gerddoriaeth experimental yn Cymru. Yn rhyddhau ei albwm arloesol, “Wyau” yn 1988, a wnaeth weld Datblygu i goruchwylio gan undryw gorsfaoedd radio. Ond, wnaeth Datblygu gael i ralio gan cyflwynwyr John Peel, ac hyd yn oed cael y siawns i perfformio yn ei sesiwn Peel ei hun, yr un o pump sesiwns efo’r sioe. Drwy’r 80 degau ac 90 deagus, wnaeth Datblygu tyfu i fod un o’r fandiau mwyaf pwysig yn Cymru. Ond, efo Davies yn adael yn y 90 degau, cariodd Pat a Dave ymlaen fel duo. Bron a cyd-ddodasu fewn i fersiwn Cymraeg o Chris a Cosey (Throbbing Gristle). Pat a Dave wnaeth cynhyrddu y sengl olaf dan yr enw Datblygu, sef “Amnesia/Alcohol.”

Symud ymlaen, 13 flynedd anlwcus, ac mae Pat a Dave yn ail ymddangos efo 7″ sengl, “Can Y Mynach Modern”. Rhyddhad sylweddol, yn cael ei cynrichioli fel atalnod llawn i’r seicl o’r band, yn lle na parhad. Flwyddyn ymlaen, ac ma Dave yn cymryd rhan yn dofgen S4C, “O Flaen Dy Lygaid”, darn amdano’r effaith drwm o mental illness.

Wnaeth flynyddau pasio cyn i undryw arwydd o cymod. Ond, yn 2012 mae Datblygu yn rhyddhau, Darluniau'r Ogof Unfed Ganrif ar Hugain, EP, efo albwm “Hyd Hyn”, yn cael i rhyddhau dau flynedd wedyn.

Ond, maen 2017, a wnaethon ni dal lan efo Pat a Dave, y ddwy ohonyn yn y gig noson FEMME, a wnaeth gal i dal yn llefydd lleol, “Y Parrot” Caerfyrddin. Pat,  oedd yn rhan o’r lineup, yn cynnal DJ set o cerddoriaeth classic, tra bod Dave yn dangos ei gymorth ar gyfer yn fandiau drwy’r nos. Hefyd, flwyddyn yma mae Dave Datblygu wedi droi cerddor fewn i awdur, yn rhyddhau series o poems, sy’n cael i arddangos yn llyfr, “Search for English in The House of Tolerance”. Darllen diddorol sy’n edrych i fewn i debauchery, ac sy’n epitimiso y phrase, “Sex, Drugs a Roc n Rol.”

Dirty Sanchez

Llun gan Dirty Sanchez

Ateb Cymru i Jackass. Ar ol orffen ei yrfa yn 2008. Da ni’n edrych i fewn i weld sut wnaeth Pancho, Dan Joyce, Pritchard a Dainto symud ymlaen o’r chaos.

Pritchard - Yn diweddar, mae newydd dod yn world record holder, gan cwblhau period o 23 diwrnod yn cynnwys hanner Iron Mans - sy’n cynnwys 1.2 millter o nofio, 56 filltiroedd o seiclo ac 13 miltiroedd o rhedeg pob dyd. Yn canol wneud y sialens, wnaeth casglu £100,000 i elusenau. Mae na mwy, mae Pritchard hefyd yn sylfaenydd o “SWYD” Tattoo a Barbershop. Slogan sy’n cyfeirio at ei amser yn Dirty Sanchez, “Sleep When You’re Dead”

Dainton - Fel Pritchard, mae Dainton wedi dro ei llaw at business yn sefydlu, 420 Skatestore, yn ganol Cwmbran ac mae’n berchen o Kill City Skateboards.

Pancho - Mae Pancho wedi fod yn hollol dawel ers ei perfformiad teledu dod i ben. Does dim presenoldeb ar y we, pe ba y tweet yma 

Ar ol sbio drwy’r we, yn trial ffeindo undryw newyddion, da ni di ffeilu ffeindio llawer. Ond rumours, fod unwaith wnaeth Pancho cynhyrchu ei stondin hunain o Taco, a llinelly crysau T sef, “El Poco Loco”

Joyce - Yr “One Warped Southener” ar y llaw arall, mae di newid ei fywyd yn hollol. Yn nawr rhedeg, collectif ar lein o’r enw, “Joyce Division” o artistiaid aerial, olau a cynhyrchydd. Mae’r collectif wedi creu gwaith ar gyfer VANS, Ferrari a series o cwniau athletic.

Dyma’r showreel 2017, sy’n dangos lein o cwmniau impressive - https://vimeo.com/199161765

Ffa Coffi Pawb

Llun gan Ffa Coffi Pawb

[Ffac Off i Pawb]

Yn olaf, Ffa Coffi Pawb, band Indie Cymraeg a wnaeth arwyddo i Ankst yn 1986. Y band yn cynnwys aelodau, Gruff Rhys, Dafydd Ieuan, Rhodri Puw a Dewi Emlyn. Wnaeth y holl band symud ymlaen i ymchwilio llwyddiant fyw yn band, Super Furry Animals ac Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci. Ddim ond yn rhyddhau 3 albwm drwy gydal ei yrfa, yn amseroedd mwy diweddar, mae di braidd di fod yn anodd dilyn y llwyddiant so phob aelod o Ffa Coffi Pawb. 

Gruff Rhys - Flaenydd y Super furry Animals, band Cymraeg Psychedelic a wnaeth dyfu i amlygrwydd gan input Alan McGee, a pwy arwyddodd y band i label Creation Records yn 1995. Efo Gruff Rhys ar flaen Y Super Furries, roedd dim llawer o lle i symud. Ond, ar ol adael y fand yn 2007, mae di symud ymlaen a dilyn yrfa solo, sydd di weld Gruff yn archebu preis Cerddoriaeth Cymraeg, ar gyfer ei albwm, “Hotel Shampoo”.

Dafydd Ieuan - Aelod o’r Super Furry Animals, mae Dafydd yn berchen Strangetown Records, label sydd di cynhyrchu efo ei brawd, Cian Ciaran, hefyn yn aelod y Super Furries. Mae ei band, Y Peth, hefyd di rhyddhau albwm, “The Golden Mile” yn 2008, efo Rhys Ifans yn cyflwyno vocals ar gyfer y LP.

Rhodri Puw - Does na ddim llawer o wybodaeth ar gael i cynrichioli’r dau aelodau olaf o Ffa Coffi Pawb, ond wnaeth Puw ffeindio fwy o llwyddiant efo band, Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci, so dwy ddim yn hollol wael.

Dewi Emlyn - Yr unig wybodaeth ar gael amdano’r elusive Dewi Emlyn yw fod wedi symud ymlaen i rheoli y band Gorky’s.

Wythnos Nesaf: Anrhefn, Charlotte Church, Y Alarm, Y Fflaps, Howard Marks.

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Where are they now? Figures that shaped the Welsh scene.

