Really exciting news as BBC Radio 1's Academy have announced what their plans are for the week leading up to the Biggest Weekend at Swansea Grand Theatre. We're also incredibly excited to announce that we're part of the week running some workshops, curating some live music and more! We'll get straight to it, it's impossible to list everything that's happening (as there's just so much going on - check out the website) so we'll give you what we're really looking forward to:

Monday 21st May - Thursday 24th May

Oh yeah, and everything is free!

• On Monday Not3s will be playing live and will then join us for a very special lyric writing workshop. 
• Greg James will be hosting a radio workshop on Monday.
• Horizons are putting on an evening of live music with Pretty Vicious, Adwaith, Bandicoot & Stella Donnely on Monday. 

• On Tuesday Marmozets play live and then join us for a special guitar workshop.
• Rachel K Collier is DJing and doing an ableton live workshop on Tuesday
• We're also hosting a 'Get Started In Music' workshop on Tuesday
• James Bay is playing live for Clara Amfo's Live Lounge on Wednesday tickets here

• High Contrast is doing a music production workshop on Wednesday 
• We host a special songwriting workshop on Wednesday 
• Sigrid is playing live on Thursday and will then join us for a second songwriting workshop on Thursday.

• Get behind the scenes with Nick Grimshaw for his Breakfast show on Thursday.
• Emily Eavis will be making an appearance to talk all things Glastonbury

And so much more. We really recommend you check out the website to find out more. See you there! 

We're back with our featured gig of the week this week, a little later than usual, as things our end have been ridiculously busy! We've been working on lots of exciting things that we can't wait to share with you! 

This week we're featuring not one, but TWO gigs of the week we highly recommend. Both mark the start of the really exciting live music events that are coming to Swansea as part of the #BiggestWeekend! Both events are FREE and take place this coming Saturday and mark the launch of the BBC Academy at the Biggest Weekend! If you come down to these gigs, you'll also get exclusive first picks for workshops, artists Q&As, exclusive gigs & more that will take place during the week leading up to the biggest weekend. We're also putting on some workshops that we can't wait to announce that you'll be able to sign up to! 

Anyway, let's get down to what's happening this Saturday. 

Huw Stephens presents: Piano Sessions

Join Huw in person as he hosts intimate, stripped down performances by some of his favourite acts featuring: Marmozets, The Amazons & MRPHY (High Contrast has unfortunately had to pull out of the lineup!). Ticket link here: http://bbcradio1sacademy.skiddletickets.com/event.php?id=13196517

BBC Introducing Gig

This is a whopper. We are incredibly excited about this one. Trust us, get your tickets for this one - it'll be a gig you go to and in a few years time, when these bands are really kicking off, you'll be able to say "I was there".  Ticket link for this one here: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Swansea/The-Garage-Whitez/Abbie-McCarthy-presents-BBC-Music-Introducing-gig-/13196774/

Hosted by Introducing's own, Abby McCarthy, the lineup includes:

Monico Blonde (Cardiff)

Candelas (Llanuwchllyn

Beach Fatigue (Swansea)

Who's Molly? (Swansea)

We thought that we’d write up a quick blog post to let you know about Horizons and the great opportunity for musicians in Wales available. Today applications for the next round of Horizons 12 have opened and we seriously recommend that you apply.

If you’re a musician, over 16 and based in Wales, this is for you. Horizons/Gorwelion is a scheme delivered by BBC Cymru Wales in partnership with the Arts Council of Wales to develop new, independent contemporary music in Wales. If selected, you’ll a join line up of 12 artists in being supported and mentored by the project with the view of reaching new audiences in Wales, the UK and beyond.

This includes providing promotional and performance opportunities for the artists selected. In the past Horizons have been showcased at the following festivals: Glastonbury, The Great Escape, Festival No.6, Swn, The Swansea Fringe, Eurosonic, SXSW and have even performed sessions at the legendary Maida Vale Studios!

Trust us. If you’re a musician and you’re over 16 and you live in Wales – APPLY!!! It’s such a fantastic opportunity and you could be in with a shout! It’d be great to hear from the Horizons team that lots of Swansea acts have applied – there’s a lot of you doing really great things!

And if you apply and you’re unsuccessful don’t be disheartened! Know that your application was looked at by an experienced panel and strongly considered – and then try again!! Out of the hundred of applications that Horizons get, only 12 are selected, but as a scheme they’re always supporting and shouting about other Welsh talent throughout the year!

Here’s a link to the application page

And to finish, here are some of our favourite artists that have previously been selected for the Horizons 12 in previous years:

Afro Cluster (2016)

Aled Rheon (2015)

Climbing Trees (2014)

Casi (2014)

Mellt (2015)

We’re No Heroes (2016)

Roughion (2016)

& so many more!

