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Minas is the project from Cardiff producer James Minas alongside drummer Greg Davies and bassist Bob Williams. The songs tell stories of a chequered past over a mix of deep melodic soundscapes and loud, aggressive stanzas. Covering subjects from personal struggles with mental health to finding a place in the society we have. As a producer James is working to build a new sound for the South Wales scene with a number of artists and genres (such as Luke RV, Dead Method, Dan Bettridge, Razkid and more) but as an artist he presents brutal honesty going against his natural defenses to present the most open and vulnerable self for anyone who wishes to listen.
Minas grew up in the circus with parents who were heavily involved in the 1980’s Punk scene and then moved to secondary school in the Welsh Valleys, with the boredom and misbehaviour that came with it. Minas aims to create music that discusses these things and ends with an empowering feeling of hope, something we all need in right now.
Based in Cardiff, but originally hailing from Poland, 100% Rabbit are a synthpop/artpop duo – Malgola and Adam. Combining talents to produce a sound which draws heavily on influences like 80s synthpop, 90s
indie, early 2000s R’n’B, 100% Rabbit create their own music language of modern pop.
According to The Line of Best Fit review, ‘100% Rabbit are incredibly hard to pigeonhole.(…) guitar and synth collide to create a monstrously pleasing sound that instantly gives the room the inclination to have nothing but a good time.’
Their self-released 2019 debut album ‘Rising’ gave the band positive reviews, gigs at festivals including Spring Break (Poland), Wales Goes Pop, IngleFest Bristol, HUB Festival Cardiff, and Swansea Fringe, and support acts like Teen (US), Ava Luna (US) and Penelope Isles (UK). A further boost to the duo’s burgeoning appeal was having songs played on BBC Wales’ Adam Walton’s show.
2020 saw 100% Rabbit release two new singles followed by an EP ‘Inner Villain’ which will premiere on the 5th of February 2021
Finally awake. A glimpse through gaps in the curtains reveals the all-conquering splendour
of nature, a totem for the poetry within and a beacon of insurmountable awe. As winter mist
rolls away from the summit, the residue of the morning lingers lightly on leaves and the
elegantly solemn sound of Yucatan begins to play. A soundtrack to the movie of each and
every day, each beat the step of fragile human feet beneath the magnificence of that which
cannot be created, nor destroyed.
Uwch Gopa’r Mynydd (Above the Mountain Summit) is the third release from Yucatan, first
released in the UK on Recordiau Coll in summer 2015, and follows their praised, debut
album, Yucatan (2007) and standalone EP Enlli (2010). The band, made up of itinerant
multi-instrumentalists, Dilwyn Llwyd, Alex Morrison, Gwyn Llewelyn and Osian
Howells, is led by Llwyd’s profound, quiet artistry on the edge of Wales’ Snowdonia
National Park. Produced in partnership between the band and fellow Welshman, the
Mercury Prize-nominated producer, David Wrench (Jungle/FKA Twigs) in North Wales,
the album’s sweeping instrumentation achieves cinematic, emotional weight with the most
delicate of touches.
What started as jam sessions between friends in 2017, SYBS are a Cardiff based Indie-Slacker band bursting with hypnotic guitar riffs. Osian Llyr (Guitar/Vocals), Kieron Macdonald Brown (Guitar), Herbie Powell (Bassist) and Daf Adams (Drums) make up the Welsh outfit. Strong fusions of influences like Cate le Bon, Pixies, and Sonic Youth lead the band to concoct a vibrant mix of danceability and angst. Debut single ‘Paid Gofyn Pam’ burst onto the scene and was voted #1 in Radio Cymru’s ‘Siart Amgen’ 2019.
SYBS lit up Maes B in 2018 & 2019 along with Green Man Festival in 2019, gigging all around Wales. Proud of their roots, the band blends the English and Welsh language in their sets. Touring the UK with fellow label-mates in late 2019, the band headed to Italy in the December for the SUNS Festival. Known for their energetic performances, ‘Cwyr’ and ‘Anwybodaeth’ – two more singles released in 2020, encapsulate the bands lively demeanour. Inspired by The Orielles, Pavement and Parquet Courts, 2021 promises more exciting releases to come.
Raymond began playing guitar at the age of eight shortly after having been first exposed to punk and grunge. After years of playing around the Welsh valleys in various punk outfits she began listening more to pre-war blues musicians as well as Appalachian folk players, eventually leading into the guitar players of the American Primitive genre. Her latest record on Tompkins Square is a turn in direction featuring a much more established personal style and adventurous embrace of compositional approach to the tradition.
Silent Forum are a post-punk band which flit from cold and brooding to anthemic and overbold with ease. Humorous lyrics centred around office work, the Welsh music scene and life in the UK during lockdown give listeners a different, amusing take on their inner workings during both mundane and extraordinary events. The group’s primary motivation is to surprise and entertain, giving listeners pop music which excites by pushing them slightly outside of their comfort zone. Their live persona reflects this, with vocalist Richard Wiggins diving around on stage and getting het up amongst the audience, something the band have not been able to indulge in since March.