In this new series of weekly uploads, Manon Williams, founder of The Jaunty Spiv Blog takes a look at prominent Welsh figures, to find out Where are they now?

Rhys Ifans

Image by Rhys Ifans

Becoming a household name through cult film, Twin Town. Actor and Musician, Rhys Ifans originally from Haverdfordwest has enjoyed a career spanning 20 years. Since the days of playing Swansea’s worst criminal, Jeremy Lewis. Rhys Ifans has continued expanding his acting career, starring in movies; Notting Hill, Danny Deckchair, Enduring Love and The Boat That Rocked, a film created around the history of pirate radio station, Radio Caroline.

Rhys Ifans is also an accomplished musician, once a member of The Super Furry Animals and The Peth. Whilst also finding time to relinquish his acting career for a starring role in the music video for Oasis’s, “The Importance Of Being Idle”.

In more recent years, Rhys Ifans has founded “The Shelter Cymru”, a charity looking to help reduce the percentage of homelessness across Wales. You can read his 7 ways to reduce homelessness here - https://sheltercymru.org.uk/7-ways/

Tom Jones

Image by Tom Jones

Since his days of pop star fame, Tom Jones has hardly been quiet. Having claimed the title of “Wales’s Wealthiest Musician” with an estimated fortune of £155 million. Tom Jones has since turned his sights to a variety of new ventures including, being one of the chair spinner and judges on “hit” reality TV show, The Voice.

With recent tabloids sharing in his wealth, Jones sold his LA pad for an eyewatering $11.28 million for his home, adding to his already excessive fortune. At the prime age of 77, Tom Jones still tours, and is currently on his Summer Tour, completing a run of 10 shows across June, July and August. Despite his busy schedule, Tom has still had time to enrich his orchestral side, making his Proms debut later this year at: The Sound of Soul: Stax Records on 1st September at The Royal Albert Hall in London.

Datblygu

Image by Datblygu

Formed in 1982 and quickly signed to legendary Punk label, Ankst. Pat, Dave and Wyn were pioneers of experimental music in Wales. Having released their seminal album Eggs (1988) which, led to Datblygu being overseen by Welsh radio outlets. Who ignored any sign of the band. But, Datblygu were rallied by DJ presenter, John Peel, even being invited to partake in their own Datblygu John Peel Session, the first of five sessions. Throughout the 80′s and 90′s, Datblygu arguably became the most prominent band in Wales. But, with Davies leaving in the 90′s, Pat and Dave continued on as a duo. Almost, merging into a Welsh Cosey and Chris. With the duo releasing a final single, “Amnesia/Alcohol” in 1995.

Moving forward 13 unlucky years, Pat and Dave reemerged with a 7″ single, “Can Y Mynach Modern”. A significant release, penned as a full stop to the cycyle of the band, rather than a continuation. A year later, Dave featured in a S4C documentary titled, “O Flaen Dy Lygaid”, a feature length piece about the true horrors of mental illness.

3 years passed before there would be any sign of a reconciliation. In 2012, Datblygu released Darluniau'r Ogof Unfed Ganrif ar Hugain, an EP, with a mini album “By Now” released two years later.

But, this is 2017 and we recently caught up with Dave and Pat, who were both at a “FEMME” gig, held in local venue, The Parrot, Carmarthen. Pat who was a part of the line-up provided an eclectic DJ set of classic music, whilst Dave showed his support to the bands throughout the night. Also, this year Dave Datblygu became a musician turned author, releasing a series of poems compiled into the, “Search for English in The House of Tolerance”. An interesting read that delves into debauchery and epitomises the phrase, “Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll.

Dirty Sanchez

Image by Dirty Sanchez

Wales’s answer to Jackass. Dirty Sanchez provided on screen entertainment by repeatedly hammering nails into their hand, or running through a gauntlet of electric tasers. They took stunts to a new level, filming challenges that would turn the stomach of this nation. Forming in 2003, Dirty Sanchez had a lifespan of 5 years, coming to a triumphant end in 2008.

Challenging the laws of censorship, their onslaughts lasted 4 series, Front End and Rear End, Jobs for the Boyos, European Invasion and Behind the Seven Sins. Following a succession of TV programmes, a range of spin off shows were launched, including The Dirty Sanchez movie, narrated by legendary Welsh drug smuggler, Howard Marks.

Having since put these days behind them. These 3 Welsh mates and one warped southener have pursued a series of careers.

Pritchard -  Has recently become a world record holder, having completed a 23 day period half Iron Mans - consisting of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. Whilst doing so, raised over £100,000 for charity. Alongside his achievements, he’s also turned his hand to barbering and tattooing, “SWYD” Tattoo and Barbershop. A reference to his infamous saying whilst appearing in Dirty Sanchez, “Sleep When You’re Dead”.

Dainton - Like Pritchard, Dainton has since founded business venture, 420 Skatestore, located in his hometown of Cwmbran and is owner of Kill City Skateboards.

Pancho - Pancho has been fairly quiet since his TV performance came to a close. He has barely any internet presence, besides this informative tweet, posted in 2012. 

Having trawled the internet, trying to conjure up any news about this once erratic stuntman, we failed to find anything. Other than rumours of Pancho setting up his own Taco store, and T-shirt line titled, “El Poco Loco”

Joyce - The “one warped southener” on the other hand, has arguably had the most success post Sanchez. Now, running an online collective “Joyce Division” of aerial, light and production artists. The collective have produced work on behalf of VANS, Ferrari and various athletic wear companies.

His 2017 showreel that yields an impressive lineup of companies - https://vimeo.com/199161765

Ffa Coffi Pawb

Image by Ffa Coffi Pawb

[Ffac Off i Pawb]

Finally, Ffa Coffi Pawb a Welsh Indie band, signed to Ankst in 1986. The band, comprised of Gruff Rhys, Dafydd Ieuan, Rhodri Puw and Dewi Emlyn. Who all later went on, to find even bigger success in bands, Super Furry Animals and Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci. Having only released 3 albums throughout their career, in recent times it’s hardly been difficult to follow the growing success of each individual member of Ffa Coffi Pawb.

Gruff Rhys - Frontman of Super Furry Animals, Welsh Psychedelic band that rose to prominence via the input of Alan McGee, who signed the band to Creation Records in 1995. With Gruff Rhys at the helm of The Super Furries, there was little room to move. But, having disbanded from the band in 2007, Gruff Rhys has had a successful solo career, with his album, “Hotel Shampoo” winning a Welsh Music Prize.

Dafydd Ieuan - Fellow member of The Super Furry Animals, Dafydd Ieuan owns Strangetown Records, a joint label set up with his brother, Cian Ciaran, also a member of The Super Furries. His band, The Peth also released an album titled, “The Golden Mile”  in 2008, with Rhys Ifans coincidentally providing vocals for the LP.

Rhodri Puw - Very little is known about the last two members of Ffa Coffi Pawb, Rhodri Puw did manage to find major success, again with a band, titled Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci though, so it’s not all bad.