Horizons Website | Horizons Facebook | Horizons Twitter | Horizons YouTube

Rachel K Collier has been absolutely smashing it over the last year with appearances at SXSW (Texas), Koko in London, BBC Introducing in Amsterdam, We Are Robots Festival (Berlin) & more – and this has all been since she played Swansea in September 2017 on the Horizons stage at the Swansea Fringe Festival.

Rachel is somewhat of a phenomenon – she’s not only a totally badass producer, but the tunes she makes are absolute bangers. If you don’t believe me, check out Rust, Paper Tiger or her latest single Darkshade. And to top it all off, her ability to perform these tunes live is outstanding, demonstrating her production skills on stage with her incredible set up.

I was running a workshop in an all girls school last year and one of the students said to me “why does everyone say that girls can’t do music tech - it’s only for boys!”. I thought to myself, this is the perfect opportunity to show and tell these girls about Rachel. I showed them a live video of Rust live from the Swansea Fringe and all of them were instantly inspired. “Oh my god she’s amazing!” “I want to be like her, that is so so cool.”

Rachel is an incredible role model for these young girls young people in a world dominated by small minded people that say “women can’t do that, that’s a man’s job”.

We’re incredibly proud to say that Rachel is from Swansea. She’s representing our city’s potential for talent on the world stage and is destined for incredible things.

Rachel's Facebook | Rachel's Twitter | Rachel's Instagram | Rachel's YouTube | Rachel's Soundcloud

Written by Simon Parton

The best thing about starting the Swansea Music Hub has been discovering so many different artists doing such high quality stuff in Swansea. Every week we're discovering new artists in so many different styles and it's so encouraging and exciting to see so many live shows showcasing this throughout the city. 

What's also incredibly encouraging is that the number of gigs we want to get to seem to be multiplying at an incredible rate & it's becoming increasingly more difficult to pick one to feature as our gig of the week! 

Quite often, when we (Simon & Joe) discover something or someone new, we seem to have some weird telepathic link and we'll both message each other saying "have you heard or seen this!?". One of these artists that got both of us talking was Lifting Gear Engineer and when we saw that he was doing a live show this week in Mozarts we were both very excited. 

With electronic music of the highest calibre, Lifting Gear Engineer (aka Rob Morgan) will be showcasing his new glitchy electronic tunes including some from his forthcoming album out on Machine Records. 

Joining him is Fel Y Boi aka Aled from Salvador Sanchez who will be playing "Songs from the edges". Doors open at 7:30 / £4.00 entry. 

"lo-fi garage rock - aggressively delivered, somewhat embittered lyrics, trash'ey, beautifully unconvoluted guitar passages... Recorded in the band's garage. Yes. Boys."

There's something to be said for mindless Facebook scrawling of a morning (curse you Zuckerberg!). This morning's bout resulted in my stumbling over one of those creepy, 'mutual friend' situations where I, shirking the feeling that I might come across as worryingly stalkerish, decided to 'Like' a post by someone I've had only fleeting personal interaction with in the past.

I broke this social taboo for a very good reason.

The Weirs.

The ambiguous and enigmatic hand-scrawled cover image for a band who (it seems) have digitally existed for only a smattering of moments (in fact, the 8th of April, but that's a teensy amount of time whilst sucked in to social media limbo) intrigued me.

I googled. I Instagram'ed. I SoundCloud'ed.

(I perhaps even coined new phrases!).

Their debut track 'Into The Woods', plays like a perfect example of lo-fi garage rock - aggressively delivered, somewhat embittered lyrics, trash'ey, beautifully unconvoluted guitar passages reminiscent of The Stooges or MC5 that all comes together in a keenly produced package that is, to my joy and surprise, entirely homebrewed! Recorded in the band's garage. Yes. Boys.

I'm excited.

You should be excited too.

Keep an eye out for these guys in the future.

Catch The Weirs play live at Creature Sound on 20th April with All Dead, All Dead (FKA Suns) & I Digress at Creature Sound. 

The Weirs Soundcloud | The Weirs Instagram

Written by Joe Bayliss

In a week with a superb line up of gigs (see below for more info) it was a really tough decision for us at Swansea Music Hub HQ in choosing our featured gig of the week this week. However, we couldn't ignore this mega mega line up coming to Cinema & Co this Thursday evening. 

Ones to watch Picsel, will be celebrating the release of their new single "Alcohol & Drugs" and will be joined by headliners Swansea Pop Punk titans Seven Stories High. Also on the bill are Swansea based and previous artist of the week Beach Fatigue alongside French Alps Tiger. 

