Buzz’s Emma Way speaks to Eady Crawford – aka Merthyr electro’n’b artist Eädyth – as she prepares to perform at this month’s Sŵn Festival, as a duo with vocalist (and theatre director) Izzy Rabey.
What’s the best thing about working with Izzy?
Eädyth: We’re both on the same wavelength in terms of creativity. We’ve grown up listening to and being influenced by similar music as well. The dynamic between Izzy being a singer and me being the producer meshes together really well, I think. Izzy will send me a voice note of her singing some lyrics she’s written, then I’ll take that, put it into my computer and mess around with samples, create beats, melodies and stuff. It’s amazing to be able to work with someone so easy.
You recently played your first headline show, at Porter’s in Cardiff. How do you get yourself prepared in those five minutes before going on stage?
Eädyth: I try to do vocal warmups or body warmups, and just have five, 10 minutes of downtime where I’m not really thinking about anything – clear the head, find some peace and drink plenty of water as well. That usually helps with nerves, and with my vocals. I’ll try to normalise things as much as possible and not give myself too much anxiety thinking that I’ve got to overperform to achieve something.
What are you expecting from your Sŵn show?
Eädyth: We’ve both come such a long way in terms of performing so I’m just really looking forward to showcasing what we have. We always have a really good laugh on stage and it’s always another boost of confidence. We’ve got new music coming out as well.
What’s your main motivation for singing in Welsh?
Eädyth: I’ve grown up speaking the language. I was born in Oxford originally and my mum moved down to Wales when I was a baby. She put us [Eädyth and older sister Kizzy] straight into a Welsh medium school and obviously, in Welsh schools and English schools around Wales, there’s the Eisteddfod – we competed in the Eisteddfod. That kind of inspired the use of Welsh language in music, I think.
It was really influential when I was younger, seeing young Welsh singers competing and having really amazing voices. That inspired me to start writing in Welsh as well. It took me a while to get into it, but when I did I found a new creative spark. It’s really poetic and I really enjoy being able to sing another language. It feels quite magical as well. I was encouraged to keep the language going after I left school, and that was also a really nice way for me to remember sentences and words, and just the language in general through writing. So many people I know from school drifted from the Welsh language and that made me feel more connected to it, in a way.
What personal traits do you have that you think compliment a career in music?
Eädyth: I’m quite a happy, bubbly, confident personality – I think that helps create friendships and connections. I’m always willing to work with people and collaborate. One of the main things that I like to do at the moment is collaborate with other artists, and work with other singers and producers. I think that’s a positive thing about me.
You mentioned new music earlier – what have you got in the works at the moment?
Eädyth: I’m currently working as a composer for a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Sherman Theatre – I’m creating music pieces and soundscapes for that production. Then at home, I’m working on a new single, and I’m also working on a new EP with Izzy. That should be released before the end of the year.
Eädyth & Izzy Rabey play Tiny Rebel Cardiff at 6.30pm on Sat 22 Oct, as part of the Sŵn Festival. Info: swnfest.com
Eädyth on Facebook / Izzy Rabey on Facebook
words EMMA WAY