Dewi Emlyn - The only information found about the elusive Dewi Emlyn is that he went onto become tour manager for the Gorky’s.

Next week: Anrhefn, Charlotte Church, The Alarm, Y Fflaps, Howard Marks

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10 bands orau NEWYDD yn Cymru.

1. Y Niwl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLZPdHn0RQo

Garage Surfer Rock - Sowndio fel Y Shadows, hoff band Maggie Thatcher, fel ma hi.

2. H. Hawkline

https://soundcloud.com/h-hawkline/sets/i-romanticize

H.Hawkline Androgynous, cerddoriaeth funki synth. Really poblogaidd yng Nghymru ac yn America.

3. Lastigband

https://soundcloud.com/recordiaucaegwynrecords/lastigband-jelo

Wedi arwyddo i records CaeGwyn. Dim ormod o lluniau o’r band ar gael. Ond mae hyn yn cael i compensato efo’r band yn cynhyrchu soundtracs hollol spacey efo ysbrydoliaeth psychedelic.

4. The Sandinistas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik74yCjG7S4

Pop Roc 

Enw i band hollol anhygoel i dechrau off. Wedi enwu gan ein hoff albwm Y Clash, mae’r Sandinistas wedi gael i harddu gan rhyw Midas Touch cerddorol. Yn derbyn adborth positif gan cyflwynwyr BBC, Huw Stephen a Bethan Elfyn, ar y ddwy sioe radio parchus. Mae’r tair darn hefyd wedi mwynhau chwarae circuit Topshop, sy’n eithaf syndod, ar draws y 250 siopau ar draws y byd. “Ready To Blow” y sengl mwyaf poblogaidd, a wnaeth i gael i rhyddhau yn gynharach yn y flwyddyn. Yn mwynhau yr addurn o finyl 7″ lliw sydd ar gael yn rhifyn cyfyngedig.

5. Pretty Vicious

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6uBrek6Kd4

Yr oedd wedi lofnodi i EMI ar ol y llwyddiant enfawr yn dod o’r gan, “Cave Song”. Mae Pretty Vicious ers hynny wedi gadael yr label, yn prif fand ar rhestr wyl HOYFEST flwyddyn ‘ma. Yn sowndio lot fel Y Arctic Monkeys.

6. Guide Dog

https://soundcloud.com/iamtheguidedog/guillotine

Ar ol dod o hyd i llwyddiant yn Llundain, wnaeth Pete Roberts (flaenydd Guide Dog) dewis i ymddeol o’r i industry cerddorol cyflym a symud i’r mynyddau yng Nghymru. Fast forward cwpwl o flynyddau, wraig, swydd, babi a band newydd, “Guide Dog”. Grwp tair darn, sydd newydd rhyddhau albwm, “Lovely Domestic Bliss”. Cerddoriaeth tadol ac Grunge.

7. Boy Azooga

https://soundcloud.com/boyazooga/face-behind-her-cigarette

Dwy Boy Azooga ddim wedi rhyddhau gerddoriaeth newydd fewn cwpwl o flynyddau. Efo ddim ond un trac ar gael via Soundcloud, sef “Wyneb tu ol i sigaret”. Ond, ar ol glywed y trac da ni’n gallu glywed fod gan Boy Azooga penchant i sountracs gems. Allwn fynd yn y un cam yn mwy, a awgrymu fod y band yn greu y soundtrac i y ffilm nesaf “Scott Pilgrim vs The World”

8. HalfBlind

https://soundcloud.com/half_blindband/all-said-and-done

Band Alt Roc o Abertawe. Newydd dathlu y rhyddhad o EP, “Hypnotise” gan chwarae sioe a wnaeth werthu MAS at Y Pit, Abertawe. Hoff weithgareddau yn cynnwys 

*Stagedivo

*Yn gael i chwarae ar sioes poblogaidd y BBC.

9. Seazoo

https://seazoo.bandcamp.com/music

Wedi dechrau allan fel prosiect yn yr ysafell wely. Mae Seazoo yn shario yr un stori a Kathleen Hanna, ar ol hi creu a cynhyrchu ei record gyntaf Julie Ruin, yn eistedd ar ei fwrdd ar bwys y wely. Dwyn rili mwynhau gerddoriaeth Seazoo, mae’r flaenydd (pwy sy’n aros yn nameless oherwydd ni allen dod o hyd i’w enw) mae nhwn efo ton Jarvis Cocker. Mewn wirionedd mae Seazoo yn atoffa fi o Pulp. Mae hefyd elfen o comedi a sarcasm gan nhw, efor celf yn dorri mewn i cover “Bohemian Rhapsody” gan Queen. Googly Eyes edgy.

10. ARGPRH

https://soundcloud.com/user-396293907/argrph-cymorth-stream

Yn dilyn gan Emy (yn y llun) mae ARGRPH yn shario fron yr un band a cyd lofnod Libertino Record, Los Blancos. Mae sengl diweddarach nhw sef, “Cymorth” wedi cael i disgrifio fel swn “slacker”. Yr ffordd orau i disgrifio gerddoriaeth slacker yw i dychmygu taith i’r gofod, hir, araf ac yn freuddwydiol. Neu, malwoden yn croesu palmant.

[nofuturezine-blog]

Top 10 new bands in Wales. You need to listen too.

1. Y Niwl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLZPdHn0RQo

Garage Surfer Rock - Like The Shadows, Maggie Thatcher’s favourite band.

2. H. Hawkline

https://soundcloud.com/h-hawkline/sets/i-romanticize

H.Hawkline. Androgynous, funky synth music. Really popular in Wales and America. 

3. Lastigband

https://soundcloud.com/recordiaucaegwynrecords/lastigband-jelo

Signed with CaeGwyn Records. Not a large amount of band photos. Compensated by producing psychedelic tinged spacey soundtracks.

4. The Sandinistas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik74yCjG7S4

Pop Rock.

What a great band name. Named after our favourite Clash album, The Sandinistas have been graced with the musical midas touch. Receiving incredible feedback from BBC presenters Huw Stephens and Bethan Elfyn respective radio shows. The 3 piece have also enjoyed playing the surprising Topshop circuit, across the 250 stores worldwide. “Ready To Blow” their most successful single, was released earlier in the year, enjoying the adornment of a limited edition 7″ coloured release. 

5. Pretty Vicious

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6uBrek6Kd4

Were signed to EMI after massive success from, “Cave Song”. Pretty Vicious have recently departed the label, headlining HOYFEST this year. Sound like The Arctic Monkeys, a lot.

6. Guide Dog

https://soundcloud.com/iamtheguidedog/guillotine

After finding success in London, Pete Roberts decided to retire from the fast paced music industry, heading to the hills of Wales. Fast forward a few years, a wife, a job, a child and a new band, “Guide Dog”.  A 3 piece who’ve released an album titled, “Lovely Domestic Bliss” (as seen above). Dad Grunge music.