It'd be impossible to ignore two other fantastic original live music events happening this week, so we'd like to give a special mention to:

Public Service Broadcasting @ Brangwyn Hall

With a superb live audio visual show and with their latest album focusing on the "chronicles the destruction of the Welsh coalindustry and how its legacy still resonates in these uncertain times" this is going to be a very very very special evening on Public Service Broadcasting's UK Tour. 

Wednesday 11th April at Brangwyn Hall - Tickets £26.00 + BF

The Riff w/ PASTEL & Violet Walks @ Sin City

Swansea boys The Riff are playing a very special headline show at Sin City with superb support acts PASTEL & Violet Walk. 

Friday 13th April at Sin City - Tickets £5.00

“I ain’t lazy I just pick my battles, it don’t bother me if you see it that way. It may be crazy but this snake don’t rattle, I won’t apologise and that’s ok.”

I remember loving these lyrics from the first time I saw Holy Home Video when they supported Billy Lockett in Sin City last month and I came away thinking I need to hear more! (It's from their song This Snake Don’t Rattle which you can hear below).

Holy Home Video are Sam Baggott & Cadi Rhind and are at the forefront of the music scene that has emerged via Swansea University. Their sound is really wonderful – superbly crafted songs with a fantastic blend of country & folk, great lyrics and flawless vocals & harmonies. Their most recent tune “A Love So Sweet (I Can Taste It)” not only showcases this, but is wonderfully produced.

What’s even more impressive, is that they’re really great live too. They’re the type of duo who, when they play, make you want to stop what you’re doing and give them your full attention. The videos from their recent “Swansea Sessions” session proves this and showcases the great relationship that Sam and Cadi have when they play together. 

We suggest you head straight to their Soundcloud page to check out their two originals and two very special covers (Willy Mason & Bruce Springsteen) and see them live whenever you have the chance. 

If you’re reading this on the day we’re posting (Wednesday 4th April 2018) you can head to Brewstone in Uplands tonight to see them play some tunes! And if you’re reading this before the 28th April, you can come and see them play some tunes at our #SwanseaMusic in Conversation event at Unit Nineteen! 

We’re very much looking forward to hearing more from these guys.

Holy Home Video Facebook | Holy Home Video Twitter | Holy Home Video Soundcloud | Holy Home Video Instagram

Written by Simon Parton

Our gig of the week this week is from a Swansea band who have already in there short time together made a significant name for themselves. Who’s Molly? formed in 2015 and have already made waves, with three Eps released and original tracks featuring on Sky Sports, UFC and a trailer for a Tom Cruise movie!

This Wednesday, they play a free show to celebrate the release of their third EP “Fame” in Diablos (which is in SA1) for a special live show, which is free and open to all ages! This is one not too miss! The EP is also an absolute banger and we strongly advise you check it out! 

Beach Fatigue, our most recent Artist of the Week, are an enduring collective from Swansea, weathering line-up changes and reworkings of their name before settling on this most recent incarnation, but the core of the work they produce has remained the same - infectious, somewhat ethereal and (just on the right side of) menacing "garage-surf rock". Their own words there, but the title really does their music justice, with hints of The Black Angels, Sonic Youth and The Jesus and Mary Chain.

Amy Zachariah's terse and compelling vocals with the, at times, spaghetti western twang of Ben Rodway's guitar and Billy Horwood's rhythmic underpinning on drums make their debut, self-titled album a real gem; beautifully stand-off'ish, poetic, pure and direct.

Stand-out tracks;

'Carousel' - a blend of stoner-infused, tribal repetition showcasing a story of integrity, back-bone and resolve in the face of a shattered relationship. Short, sweet, perfect.

'Crash' - the rhythmic persistence of The Black Angels, simple, stunningly used harmonies propelling infectious songcraft.

Their musical lives together have seen some amazing accolades attributed to them due to their energetic, up-front, raucous performances;  playing at Reading & Leeds, Green Man and Swn to rave reviews from both Huw Stephens and God Is In The TV and with shows all over coming up, catch the band on a small stage while you can!

Written by Joe Bayliss

Dogruff: Nearly 9 years of parties

Something a little different this week for our gig of the week, but this week we’re focusing on something that has been a long standing element of Swansea’s music scene. Dogruff is an underground house and techno night, dedicated to one thing and one thing only – having a real good party. Coming into it’s 9th year of parties, Dogruff have brought a wealth of talent from the world of house and techno over the years and this time round they’re bringing Gwenan to Mozarts.

Dogruff 2017

After discovering dance music in 2007 Gwenan started her career as a DJ by playing records on her rooftop in Oxford. As a Londoner, Gwenan played at parties including Undersound, Toi Toi as well as gigs in Paris, Ljubljana and Tokyo. Now residing in Berlin, Gwenan plays techno but can also be found playing ambient and experimental records for projects including Experiment Intrinsic, Perm and My Own Jupiter.