In late 2019 the band released their debut album Everything Solved at Once which was the culmination of several year’s efforts. It felt like the group had “arrived” at a sound, neither the fresh faced, excitably indie of their formative years, nor the straight up angsty post-punk of their early EPs, rather – something in between. Lockdown has pushed Silent Forum away from live music meaning they are already focusing on their next effort which is seemingly even hookier and more immediate.
Dirty Freud is an electronic live & recording artist from London, but has found success since moving to the North of England. His music contains elements of dubstep, 2-step garage, bassline, reggae and this unique sound of electronic music has been coined Electrodub.
Last year was a massive year for Dirty Freud as his sound was given an even bigger stage to flourish at Glastonbury, All Points East, Citadel, Boomtown, Beatherder, as well as internationally in countries like Germany, Croatia and France.
He has previously received key support in the UK from the likes of Jon More of Coldcut and DJ Krush.
Session Date: Friday 25th September at 4pm
Join the session via Zoom HERE
Meeting ID: 883 4322 7869
Passcode: 686300
This session will provide a selection of our emerging Welsh artists with the opportunity to present their projects to you, through a series of speed meetings. The session will begin with a short show-reel, following which we’ll be breaking out all of the artists and industry into the speed meetings.
Below you’ll find information and links on the artists taking part in this group.
Please familiarise yourself with each artist ahead of the session. Thank you for taking part.
Endaf
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
MADI
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Melys
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Orion Zane
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
Session Date: Friday 25th September at 10am
Join the session via Zoom HERE
Meeting ID: 817 0306 6680
Passcode: 232280
This session will provide a selection of our emerging Welsh artists with the opportunity to present their projects to you, through a series of speed meetings. The session will begin with a short show-reel, following which we’ll be breaking out all of the artists and industry into the speed meetings.
Below you’ll find information and links on the artists taking part in this group.
Please familiarise yourself with each artist ahead of the session. Thank you for taking part.
Campfire Social
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Cara Hammond
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N’famady Kouyate
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
Session Date: Thursday 24th September at 10am
Join the session via Zoom HERE
Meeting ID: 815 0181 3988
Passcode: 503515
This session will provide a selection of our emerging Welsh artists with the opportunity to present their projects to you, through a series of speed meetings. The session will begin with a short show-reel, following which we’ll be breaking out all of the artists and industry into the speed meetings.
Below you’ll find information and links on the artists taking part in this group.
Please familiarise yourself with each artist ahead of the session. Thank you for taking part.
HMS Morris
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
Worldcub
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
Dan Bettridge
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
Sonny Winnebago
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
Session Date: Wednesday 23rd September at 10am
Join the session via Zoom HERE
Meeting ID: 827 3617 0164
Passcode: 247961
This session will provide a selection of our emerging Welsh artists with the opportunity to present their projects to you, through a series of speed meetings. The session will begin with a short show-reel, following which we’ll be breaking out all of the artists and industry into the speed meetings.
Below you’ll find information and links on the artists taking part in this group.
Please familiarise yourself with each artist ahead of the session. Thank you for taking part.
Clwb Fuzz
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
Otto
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
Kidsmoke
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
Igloo Hearts
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
Session Date: Tuesday 22nd September at 10am
Join the session via Zoom HERE
Meeting ID: 837 5770 9731
Passcode: 608043
This session will provide a selection of our emerging Welsh artists with the opportunity to present their projects to you, through a series of speed meetings. The session will begin with a short show-reel, following which we’ll be breaking out all of the artists and industry into the speed meetings.
Below you’ll find information and links on the artists taking part in this group.
Please familiarise yourself with each artist ahead of the session. Thank you for taking part.
The Gentle Good
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
Eve Goodman
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Rebecca Hurn
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Cynefin
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Session Date: Monday 21st September at 10am
Join the session via Zoom HERE
Meeting ID: 892 7366 7361
Passcode: 949366
This session will provide a selection of our emerging Welsh artists with the opportunity to present their projects to you, through a series of speed meetings. The session will begin with a short show-reel, following which we’ll be breaking out all of the artists and industry into the speed meetings.
Below you’ll find information and links on the artists taking part in this group.
Please familiarise yourself with each artist ahead of the session. Thank you for taking part.
9Bach
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video
SERA
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Adwaith
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ALEKXANDR
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The Bug Club
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Video | Exclusive New Recording
AIM is the not-for-profit trade body exclusively representing the UK’s independent music sector, which makes up a quarter of the recorded music market. Now in its 20th year, AIM’s members range from the largest, most respected record labels and associated music businesses in the world to self-releasing artists and the next generation of entrepreneurs in music. AIM promotes and supports this exciting and diverse sector globally and provides a range of services, commercial opportunities and practical help to members, enabling them to innovate, grow and break into new markets.
Music Declares Emergency is a group of artists, music industry professionals and organisations that stand together to declare a climate and ecological emergency and call for an immediate governmental response to protect all life on Earth.