7. Boy Azooga

https://soundcloud.com/boyazooga/face-behind-her-cigarette

Boy Azooga haven’t released music in a few years. With only one track available on SoundCloud, “Face Behind Her Cigarette”. Albeit, from what we gathered from the one track, Boy Azooga have a penchant for game soundtracks. I could even go a step further in suggesting that they score the next Scott Pilgrim vs The World movie.

8. HalfBlind

https://soundcloud.com/half_blindband/all-said-and-done 

Alt Rock band from Swansea. Recently celebrated their “Hypnotise” EP by playing a sell out show at The Pit, Swansea. Favourite past-times include;

*Stagediving

*Being played on popular BBC radio shows.

9. Seazoo

https://seazoo.bandcamp.com/music

Started out as a bedroom project, Seazoo share the same backstory as Kathleen Hanna, who produced her first Julie Ruin record sat at her bedside table. I really enjoy Seazoo’s music, the lead singer (who will remain nameless because we couldnt find their name) has a Jarvis Cocker esque tone. Actually, Seazoo do remind me of Pulp. They also have this comedic sarcasm about them, with their artwork ripping into Queen’s, “Bohemian Rhapsody” cover. Edgy googly eyes.

10. ARGPRH

https://soundcloud.com/user-396293907/argrph-cymorth-stream

Led by Emyr (pictured) ARGRPH share almost the same outfit as fellow Libertino Record signing, Los Blancos. Their latest single, “Cymorth” has been described as “slacker” music. The best way to describe slacker music is to envision a trip to space, long, slow and dreamy. Or, a snail crossing a pavement.

[nofuturezine-blog]

Beth sy’n digwydd i’r sin yng Nghymru? Da ni’n adolygu.

Llun gan y awdur Manon Williams

Sin a  wnaeth unwaith cefnogi bands esgynedig fel Manic Street Preachers, Y Super Furry Animals ac Stereophonics, mae’r sin fyw yn Cymru ers hynny wedi dangos  arwyddion o straen parhaus ar draws y flynyddoedd diwethaf, efo’r report fwyaf poblogaidd yn cynnwys honiadau o Womanby Street yn trafferthu cario mlaen. Efo Dempsey’s yn cau, Bootlegger yn amnewid Y Moon ac bygythiadau o adeiladu fflatiau. Beth yn union sydd wedi digwydd i’r sin fyw?

Mor gyntaf, dere ni son am y lleoliadau sy’n cwmpasu Caerdydd, yn lle canoli’r ffocws fanhyn. Mae dal i fod diffyg ofnus o dawr i’r dyfodol posibl yng Nghymru, Le Pub yn Casnewydd yn cau ei drysau yn diweddar, lle arloesol i bandiau chwarae, efo sioes gorffennol yn cynnwys Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes ac band yr 80 degau ac yn wreiddiol o Casnewydd, The Darling Buds. 

Llun gan The Full Moon

Tra, symud i’r Gogledd, ma gen chi Y Tabernacle, hen gapel sy’n berchen gan cyn rheolwr o’r label Creation Records, Alan McGee. Er waethaf, mae’r lleoliad yn dal gigs ar gyfer rhai o’r artistiaid fwyaf o’r 90 degau yn cynnwys Jim Reid o’r Jesus and Mary Chain ac Andy Bell a Mark Gardener o’r band shoegaze, RIDE. Mae na dorf yn heidio i’r Tabernacle, gan darparu ailgyhoeddu ac yn adfywio y gwestau ac bars sydd o gwmpas y Tabernacle, yn gadael effaith positif ar y le. Er hyn, welodd Y Tabernacle fydd undryw dyrchafiad gan cyfryngau Cymraeg, fe wnaeth neb troi ei pennau a cymryd sylw i’r venue, er mwyn iddyn cario mlaen a parhau i cynnal noson gigs i swm o £3 tair punt fesul perosn. Pan da chi’n feddwl o’r amlygrwydd a fe wnaeth Creation tyfu i yn y 90 degau, nad ydych yn gallu mewn wirionedd fynd yn anghywir.

So, beth arall allau fod, os dyw e y pobol, ac ddim y diffyg o lleoliadau brwdfrydig, wel, dere ni droi ein sylw at y diffyg o cefnogaeth gan y llywodraeth, yn enwedig ar gyfer lleoliadau cerddorol. Mae’r llywodraeth Cymraeg wastad di fod yn ddiystyriol o’r sin cerddoriaeth Cymraeg, dim ond yn y flynyddoedd diwethaf ma events fel FOCUS Cymru, digwyddiad unwaith y flywddyn sy’n cefnogi artistiaid ac bands, wedi weld arian yn dod o’r llywodraeth er mwyn cadw’r digwyddiad yn fyw. Maen hawdd i weld fod cydberthyniad rhwng y llywodraeth Cymraeg yn eisiau cefnogio wylia ac digwyddiadau one off yn hytrach na ymestyn cefnogaeth ariannol i clwbs annibynnol o’r gwmpas y wlad. Cymrwch FOCUS, GreenMan, Yr Eisteddfod ac Wyl Rhif 6 fel eisiamplau. Mae’r cydberthyniad yma yn cwestiynnu oes gan y llywodraeth diddordeb wirioneddol i darparu cefnogaeth i lleoliadau annibynnol yn y lle gyntaf.

Efo diffyg o funding gan y llywodraeth, mae rhaid i’r arian dod o rhywle, mae Le Pub, Y Tabernacl, Clwb Ifor ac y Bootlegger i gyd yn lleoliadau annibynnol, yn dibynnu’n llwyr ar y incwm wrth cwstmeriaid. Mae nhwn derbyn dim cefnogaeth. Tra fod Y Arts Council ac y llywodraeth Saesneg ac Cymraeg yn wario 20 miliwn o pynnau bob blwyddym i’r Southbank Centre yn Llundain, ef o phob llefydd non elusen yn derbyn dim. Mae na gamreoliad difrifol o arian yn digwydd. Dyma lle mae gwirfoddoli, protestio heddychlon, rhedeg digwyddiadau sy’n gallu codi arian i rhoi i’r clubiau lleol, er mwyn cadw’r sin yn fyw.

Llun gan Clwb Ifor

Ond, dwy’r bai ddim yn hollol lawr i’r llywodraeth, contractors annibynnol oedd yn cyfrifol i’r cynlluniau adeiladu yn mis Chwefror 2017, a wnaeth cychwyn y cynnig i adeiladu 17 fflats ar dop Y Gatekeeper, Y Wetherspoons fwyaf poblogaidd yn Caerdydd. A ddim ond yn pellter porri wrth Clwb Ifor, Y Full Moon ac Fuel. Ond, fe wnaeth deiseb cael i rhoi at ei gilydd yn gloi er mwyn cyflwyno i’r cyngor lleol ac ehangu i’r Llywodraeth Cymraeg. Yn gyflym, wnaeth y deiseb cymryd i ffwrdd efo mwy na 6 mil o phobol yn heriol stop i’r cynllun. Pan ma argyfwng tai, lle da chi’n troi? Yn sicr ddim at y stryd fwyaf swnllyd yn Caerdydd.