This Friday at Mozarts is where it’s at! First release tickets are £8.00, second are £10.00 and third are £12.00 available here. 18+.

Photo featured by RaymontyPhotos

The Swansea music scene is currently going through a really exciting time - there's lots of great opportunities on the horizon, the spotlight will be firmly on Swansea during the BBC Biggest Weekend in May, and there seems to be a lot more gigs being put on across the city.

But perhaps the most exciting thing is the young bands that are emerging from the music scene and already getting a name for themselves. One young band at the forefront of this buzz is Pastel. 

Pastel are a 5 piece rock & roll / shoe gaze band consisting of Jack Yates (Vocals), Aaron Tormey (Lead guitar), James Yates (Rhythm guitar), Jake Smith (Bass) & Rhys Wheeler (Drums). The band have members originally from Manchester, Dublin and Swansea and were formed due to Jack missing his train back to Manchester after seeing the Stone Roses in Wembley. 

It's impressive to see a band make such an impression on the local scene after only being together for little over 7 months, with their first gig only in November of last year. Already the band have played shows in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea venues Britpop Cafe, Mozarts and The Hyst. They also have a show supporting The Riff in Sin City next month (13th April 2018). 

Most notably, the band won the Wave & Student Digz' battle of the bands competition in The Hyst earlier this month winning a slot supporting Scouting For Girls at Neath Carnival in July. Check out their winning set below: 

It's really encouraging to see a band working hard, producing decent tunes and gigging around South Wales with great enthusiasm & ambition. We're really excited at what's to come from these guys, They've been kind enough to share a live recording of their tune "Tomorrow's Afternoon" with us too, which you can listen to below.

Pastel Facebook | Pastel Instagram

Written by Simon Parton

Dancing Compulsory 

Ooooh you're in for a treat this week Swansea. On the event page, The Last Resort have summed up this event so perfectly: "Gower gang describing themselves as Balkan, Gypsy, Klezmer and Celtic musical madness. The Balkaneers play a lively mix from around the world – adding a hint of dub, a pinch of funk, and a dash of ska. Dancing compulsory."

It will be impossible to be there and not dance. We had the pleasure of The Balkaneers playing at our Folk at the Fringe evening on the closing night of the Swansea Fringe Festival at The Last Resort last September, and anyone there will agree it was an unforgettable evening. These guys are so much fun and so good live. Don't miss this one!!! 

Entry £4.00 | Free before 8:30

Uninspired and unmotivated, I drag myself from the cosy confines of the bed on a dreary morning (it's wonderfully sunny, but a Monday is by default always dreary, regardless), and, through a caffeine-less narcosis, sit down at the computer to reply to a mounting backlog of emails that I've been consistently procrastinating over.

Forlorn and with no idea where to start, I turn to the records and whap out a dishevelled looking 12" copy of Cities' debut EP, Manning Alaska. Aside from the obvious musical magic contained within, I start to wonder in my tired daze - in the light of this record still tracking after the many hundreds (read; thousands) of times I've played it since that one fateful evening in Mozarts, Swansea  - whether the enduring and seemingly immortal nature of the vinyl qualifies this 12" as potentially the most enduring and rugged record ever pressed by human hands.

There are few artists that I can't speak more highly of, and Cities are one.

From the driving, opening drone of Clozapine, to the wonderfully understated closing of Callisto, with its sweeping, filtered work down, the musicians work their magic, pulling you in, pushing you around, moving with them through their musical soundscapes.

Their live shows are dizzying. Rarely do you encounter a band that work tirelessly and unerringly as a single unit, and Cities are exemplars of the most tight performances around. Each show is played to a backdrop of animation and graphics provided by photographer John Wellings' creation that propels you through a colourful, mysterious narrative that perfectly synergises with the band.

The EP is masterfully produced, nowhere does it feel cluttered or over-busy, each nuance is given life and detail in the mix while the tracks themselves are unconvoluted, perfectly structured and just on that fine side of self-indulgent that makes a musical experience truly special.

This is twilight poetry of the finest calibre. 

Cities Website | Cities Facebook | Cities Twitter | Cities Bandcamp

Written by Joe Bayliss

Swansea Jazzland - Wales' Premier Weekly Live Jazz Venue

Something a little different for our gig of the week this week as we head to Swansea Jazzland for the Jim Mullen Organ Trio. For those of you unaware, Swansea Jazzland is located in Uplands (St. James Club, St. James Crescent) and has been at the forefront of the Welsh Jazz scene providing weekly Jazz in the city since 1949! 