5:00pm – 5:45pm
SPEAKER: Maddy Read Clarke
Links:
https://www.ceebill.uk/
https://www.musicdeclares.net/
https://www.musicdeclares.net/press/
BACK HOME
John started as a musician and composer in numerous Welsh language bands before moving to London with a band. Now Welsh based, he is PRS for Music’s Senior Membership Relations Manager for Wales, he serves all Welsh PRS and MCPS composers, publishers and authors. He has also worked across several different areas ranging copyright to all aspects of licensing. He initiated the first joint licensing of MCPS and PPL repertoire and was instrumental in devising the blanket licensing of repertoire used by independent production companies for S4C, which is in place to this day.
Kaptin Barrett is Head of Music for Boomtown festival, where over 600 artists from around 30 countries perform in a theatrical pop up city.
FOCUS Wales, The Great Escape, Sound City, and Wide Days discuss how artists can make the most out of showcase festivals both online and offline.
6pm – 7pm
SPEAKERS:
Andy Jones (FOCUS Wales)
Becky Ayres (Sound City)
Michael Lambert (Wide Days)
Nathalie von Rotz (The Great Escape)
BACK HOME
Discussing the current standard practices across studio and rehearsal spaces in Wales, and the importance of capturing live performances.
2:30pm – 3:30pm
SPEAKERS:
Steff Owens (Glyndwr TV / Seazoo band)
Bernie Plain (Musicbox Studios)
Liz Hunt (Creative Republic of Cardiff / The Moon)
Links:
https://gov.wales/rehearsing-performing-and-taking-part-performing-arts-guidance-phased-return
www.musicboxstudios.co.uk
Music Box Video 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZEMUqG3T8o
Music Box Video 2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6tfYS8wnhQ
Music Box Video 3 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGmQ5MLa_m0
Glyndwr TV – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rf6jkOr7uU&t=596s
BACK HOME
Find out how to make money from writing and performing music from the UK’s collection societies PPL and PRS for Music. Plus, a chance to quiz our experts.
5pm – 6pm
SPEAKERS:
Davy Wales (PPL)
John Hywel Morris (PRS)
BACK HOME
Discussing the ways in which musicians balance parenting with their careers, and how lockdown has affected this balance.
5pm – 6pm
SPEAKERS:
Beth Elfyn (BBC Radio Wales)
Lisa Jên Brown (9Bach)
Mason Burnett (Mace The Great)
BACK HOME
Exploring the world of music sync with Dan Koplowitz of Friendly Fire Licensing, USA and Welsh composer Sion Trefor.
6pm
SPEAKERS:
Dan Koplowitz (Friendly Fire Licensing, USA)
Sion Trefor (Musician)
BACK HOME
Privilege Café Sgwrs #5 – @ Out of Focus. Tŷ Cerdd in collaboration with Privilege Café discuss ‘How can we effect change through talent development?’
12:30pm – 2:05pm
SPEAKERS:
Benji Wild (Musician)
Laura Lewis-Paul (Saffron)
Lekan Latinwo (Intricate Management)
N’famady Kouyaté (Musician)
BACK HOME
Exploring what effect Brexit and the Pandemic may have on exporting music?
4pm – 4:45pm
SPEAKERS:
Matt Covey (Tamizdat)
Andy Jones (FOCUS Wales)
Lisa Whytock (Showcase Scotland/Global Music Match)
Eluned Haf (Wales Arts International)
Tom Sweet (British Council)
BACK HOME
How has the live sector responded, not just to Covid 19 but also to the problems it faced before and how will we shape it, going forward?
2:30pm – 3:30pm
SPEAKERS:
Sam Dabb (Le Pub)
Bev Burton (Black Deer Festival)
Gugai Macnamara (Roisin Dubh/Galway International Arts Festival)
Rob McGee (Empire Agency)
Beverly Whitrick (Music Venues Trust)
Craig Pennington (Future Yard/Bio Lito!)
BACK HOME
How can Help Musicians help me?
Find out about all the ways the charity Help Musicians can support musicians in their career, through health and welfare, creative career development and building confident business skills. Help Musicians offers a lifetime of support when it’s needed the most.
1pm – 1:45pm
SPEAKERS:
Barnaby Duff (HMUK)
Kirsty Curtis (HMUK)
links
Help Musicians: www.helpmusicians.org.uk
Information, advice and support during the crisis:
www.coronamusicians.info
You can access the Thrive wellbeing app and join the Help Musicians mailing list here: https://bit.ly/2HoyP1i
BACK HOME
The founder of ‘New Skool Rules’ the international Hip Hop and r&b showcase in Rotterdam. Henca will talk about her life and career with Ffion Wyn (ladies of Rage)
4pm – 4:45pm
SPEAKERS:
Henca Maduro (New Skool Rules)
Ffion Wyn (Ladies of Rage)
BACK HOME
‘One of the UK’s best festivals – showcase or otherwise’
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