Yn bendant, mae pob ffactor yn cyfrannu at y mater enfawr ar gyfer y sin cerddoriaeth yn Cymru, sy’n arwain at diffyg annifyr o gefnogaeth. 

Mae’r sin yn Cymru fel mae hi nawr yn y sefyllfa o fod y mwyaf cyffrous erioed, efo bands newydd yn dod a swn amrywiol i’r wlad bob dydd. Mae labels annibynnol yn llewyrchu wrth arwyddo y daletn. Fydd y sin fyw yng Nghymru fyth yn dod i ben a marw, oherwydd does dim byd yn gallu cymryd lle i’r teimlad neu awyrgylch o mynychu gig fyw. 

[nofuturezine-blog]

What is happening to the music scene in Wales? We take a look.

Image by Full Moon

A scene that once supported bands like Manic Street Preachers Upward, The Stereophonics and Super Furry Animals, the live scene in Wales since then has continued to show signs of stress over the past years, with the most popular reports including allegations of Womanby Street allegedly closing. With Dempsey's closed, Bootlegger replacing The Moon and threats to build a series of apartments. What exactly has happened to the live scene? 

Firstly, lets mention the locations around Cardiff, instead of centralising focus to the capital. Le Pub in Newport closed its doors recently, a seminal venues for bands to play, with past shows including Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes and 80′s band and Newport natives, The Darling Buds. Whereas, moving north, you've got The Tabernacle, an old chapel owned by a former manager of the label Creation Records, Alan McGee. The location is hosts gigs with some of the most influential artists of the 90′s, including Jim Reid of The Jesus and Mary Chain and Andy Bell and Mark Gardener of shoegaze band, RIDE. 

There are crowds flocking to the Tabernacle, providing service to all the local bars and hotels surrounding the Tabernacle, leaving a positive impact on the space. Even so, the Tabernacle saw no promotion by the Welsh media, failing to turn heads. With this lack of support, very few people know about the venue/ But, they carry on and continue to hold night gigs for the sum of £3 per person. When you think of the prominence that Creation grew to in 90′s, you can not go wrong, by turning up to a Tabernacle gig.

So, what else could it be? Because, if it's not the people, not the lack of venues and enthusiastic, well, we turn our attention to the lack of government support, especially for musical settings. The Welsh government have always been dismissive towards Welsh music scene, only in the last years have events like FOCUS Wales, an event held once a year, that supports artists and bands have seen money coming from the government to keep the event alive.

Image by Clwb Ifor

It's easy to see that the correlation between the Welsh government wanting to support one off events rather than extending financial support to independent clubs from around the country yearly. Take FOCUS, Greenman, Eisteddfod and Festival No.6 as examples. This questions whether the government are really interested in providing support.

With lack of funding by the government, the money must come from somewhere, Le Pub, The Tabernacle, Clwb Ifor and the Bootlegger are all independent settings, entirely dependent on the income from customers alone. 

Whilst The Arts Council and English and Welsh government will spend £20 million ever year on the Southbank Center in London, with all non charity venues receiving nothing. There is a serious mismanagement of money going on. This is where volunteering, protesting peacefully, running events that can raise money to give to the local Clubs, to keep the scene alive come into play. 

However, the blame cannot solely be directed towards the government, independent contractors were responsible for the building plans in February 2017, which saw a proposal made to start a build including 17 flats, located above The Gatekeeper, the most popular Wetherspoons in Cardiff . Spitting distance from Clwb Ifor, The Full Moon and Fuel. But, having created a petition to put a stop to this, forwarded to the local council and Welsh Government. Luckily, the petition quickly  took off with more than 6 thousand people demanding a stop to the plan. When there’s a  housing crisis, where do you turn? Certainly not to the most noisy street in Cardiff. 

Definitely, each factor contributes to the huge issue for the music scene in Wales, leading to an embarrassing lack of support. The scene in Wales as it is now in the position of being the most exciting ever, with new bands coming to the country, creating a diverse range of music everyday. Independent labels are shining after signing all this local talent. 

Ultimately, the live scene in Wales will never expire and die, because nothing can replace the feeling of attending a live gig or atmosphere.

[nofuturezine-blog]

Y record label mwyaf rhyfedd erioed? BBC Records and Tapes

Llun gan BBC Records a Tapiau

Sefydlwyd yn 1967, BBC Records a Tapiau oedd y label mwyaf rhyfedd er intriguing rownd. Efo lifespan o jyst dano 30 mlynedd, cyn I’r label cwympo I ffwrdd yn 1991. Dyma sylfaenydd Y Jaunty Spiv Blog, Manon Williams yn ymchwilio I fewn I’r archives er mwyn deal mwy amdano y sefyllfa o gosod label hunan y BBC. 

“We issued probably 10 bird records: back garden birds, woodland birds, sea island birds…“

 Dechrau fel wyt ti’n feddwl mynd ymlaen, efo Roy Tempest at y helm o’r BBC Records a Tapiau. Fe wnaeth Beeb dringo I’r dop o’r sin cerddorol, yn enwedig yn y 80 degau, oherwydd eu rhyddhad fwyaf llywddiant yn wrthu dros 250,000 o copies yn tair diwrnod. Beth oedd y record?? – Actor EastEnders Nick Berry efo “Every Loser Wins.” Yng nghanol y gem o’r record ‘ma, mae yna recordiadau o sut I fixio eich car, I helpu chi dod yn fit, I dysgu iaith, I wrando bells, adar, barnyddiaeth, dialects, dysgu sut I flyfisho, spotio trens, wrando I hanes, chwarae I dosbarthu, wrando I concerts, chwerthin at comedi, canu hymns, caneuon folk, storiau o’r gofod, digwyddiadau hanesyddol, plant yn siarad ar LP’s. 

 Ond, er y prominence a wnaeth cwmpasu BBC R&T ar draws y flynyddoedd, does dim llawer o diddorbed ar y label, efo’r source fwyaf reliable yn dod o rhyddhad Tim Worthington sef “Top of The Box – a complete guide to 300 singles.” I fi, ma na diddordeb iawn I fewn i lleoliad BBC Records a Tapiau yn hanes cerddoriaeth, er bob label a sefydlwyd dros y flynyddoed, Elektra, Creation, Cherry Red, Beeb yw’r reigning champ o bob siop elusen a junk erioed.

Weird...Llun gan BBC Records a Tapiau

 Wnaeth BBC Records a Tapiau rhyddhau bron pobeth a daeth I fewn I culture poblogaidd. So, os I chi’n edrych I fewn I’r archives o’r label, chi’n essentially yn ymchwilio I fewn I’r cynrychiolaeth cerddorol o’r flwyddyn wnewch chi cael I geni, yn debyg I’r un o’r crysau novelty ti’n cael ar gyfer dy penblwydd neu carden sy’n cynnwys pobeth a digwyddodd yn eich flwyddyn genu.