This week, they bring modern contemporary jazz guitar legend Jim Mullen to the city with his Organ Trio, for what will undoubtably be a fantastic evening of live music. As a multi award winner, the Guardian describe Jim as "one of the great Jazz guitarists working today" adding that with his organ trio "each piece gets a unique, often surprising treatment, performed with the understated virtuosity that marks out the best and most mature players".

Jim will be playing alongside Mike Gorman on the organ and Tristan Maillot on drums this Wednesday at 8:30pm. Tickets are still available at £12.50, £10.00 for Jazzland members or £6.25 for students. 

Hip hop artists and rappers in Swansea seem to be a rare find when looking at the music scene at large, but one artist who has stamped his mark on the city is Craze The Jack. 

Craze The Jack (aka Craig Lewis) is both a rapper and producer and has a sound that is undeniably influenced by old school hip hop and artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, Big Daddy Kane and E.P.M.D. which is really fresh to hear in a UK music scene dominated by grime. His production on the tracks certainly have an old school vibe to them and makes you imagine a younger Eminem could have been rapping over the top back in the late 90s / early 00s. 

With a wealth of material on his Soundcloud and bandcamp pages, it's hard to know where to start with Craze's stuff, so we've recommended three tracks to get you started: Murdered It, Extreme Motion and Hanging Over. If you're in from there, we suggest you head to his bandcamp site and listen to (or better still buy!) his EP RAW (Real and Welsh) and debut album E.Motion. What you'll soon start to realise is that not only are his lyrics are really relatable and delivered in a unique way, but the hooks and choruses on his tunes are really catchy!

When Craze played at our Swansea Musician's Forum in February this year he absolutely smashed it!! In a room where I think it's fair to say the majority would not actively seek out a hip hop show in Swansea, he had the ability to win over the whole room, get everyone involved and commanded the stage that made you want to watch, listen and sing along. 

With an album due very soon from Craze this is a very exciting time to start following him and keep up to date with what's to come. We're certainly very very excited. 

Craze The Jack Facebook | Craze The Jack Twitter | Craze The Jack Instagram | Craze The Jack YouTube |  Craze The Jack Bandcamp | Craze The Jack Soundcloud

Written by Simon Parton

Last week The Zinvandels tweeted "It's Been a long time..." and I suppose it does feel like a while since they last played Swansea (again at the Britpop Cafe on December 16th last year.) This week they return to the Britpop Cafe (located in town on Cradock Street just off the Kingsway) for what will be another great evening of live music. 

"Their energy and enthusiasm whilst performing is infectious, and they’re tight to boot. You'd expect them to be a finely honed band with years of live experience as an outfit but they only formed in October 2016!" - That's what we wrote about them when they were our featured artists of the week - read more here. 

The Britpop Cafe opened it's doors last year and is fast getting a name for hosting some of the best live music nights in the city centre. With live sets already from Pastel, The Penny Drops, The La's legend Barry Sutton and with sets upcoming from The Zinvandels, Tom Hingley and Andy Bennet from Ocean Colour Scene, it's a venue that we whole heartedly encourage you to support and visit. 

From what we hear about the Zinvandels last gig at The Britpop Cafe was a cracker - so we suggest you don't miss out on this one!! 

The Zinvandels live at Britpop Cafe 2017

The Zinvandels live at Britpop Cafe 2017

Cinema & Co - Friday 2nd February 2018

For a .pdf copy of the musician's report please contact swanseamusichub@gmail.com

1. Introduction

The Swansea Musician’s Forum #1 was held on the 2nd February 2018 at Cinema & Co. and was organised by the Swansea Music Hub.

The Swansea Music Hub is a community venture with the overall aim of supporting and improving the Swansea music scene. It is a place where ideas, creativity, events and opportunities can be shared all in one place for musicians and those interested in music.

Currently a two-man operation, The Swansea Music Hub is coordinated by Simon Parton & Joe Bayliss. The two are working voluntarily as they feel passionate about original and live music in Swansea and the potential that Swansea has as a music scene. The Swansea Music Hub presently has no capital funding, sponsors or grants, but Simon and Joe looking to grow the project to have a sustainable future providing support, events, education and facilities to musicians and those interested in original music in Swansea. 

The first Swansea Musician’s Forum was organised in order to begin the conversation between musicians, venues, promoters and supporters of original music with the overall aim to share ideas, address issues and moving forward together as a music scene. 

In the lead up to the event, the Swansea Music Hub put out an open invite for guest speakers to share their thoughts on the Swansea music scene and this report covers the points raised at the event. Alongside this, we invited the audience to share their thoughts on the Swansea Music Scene by putting ideas on a mood board - this document will also share and discuss these ideas and opinions. This initial Musician's Forum is the first in an ongoing series and this report has been created for those that may have missed out on the event but also so that there is a record of what was said, what has been done since and a place where thoughts/considerations for the next event can be shared.

