This year Sŵn celebrates its 10th birthday. Cardiff’s multi-venue music festival has brought new music and arts from Wales and beyond to the city for the last decade – this year’s line-up doesn’t look to be any less eclectic. Born after Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and Cardiff-based promoter John Rostron were inspired by a trip to South by Southwest, they turned the idea into a festival bringing together a plethora of up and coming venues, promoters, and bands across Cardiff.
Meilyr Jones kicks off Sŵn Festival 2016 on the Friday night, doubtlessly one of the highlights. Previously of the band Race Horses, Jones released his debut solo album in March this year, and is already a popular live performer. He plays the TramShed alongside Spring King and Crows as part of SŵnRise – the official opening night the Festival.
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Cardiff’s newest live music venue, the TramShed’s 1,000 capacity should be put to good use on the Saturday when Lonely The Brave bring their glossy, Biffy Clyro-esque stadium rock to Sŵn, headlining Saturday night alongside a yet to be announced seven –band line-up. In a similar vein are New York’s The Drowners, helmed by Welsh frontman Matt Hitt, who have gained a following by supporting Cage the Elephant, Foals, and Arctic Monkeys. TramShed joins Clwb, Gwdihŵ, O’Neill’s, Ten Feet Tall and The Moon Club as some of the popular small, alternative live music venues of Sŵn.
Less than a month after announcing a break from performing to study carpentry and furniture design, Sŵn announced Carmarthen’s Cate Le Bon would be joining the 10th anniversary line-up – what might be her last live gig for some time. A big name from this year’s line-up, Le Bon recently released her fourth, while her touring band includes Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer and long-time collaborator Sweet Baboo.
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In past years Sŵn has had the luxury of championing names before they become names – Adele, John Grant, Marina & The Diamonds and Catfish & The Bottlemen are some examples.
You’ll have heard her song but you might not know the name Betsy – after growing up on a rural Welsh goose farm and designing catwalks for Balenciaga in Paris, her debut single Lost and Found is a massive hit at the moment. With the statuesque looks of a model and a voice reminiscent of Cher (among others), she is one to watch.
If you’re looking through the line-up to watch the group with the wackiest name, it’d be Finland’s Have You Ever Seen the Jane Fonda Aerobic VHS?. Their single, Family Man, led by an 80s Casio-organ sound, was supported and playlisted across Radio 1 and BBC6 Music. Scott & Charlene’s Wedding is also in contention for most pop-culture referencing band name – named after singer Craig Dermody’s mother’s favourite soap (Neighbours, of course) because it reminded him of being a kid. The Australian indie-rock band plays Sŵn hot on the heels of their third album’s release.
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With a varied line-up of over 100 bands, it’s hard to preview in any depth, but here goes. Ailsa Tully brings unique cello playing, classical music background and keen interest in tradition folk. Both formerly of The Pippettes, Gwenno Saunders provides a DJ set; while Ani Glass sings in Welsh & Cornish. Another former Race Horses member, guitarist Alun Gaffey performs his energetic debut (as solos artist) album live, with his band of veteran musicians ULTRA-DOPE. Cardiff-based artist/musician R Seiliog’s electronica album is food for the soul. Drum/piano duo Tensheds are like the White Stripes meets Tom Waits via Nick Cave.
We’ve barely scratched the surface of the varied line-up. Safe to say, if you’re at Sŵn’s 10th birthday you have plenty to choose from.
Sŵn, Various venues across Cardiff, Fri 21-Sun 23 Oct. Tickets: prices vary per event. Info: www.swnfest.com
Cover photo: Tibet
words CHRIS WILLIAMS