 Mae fe yn dod ar draws fel reckless yn  ystyried stature y BBC ar draws y flynyddoedd, yn rhyddhau y records sydd heb undryw correlation I cerddoriaeth whatsoever. Ond, yn retrospect mae na  elfen o ingenuity i rhyddhau records sy’n cwmpasu y newidiad o’r diwylliant poblogaidd ar draws y 30 mlynedd diwethaf. Neidio ar y bandwagon at undryw cyfle, profodd BBC R&T I fod yn catalyst ar gyfer Aled Jones, ifanc ar y amser . 

Dilyn ymlaen, death rhyddhad o o leiaf 10 records o caneuon adar, a edition annwyl o “Get Fit” gan Diana Morgan a wnaeth profi’n poblogaidd efo phob mam o’r 80 degau pob man. Ond, ultimately mae na fyth di fod label sydd di ceisio rhyddhau records yn debyg I BBC Records a Tapiau erioed. Dyna pham mae BBC R&T yn fynd I sefyll y prawf o amser. 

 So, beth wnewch chi ffeindio? Y Ras Wyau? “Archive Things” gan John Peel, y soundtrack I Marwolaeth?? Pwy sy’n wybod.

[nofuturezine-blog]

What was BBC Records and Tapes?

Image by BBC records.

Founded in 1967, BBC Records and Tapes was arguably the weirdest albeit most intriguing record label around. With a lifespan of just under 3 decades, before it’s ultimate dismissal in 1991. Here, founder of The Jaunty Spiv Blog, Manon Williams delves into the archives to explore what exactly went on behind the bizarre doors of the BBC’s very own record label.

Start how you mean to go on, with Roy Tempest at the helm of BBC Records and Tapes. Beeb quickly rose to eminence particularly in the 80′s, due to their most successful record selling over 250,000 in 3 days. What was that record, - EastEnders' actor Nick Berry's Every Loser Wins. Amidst this gem of a record, there are recordings to help you fix your car, to help you get fit, to learn language, to hear bells, birds, poetry, dialects, learn how to flyfish, spot trains, absorb history, play to classrooms, hear concerts, laugh at comedy, sing hymns, there are folk songs, space stories, historical events in sound, children talking LPs.

Despite it’s prominence throughout the years, there is very little solid information on BBC Records and Tapes, the most reliable source being Tim Worthington’s release of the “Top of The Box - a complete guide to 300 singles”. For me, there is a genuine intrigue into BBC Records and Tapes, for almost all notable labels over the years - Elektra, Creation, Cherry Red, Beeb has been the reigning champion of charity and junk shops all around the country. 

Weird..Image by BBC records

BBC Records and Tapes issued everything that, at the time was entering popular culture. So, if you take a look at the archives of the label, you’re essentially delving into a musical representation of the year you were born, similar to one of the novelty shirts you receive for your birthday or a card denoting everything that happened the year you were born.

“We issued probably 10 bird records: back garden birds, woodland birds, sea island birds..."

It does come across as reckless considering the stature of the BBC over the years, releasing records that have no correlation to music whatsoever but, in retrospect there is a considerable amount of ingenuity to release records that encompass the every changing popular culture of the last 30 years. Jumping on the bandwagon at any opportunity given, saw BBC R&T become a catalyst on behalf of a then, very young choir boy, Aled Jones. Following this, at least 10 birdsong albums and a beloved edition of Diana Morgan’s “Get Fit” that gained notoriety after uniting all 80′s mums everywhere. Possibly being the first record of its kind.

But, ultimately there has never been a longstanding record label that dared release a series of records similar to BBC Records and Tapes since. That’s why it will stand the test of time. 

So, what will you find? The Great Egg Race? John Peels, “Archive Things”? The Sound Track of Death and Horror. Who knows.

[nofuturezine-blog]

Labels orau yng Nghymru.

Libertino Records

Sefydlwyd yn nghanol y calon o Orllewin Cymru, mae Libertino yn one man band sefyllfa, efo Gruffydd Owens, y person prysuraf yn y sin cerddoriaeth ar y funud. Efo roster o artistiaid Cymraeg yn cynnwys; Jonathan Francis o Hotel Del Salton, yr unig band o fenwod yng Nghymru sef Adwaith ac Indie band, Y Tates. Ar ol fformio jyst dros flwyddyn yn ol, mae Libertino wedi llwyddo i ddod yn un or labels proffidiol a sought after labels yn Cymru.

Genres fyddwch yn ffeindio: Indie, Electronig, Dawns, Pop

Artistiaid a’u wedi llofnodi: Y Tates, Adwaith, Hotel Del Salto, LA Forme

Ankst

Ma pawb yn nabod Ankst Music erbyn nawr. Un o'r labels gyntaf yng Nghymru, a sefydlwyd yn 1988 gan Alyn Llwyd, Emyr Williams ac Gruffudd Jones. Ma yna llwyth o artistiad angygoel dan ei belt, yn gynnwys; Datblygu, Geraint Jarman, Y Cyrff, Ffa Coffi Pawb. Bob act orau yng Nghymru. Ankst yw'r lle orau i dechrau os i chi am cymryd diddordeb yn cerddoriaeth Cymraeg. Ers pryny, mae label Ankst wedi symud ymlaen i Ankst Management, Ankstmusic ac mae yna opsiwn glywed lleisiau Cate Le Bon, Gruff Rhys a Perfume Genius ar label Turnstile sydd i bua Alyn Llwyd.

Roedd hyd yn oed John Peelio yn hoff iawn o Ankst, yn cefnogir label trwy'r holl sin pync yn nghymru, efo datblygu yn mynd ymlaen i cynnal seshwn ar sioe Peel. Da chi di ffeindio'r punks cymraeg yn Cymru = Ankstmusik.

Genres fyddwch yn ffeindio: Punk, Indie, Pop, Psych

Artistiaid a'u di llofnodi: Datblygu, Geraint Jarman, Cate Le Bon, Gruff Rhys, Llwybr Llaethog.

Shape Records

Yn dathlu degawd fel label records flwyddyn nesaf, mae Shape wedi fod yn bob cornel o’r industry efor artistiaid a wedi llofnodi yn derbyn write ups yn cylchgrawn, Y WIRE.

Nid yn unig ydy Shape Records yn rhyddhau cerddoriaeth, ond mae nhw’n transcendo i fewn i’r sin theatrig yng Nghymru, a wnaeth hyrwyddo “enough is Enough”. Play theatrig sy’n taflu dewrder i fewn i’r wyneb o adveristy. Yn delio efo ymosodiadau sexual, misogyny a gender stereotyping, efo’r 4 aeoldau yn cynnwys: Pinar Ogun, Maddie Jones, Emma Thomas a Francesca Dimech.