Please feel free to email us at swanseamusichub@gmail.com to share your thoughts, ideas and opinions on the event or the Swansea Music Scene as a whole. 

2. Audience demographics

Attendees completed a short questionnaire as they arrived at Cinema & Co. in order to collect the following information:

• 65% were male / 35% were female
• 28.5% were aged 16-25 / 38.2% were aged 26-35 / 23.8% were aged 36-45 / 9.5% were aged 46-55 / 0% were aged 56+
• 45% described themselves as musicians / 17.6% described themselves as promotors / 29.4% described themselves as gig-goers / 5.8% described themselves as venue owners / 2.2% described themselves as other.
• When asked what they felt Swansea could do with more of:
  • 28.9% said independent music/record Store.
  • 8.8% said music masterclasses
  • 24.4% said rehearsal rooms
  • 31.1% said grassroots venues
  • 6.6% said other (including “bigger venues”, “more gigs” and “cross venue support”.
• Approximately 90% of the audience were residents within the city and county of Swansea. 

3. Speakers at the musician's forum

The guest speakers at the first musician’s forum were:

• Daniel Kilbride – Director of TRAC (National Development Agency for Traditional Music in Wales)
• Kaz Chambers – Venue Owner (Creature Sound)
• Ben Luc – Musician
• Jimbob Isaac –Musician (Taint/Hark)
• Simon Parton – Musician & Project coordinator (Swansea Music Hub/Swansea Fringe Festival)
• Ed Richmond – BBC Wales Project Manager (Biggest Weekend)

Audio of the forum was recorded by the Swansea Music Hub, and the following information and key points are taken from that.

3.1 Introduction – Joe Bayliss & Simon Parton from the Swansea Music Hub

Simon and Joe gave an overview of the Swansea Music Hub (see the introduction above for more info) and explained why they had begun organising the Swansea Musician’s Forums. They stated that this was the beginning of a wider conversation between all interested in supporting the original music scene in Swansea and that each forum will be held in a different venue across Swansea with live music and guest speakers from all sectors of the industry at each. 

Before inviting the first speaker up to the stage, Joe and Simon explained that their personal aims are not in any way to provide a definitive answer to how the Swansea music scene should be run and expressed that it will work differently for different people. The forum was designed for musicians, venues, promoters and gig-goers to support each other and open a dialogue. 

3.2 Speaker #1 – Daniel Kilbride

Daniel started by giving an overview of Trac (National Development Agency for Traditional Music in Wales) and why he started it. Trac is Wales’ folk development organisation and has now been running for 21 years. They are a charity, are funded by the arts council and last year reached 12,500 people working within traditional music.

 

“Music is as important to a city as infrastructure”

Daniel stated that they started the organisation as they were frustrated that no one was supporting traditional music in Wales and that by being passionate about it meant that they quickly built up a body of knowledge that made it successful. He drew links from this to the Musician’s Forum and quoted Shain Shapiro from Sound Diplomacy in stating: “Music is as important to a city as infrastructure. It’s as important as fixing the pot holes and as important as providing the schools.”

He stated that “a music hub has lots of parts to it. A whole system is built to make sure making a living from music is possible” and that in order to achieve this, everyone has to work well together. 

3.3 Speaker #2 – Kaz Chambers

Kaz Chambers is from the new Swansea venue and music hall, Creature Sound, which is located at the old Ken Bu Kan martial arts centre. Kaz started by sharing the story of how they came to start Creature Sound and how it acts as a space for people to perform their art, while also providing a studio, rehearsal room and 300 capacity venue. 

“We want to support original acts and give them a chance to build their audience”

Kaz shared the overall plans for the venue, including not to put on nights that clash with other venues, offer bands an opportunity to put on gigs and perform their art (with no charge for hall hire and all door money to be split between acts), and to support original acts in giving them a chance to build their audience. She also stated that she would like to see more venues working together in order to make the Swansea music scene beneficial to all. 

3.4 Speaker #3 – Ben Luc

Ben Luc is a musician from Swansea who also runs open mic nights at The Last Resort and Creature Sound. He wanted to share his thoughts on how the Swansea music scene should work together in order to fulfil its full potential. 

“There’s lots going on and there’s lots of good bands and venues. But none are working together.”

Ben summed up his points by saying: “There’s lots going on and there’s lots of good bands and venues. But none are working together. The Swansea Music Hub is a great way to get people working together. Get bands together to work together, share audiences and build up the scene together.”

3.5 Speaker #4 – Jimbob Isaac

Jimbob Isaac is a Swansea musician and former member of the bands Hark and Taint. He shared his extensive experience as a gigging, touring and recording musician but also shared how it all started out with a very hands on, DIY, grassroots approach.

