St. Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan
Fri 29 Apr
Highly rated, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Dan Bettridge will be playing a home gig this month after taking his talents across the pond to the USA and Canada. The Vale Of Glamorgan will be Dan’s fourth stop on his tour; the Welshman’s ability to portray real soul in his music has him tipped to make a real dent in the music industry and become one of the country’s biggest artists. If you’re not familiar with this relative rookie, think Paolo Nutini, Ben Howard and Johnny Cash mixed together to create a real star in the making.
Originating from Ogmore-By-Sea in the Vale Of Glamorgan, the 22-year-old is returning home and it could be one of the last times he plays at a venue of this size with his career really starting to take off. He released his first EP Hunter’s Heart in 2013 and has since released his second EP Darker Days. A full studio album shouldn’t be too far away for Dan with demand for more of his slick, edgy music ever increasing. His songs have been aired on Huw Stephens’ show on BBC Radio 1 and also has had his music played on Radio 2 by Dermot O’Leary and Jo Whiley.
His recognition overseas is to be admired after performing at Canadian Music Week in Toronto and also with CMJ in New York. His popularity is growing and growing so get down to St. Donats Arts Centre for an intimate music session with an artist whose career is on the verge of catapulting. The impressive youngster has already played in sizeable Welsh festivals such as Swn and Green Man.
His take on folk and country music is phenomenal for a man his age. New single Rosie Darling is just one example of his ability: the song is classic in style but seems to fit in modern music. While his style has touchstones among today’s folk/pop scene – the aforementioned Ben Howard and Paolo Nutini – despite this, Dan still manages to achieve originality. This could truly be his breakthrough year.
RHYS TOMPKINS
Tickets: £10. Info: 01446 799100