Genres fyddwch yn ffeindio: Pop, Psych, Experimental

Artistiaid a’u wedi llofnodi: Islet, Flamingods, H.Hawkline, Attack + Defend

Lavender Sweep Records

Now, dyma label i fod yn gyffrous amdano. Label a dechreuodd yn Abertawe, sy’n rhyddhau tapiau, Lavender Sweep sy’n exclusively rhoi mas tapiau cassette. Does dim clawriau DIY, ond mae holl llinell cynyhyrchu sy’n weithio efo rhyddhad diweddar yn cynnwys limited edition EP o “Moods” gan Turquoise Days. Mae phob order yn dod mewn series o llai na 100, so fyddwch yn gloi ei mwyn cael eich dwylo ar un o’r cassettes ma.

Aesthetic or be? Llun gan Lavender Sweep Records

Genres fyddwch yn ffeindio: Shoegaze, Ambient, Pop, Avant Garde

Artistiaid a’u wedi llofnodi: OZEAN, Turquoise Days, The Rusty Nutz, LiD

Country Mile Records

Label llon rarities a obscurities finyl. Fyddwch yn ffeindio compilations wrth band o’r enw Railroad Bill, sy’n chwarae cerddoriaeth skiffle ac wedi fod yn perfformio ar llwyfyn Glastonbury, Goodwood ac y Wyl Cambridge Folk. Mae’r obscurities yma yn cael i dal yn perffaith yn y roster sydd wedi llofnodi i Country Mile Records, yn cynnwys The Ash & Oak, band sy’n arweinir gan Simon Leighfield, pwy, ar fwy na un achlysur wedi mwynhau recordio yn ystafellu spar, cypyrddau, parlors, undryw le sydd ddim yn stiwdio recordio. Byddwch ddim yn yn gallu ffeindio label fel hyn yn Nghymru o gwbwl.

Genres fyddwch yn ffeindio: Hillbilly, Skiffle, Experimental

Artistiaid a’u wedi llofnodi: Burning Mile, The Ash & Oak.

Records Cae Gwyn

Yn ddod o’r dop Gogledd Cymru, ma da Cae Gwyn blas am yr psychedelia. Efo Lastigband ac Omaloma yn rhyddhau EP’s a senglau psych experiemental. Ond, yng nghanol y psychedelic haze mae yna gems fel Mr Huw, solo artist sy’n ganu yn fordd upbeat Indie Pop.

Nid yn unig gerddoriaeth mae Cae Gwyn yn rhyddhau, ond mae yna llinel diddordeb o merch a’r werth, one offs fel mwclis glass o’r mor, er mwyn arwydd rhydhhad o hen gan sea shanty gan Dan Amor.

Genres fyddwch yn ffeindio: Psych, Avant Garde, Experimental, Indie

Artistiaid a’u llofnodi: Omaloma, Lastigband, Mr Huw.

Bubble Wrap Records

Llun gan Bubblewrap Collective

Fel yr enw, “Bubblewrap” mae Bubblewrap Records yn cymryd gofal iawn yn cynhyrchu cerddoriaeth, “Lle y gallwn, da ni’n creu finyl, ond da ni’n wastad yn aimo i rhyddhau rhywbeth mas sy’n edrych, swnion, teimlo, aroglu,ac hyd yn od tastio yn hollol gorgeous.” - Bubblewrap. Y cefn o’r sin yng Nghaerdydd, wedi solidifio ei hun fel powerhouse o label, yn crafftio i ffwrdd at cynhyrchu records finyl ar gyfer Mandy, y moniker o Mel ac Andy Fung. Efo’r albwm olaf, “Universe” yn cynrichioli ode i Mel Fung, hurrah olaf prydferth, sy’n dangos ddim byd yn byr o anthemic compilation o caneuon eloquent.

Genres fyddwch yn ffeindio: Folk, Ambient, Pop

Artistiaid a’u llofnodi: Mandy, Barefoot Dance of The Sea, My Name Is Ian

Recordiau Prin

Last but not least, Recordiau Prin. Fe daeth yr label i fy sylw ar ol rhyddhau yn diweddarach llyfr Dave Datblygu, “The Search In English For The House of Tolerance” y beth gyntaf, sain credu dwy byth di dod ar draws i enw mor dda i llyfr, byth. Yn dilyn Dave, yw Gorky’s Zycotic Mynci, well tribute o’r enw “Iechyd Da” compilations. Ond, fy hoff aspect o Recordia Prin yw’r creative intuition sydd ar gael. Yn scrollio drwy y tudalenu merch, dwyn struck efo llwyth o lliw, series o ukuleles bob un a wnaeth cael i arlunio gan y phobol y tu ol i Recordiau Prin. And, os pe bai fate, ochr draw mae yna rhyddhad gan Silex, sy’n cynnwys celf collage sy’n complimento’r menagerie o ukuleles yn berffaith.

Genres fyddwch yn ffeindio: Avant Garde, Experimental, Pop

Artistiaid a’u llofnodi: Dave Datblygu, The Bordellos, Gorky’s Zycoti Mynci.

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The best Record Labels in Wales today.

Libertino Records

 Founded in the heart of West Wales, Libertino is a one man band, run by Gruffydd Owens, who might very well be the busiest man in Welsh music at this present moment! With a fleeting roster of Welsh artists, featuring Jonathan Francis of Hotel Del Salto, the only girl band in Wales; Adwaith and Indie band, The Tates. Having only formed just over a year ago, Libertino has quickly risen to become one of the most lucrative and sought after labels in Wales. 

Genres you’ll find on Libertino: Indie, Electronic, Dance, Pop

Signings include: The Tates, La Forme, Adwaith, Hotel Del Salto

Shape Records

Celebrating a decade as a record label next year, Shape Records has covered every corner of the industry with their artists receiving write ups in coveted magazine, The Wire. 

Not only does Shape Records release music, but they also transcend into Welsh musical theatre, recently promoting “Enough Is Enough”. A theatrical affair that throws courage into the face of adversity. Dealing with sexual assaults, misogyny and gender stereotyping, the 4 members including; Pinar Ogun, Maddie Jones, Emma Thomas and Francesca Dimech.

Signings include: Islet, Flamingods, H. Hawkline, Attack + Defend

Lavender Sweep Records

 Now this is a label to get excited about. Swansea based tape label, Lavender Sweep release all content exclusively via tape cassettes. There’s no self drawn covers, but a fully working production line that’s recent releases include a limited edition EP of “Moods” by Turquoise Days. Every order is hand labelled, and are often produced in batches of less than 100, so be quick to get your hands on a cassette. 