He shared his experience of gigging in European cities like Barcelona and Berlin and stated that there’s so much communication and fly posting that you know exactly what’s going on at all times within the live music scene in the city. He expressed an opinion that the inability to fly post to support gigs in the city centre is having a devastating effect on the music scene and that Swansea City Council need to do more to support musicians and grassroots events. 

“Everyone needs to exhibit a level of hunger for the scene to thrive”.

Jimbob went on to say that in the past there has been a lack of group effort and a lack of a hive mind. He said it is positive to see the Swansea Music Hub and venues like Creature Sound adopting this approach in order to make positive change. He finished by stating “everyone needs to exhibit a level of hunger for the scene to thrive.”

3.6 Speaker #5 – Simon Parton

Simon from the Swansea Music Hub wanted to talk briefly about the importance of social media and how it plays a crucial role in connecting with other musicians, getting people to your gigs and shouting loud about what you are doing creatively in the city.

He shared the success stories of bands shouting about their sets at the Swansea Fringe Festival and the rewards that may come a bands/artists/venues way if they shout about other events and bands in the city. If bands and venues share audiences and support each other, it will come full circle and you’ll find that more people will come to your shows and listen to your music.

“Share things with the Swansea Music Hub. use the hashtag #SwanseaMusic and we’ll share it.”

He also encouraged bands, venues and gig goers to use the hashtag #SwanseaMusic when using social media to shout about original music and that it’ll be easier for the Swansea Music Hub, and others, to share and support from this. 

3.7 Speaker #6 – Ed Richmond

Ed Richmond has worked for BBC Wales since 1999, working with DJs like Bethan Elfyn, Huw Stephens and Jen Long and is currently a project manager for the BBC’s Biggest Weekend that is coming to Swansea in May 2018.

He wanted to speak at the musician’s forum to let those within music scene in Swansea know that there is an opportunity to get involved with the festival. He stated that there will be a focus on Swansea and that there will be a Fringe event during the week leading up to the festival that takes place in Singleton Park. 

“There’s a DIY aesthetic about Swansea that makes it unique.”

Ed encouraged musicians and venues to help build the music scene towards what is very exciting time for Swansea. Ed wants to know about what you want to do during the week leading up to the BBC's Fringe and stated that there will be a big focus on what’s happening in Swansea. He finished by stating that there’s a DIY aesthetic about Swansea and it’s music scene that makes it seem unique in the UK.

3.8 Speaker #7 – Joe Bayliss & Simon Parton

Joe Bayliss and Simon Parton closed the forum by expressing that there are lots of good opportunities for musicians coming up. They encouraged those in attendance to network, talk to each other and keep supporting each other in developing the Swansea music scene.

“This is an exciting time for the Swansea music scene and there are so many good opportunities coming up for musicians.”

The evening then finished with 6 short, largely acoustic, sets from Swansea musicians/bands:

• Bandicoot (Alternative/Indie)
• Emilie Merry (Acoustic/Pop)
• Craze The Jack (Hip Hop/Rap)
• Picsel (Noisey Pop Punk)
• King Goon (Rock/Dance/Ska)
• The Riff (Indie/Alternative)

4. Thoughts on the #SwanseaMusic Scene

In the bar area of Cinema & Co. we offered those in attendance to contribute their thoughts and opinions on the Swansea music scene via our “Thoughts on the #SwanseaMusic Scene” board. Below are the comments left of the board during the first musician’s forum – all are anonymous:

• “Sometimes it’s not easy to find out what is happening or who is doing what”.
• “Figure out how to make it as easy as possible for potential audiences to find out about what’s going on. Great to hear the ideas that are flying around!”
• “Song writing circles & workshops!”
• “Needs some unity!”
• “Dedicated new band nights – weekly!”
• “Establish infrastructure. Water seeds. Watch them grow.”
• “Let’s not concentrate too much on the process. Let’s just look at what we want first.”
• “So much potential.”
• “Have a music celebration day based on “Fete de la musique” in France.
• “Hub website with all the list of music venues + a what’s on section and booking system.”
• “Information / poster display boards / locations to publicise and advertise.”
• “Swansea’s music scene is thriving but needs cohesion. A hub (like this!) to bring it all together and optimise Swansea’s diverse talent.”
• “Encourage people to try & watch something different from the norm. Swap around and visit a different venue each week.”

5. Findings / Key points

There are a few key points and common findings from the first Swansea Musician’s Forum organised by the Swansea Music Hub:

Working Together: What was great to see at the forum was a hunger and desire from all present to work together and support each other’s creative ventures in music. Everyone was in agreement that, for the music scene to thrive and grow, working together and supporting each other is vital.