Aesthetic or what! Picture by Lavender Sweep Records

Genres you’ll find: Shoegaze, Ambient, Pop, Avant Garde

Signings include: OZEAN, Turquoise Days, The Rusty Nutz, LiD

Country Mile Records

A label full of rarities and vinyl obscurities. You’ll find compilations from a band called Railroad Bill, who play skiffle music and have even graced the stages of Glastonbury, Goodwood and Cambridge Folk festival. These obscurities are captured perfectly in the roster acquire by Country Mile Records including The Ash & Oak, a band led by Simon Leighfield, who own more than one occasion has enjoyed recording in spare rooms, cupboards, parlours anywhere that isn’t a recording studio. You won’t find another label in Wales that’s even remotely like Country Mile Records.

Genres include: Hillbilly, Skiffle, Experimental

Signings include: Burning Mile, The Ash & The Oak,

Cae Gwyn Records

Hailing from North Wales, Cae Gwyn have a taste for psychedelia. With both Lastigband and Omaloma releasing psych infused experimental EP’s and singles. Although, amidst the psychedelic haze, you’ll find gems like Mr Huw, a solo artist singing upbeat indie pop. 

Not only do Cae Gwyn Records release music, but they also have an interesting line of merchandise available to buy, one offs such as sea glass necklaces, to signify the release of an old sea shanty as sung by Dan Amor. 

Genres you’ll find: Psych, Avant Garde, Experimental, Indie

Signings include: Omaloma, Lastigband, Mr Huw

Bubble Wrap Records

Picture by Bubblewrap Collective

Like the name “Bubblewrap”, Bubblewrap Records take great care in producing music,”Where we can, we press to vinyl, but we always aim to put something out that looks, sounds, feels, smells and, yes, tastes utterly gorgeous.” - Bubblewrap The backbone of the Cardiff scene, solidifying themselves as a powerhouse of a record label, lovingly crafting away at producing vinyl records on behalf of Mandy, the moniker of Mel and Andy Fung, with their final album, “Universe” being an ode to Mel Fung, a beautiful last hurrah that showcases nothing short of an anthemic compilation of eloquently constructed songs.

Genres you’ll find: Folk, Ambient, Pop

Signings include: Mandy, Barefoot Dance of The Sea, My Name Is Ian

Recordiau Prin

Last but not least, Recordiau Prin. This label came to my attention after recently releasing Dave Datblygu’s book of poems titled, “The Search in English for The House of Tolerance” first off, I don’t think i’ve ever encountered such a great name for a book ever. Alongside Dave Datblygu, is Gorky’s Zycotic Mynci well a tribute titled, Iechyd Da full of compilations. But, my favourite aspect of Recordiau Prin is their creative intuition. Scrolling through the merch pages, i’m struck by this colour ladden series of ukuleles all designed in house by the people behind Recordiau Prin. And if by fate, alongside is a release by Silex, which features collage artwork that compliments the menagerie of ukuleles perfectly. 

Signings include: Dave Datblygu, The Bordellos, Gorky’s Zycotic Mynci

Genres you’ll find: Avant Garde, Experimental, Pop

[nofuturezine-blog]

Review: La Forme’s, “Birds In An Aviary”

Picture by Manon Williams

I think La Forme create music for the sole purpose of their own enjoyment. Which, is the best way to be as a band. This fact is reiterated in their latest single, “Birds In An Aviary” a 5 minute electronic ballad that is drawn out both vocally and instrumentally. Offering an insight into a more melancholic sounding La Forme. 

This song may not be a single to play on the radio, but like some of the best bands, i.e The Grateful Dead who’s first album had very little impact on radio, La Forme are familiar with the prospect of creating songs that almost become miniature soundtracks as opposed to 3 minute pop song.

“There’s a rain in La Forme, it’s not a romantic rain - it’s just wet rain.” - Manon Williams

The first aspect I came across with “Birds In An Aviary” is how strong frontman, Chris’s voice comes across. So much so, that the electronic composition almost lends itself to his voice alone, having been constructed around Chris’s baritone voice. It’s a rich and tremulous sounding voice. “Birds In An Aviary” is a heartbreaker of a song,  it sort of makes me want to cry, not from sadness but from the introspective lyrics, the wain of Chris’s voice, the sonic landscape that builds the song. There’s a rain in La Forme, it’s not a romantic rain - it’s just wet rain.

“La Forme’s darkly alluring slice of intelligent synth pop has a quintessential European outlook.  The sound is simultaneously futuristic whilst still possessing the warmth and comfort of an age where pop ran supreme. ‘Birds In an Aviary’ is a new beginning for the band in many ways that is ambitious and poetically direct.” - Libertino Records

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Adolygiad: La Forme, “Adar yn Adardy”

Llun gan Manon Williams / Libertino

Dwyn meddwl bod La Forme yn creu cerddoriaeth i’r unig rheswm, fod nhw’n caru cerddoriaeth ac i ein hunan mwynhad. Sydd, i fod yn onest, y fford orau i fod fel band. Mae’r faith yna yn cael i ailadrodd yn sengl newydd La Forme, “Adar Fewn Adardy” can electronig sy’n 5 munud yn hyd, sydd wedi cael i llusgu allan yn y focals ac yn offerynnol. Yn cynig mewnweliad i ochr fwy melancholig o La Forme.

Efalli, dwy’r can ddim yn testament dda o tiwn sy’n cael chwarae ar y radio, ond fel rhai o’r bands orau, er enghraifft Y Grateful Dead, a pan wnaeth rhyddau ei albwm gyntaf, ni allai nhw cael undryw plays ar y radio. Mae La Forme yn debyg, ond mae nhw hefyd yn digon gyfarwydd efo’r syniad o greu caneuon sydd yn dilyn y trywydd o fod yn fwy sountrac na can pop 3 munud.

“Mae yna glaw yn La Forme, ddim yn ffordd rhamantus, jyst glaw wlyb.” - Manon Williams

Y peth gyntaf a wnes i dod ar draws efo “Adar yn Adardy” yw faint more gryf yw llais flaenydd, Chris. Mor cymaint felly mae’r cyfansoddiad electronig yn bron a fenthyg i’r llais yn unig. Fel pe bai, fod wedi adeiladu o gwmpas llais barotone Chris. Maen llais fras ac yn sowndio’n crynedig. Mae rhaid gyfadde fod “Adar yn Adardy” yn can sydd yn dorru calon fi, galle ni fron a llefen i gan ma, dim wrth dristwch ond fwy wrth glywed y lyrics, llais swynol Chris ac wrth gwrs y tirwedd sonic sy’n godi’r gan. Mae yna glaw yn La Forme, ddim yn ffordd rhamantus, jyst glaw wlyb.

Press Release Libertino Records: “La Forme’s darkly alluring slice of intelligent synth pop has a quintessential European outlook.  The sound is simultaneously futuristic whilst still possessing the warmth and comfort of an age where pop ran supreme. ‘Birds In an Aviary’ is a new beginning for the band in many ways that is ambitious and poetically direct.”

https://soundcloud.com/user-396293907/la-forme-birds-in-an-aviary

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Adwaith Interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnboil6mfK0&t=54s

Cewch i wilio cyfweliad newydd efo Adwaith! Gan sylfaenydd, Manon Williams.