Fly Posting & Flyering: There was a general frustration amongst venues and musicians that they are unable to put up posters and freely flyer in the city centre. People are finding it hard to let people know about their gigs other than creating events online and this needs to change in order for the music scene to prosper.

Communication is key: Keep the conversation going. Talk to other bands and venues and let the Swansea Music Hub know about any live original gigs / releases that you have. Use social media to connect with each other, reach and share new audiences and use the hashtag #SwanseaMusic to show that there are things happening with original music in Swansea.

Do it yourself: The DIY approach to the music scene in Swansea seems to a key factor in continuing to develop the scene. Keep it up. Put gigs on. Invite all your mates. Share this online and share audiences with different bands and venues to allow the scene to grow.

Opportunities for musicians: There's lots for musicians in Swansea to get excited about this year. BBC’s Biggest Weekend in May will mean that there will be a huge focus on the city’s music scene during that week. This will mean opportunities for musicians and a huge buzz around original music in the city. The Swansea Fringe Festival will also return in October this year, offering more opportunities for musicians.

6. Moving Forward

Since the forum:

• The Swansea Music Hub has started the conversation with Swansea City Council regarding fly posting.
• We have seen a noticeable increase in the use of the hashtag #SwanseaMusic on social media and an increase in those shouting about their gigs and music in Swansea.
• An increase in numbers attending gigs during February (most notably, Spring King in Sin City, Bandicoot in The Pit and King Goon at Creature Sound).
• More gigs have been announced in multiple venues across Swansea.

The Swansea Music Hub have had a lot of feedback since the first Musician’s Forum the main point being that attendees wanted an opportunity to openly discuss key points and debate amongst each other. This is something that will be considered for the next forum, which is currently being organised by Joe and Simon and looking to be held at the end of April 2018.

If you would like to be involved in the next musician’s forum or have ideas / suggestions as to its format and what points should be raised, please get in touch.

To find out more about the Swansea Music Hub or to get in touch with Simon and Joe:

Visit: www.swanseamusichub.com

Contact: swanseamusichub@gmail.com

Connect: @SwanseaMusicHub / #SwanseaMusic (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram)

Little Folk

It seems Americana-infused acts have become an absolute staple in South Wales in the last decade or so, and with each act emerging nearby the style becomes more defined and polished. A family band in the truest sense of the phrase, Little Folk is comprised of Dewi Bowen (Guitar/Vocals) and his wife Lucy (Vocals), and brothers Marc and Alun Bowen (Banjo and Double Bass respectively).

undeniably catchy country-pop

Little Folk have developed an enduring presence in the Welsh music scene over the past few years, with their undeniably catchy country-pop style, vivacious live shows and the fact they are through-and-through lovely people. With performances at top-notch festivals such as AmericanaFest and shows with Carter Sampson and the Hackensaw Boys under their belts, as well as airtime on radio stations across the UK and beyond, including Bethan Elfyn's BBC Radio Wales regular show, the future is looking remarkably rosy for Little Folk.

We've had the utmost pleasure of following the band's ascent from the very beginning and it's uplifting to see traditional songwriters constantly refining, developing and perfecting their craft.

Newest single, 'The Smoke', showcases Little Folk's perfect nod to traditional, country songcraft and stunning, elevating use of harmony to lift a chorus' hook. Check it out and lose yourself in solid, well-written sing-alongs - you won't regret it!

Little Folk Facebook | Little Folk Twitter | Little Folk Instagram | Little Folk Website

Written by Joe Bayliss

Girl Power! 

What a treat we're in for this Sunday at The Hyst! Three of Swansea's finest female singer songwriters all in one place, for a special evening of music. Hosted by Eleri Angharad, she has hand picked two of her favourite artists to perform alongside her in a celebration of the ladies of the #SwanseaMusic scene. 

Eleri's music has gone from strength to strength since her debut EP 'Ticket to the Sky' in 2014. With a wide spanning list of influences, Eleri's tunes fall somewhere within the categories of country, pop and indie. With a wealth of gigging experience over the last few years too, Eleri's live shows are something special and with a special release due sometime this year, this is a perfect opportunity to catch her playing live. 

Joining Eleri is Natalie Jones. Another long serving musician within the Swansea Music Scene, Natalie also seems to be getting better and better as she goes. Again with a wide range of influences (most notably Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, Amy Macdonald and Lady Antebellum), Natalie's music can be described as having traces of pop, rock, blues and country flowing through them. With a new EP due for release in June we're really excited to see Natalie play live!

You'll know Emilie Merry from our Swansea Musician's Forum & former Artist of The Week. Blending her beautiful soulful melodies over well-crafted pop tunes, she is undoubtedly a talent that is destined to go far. Her live set is incredible too and will have the crowd listening intently from the get go. 

Entry for this special evening in also free! We're really looking forward to this one!