Nathan Roach rounds up what emerging Welsh artists we should be listening to in 2017.
Estrons
It is no real surprise that the word ‘aliens’ in Welsh could still easily be mistaken for the title of some Doctor Who extraterrestrial, but in this particular case, the invasion force is led by one wild frontwoman and a plot to destroy anything mundane or ordinary. This band have been on their hometown of Cardiff’s radar for some time now (and for a justifiable reason). Rocking a slot in Latitude Festival 2016, performing at BBC Introducing at SXSW and recently supporting Slaves on their Back of the Van tour, this alternative quartet are seriously going places with their viciously addictive servings of in-your-face punk rock.
Info: www.estrons.com
Bandicoot
Engaging their audience with a delicate mix of indie music, this cool quartet have caught enough attention to earn support slots with indie accomplices Vant and Blaenavon at Hoyfest 2016, gathering some of the largest up and coming indie acts in the UK including headliners the Milk. Delicate guitar plucks are neatly stitched around the ambient echoes of Rhys Underdown’s voice, giving them an ethereal effect, cloaking their upbeat but gritty tracks. Given time, who knows what this group could go on to achieve, but rest assured that their progress will have them wading through a sea of positive feedback.
Info: www.bandicoot-band.bandcamp.com
Dominic Griffin
Working tirelessly to stand out from the majority, Dominic has been described as an indie-folk singer/songwriter and has already built a formidable name for himself. Working hard to make his name known, he has played at Beach Break Live Festival, headlining an almost sold out Sin City show in Swansea and recently the main support for Glass Animals. His soul-laced singing voice and instrumental preferences have been associated with the likes of Ben Howard and Keaton Henson in the past but he is currently in the motion of something even more challenging. Long story short, keep both eyes on this man.
Info: www.soundcloud.com/dominicgriffin
Hannah Grace
Originally based in Bridgend and a music graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, this Welsh soloist’s talents have been thoroughly flaunted, spending the last few years touring across the UK and Europe with artists such as Gabrielle Aplin and Hozier. Releasing her E.P. Mustang via Never Fade Records, she has also made successful appearances at 2016’s Cambridge Folk Festival, Secret Garden Party and the internationally renowned Glastonbury. Recently completing her first headline tour around the UK, she’s ready to conquer 2017 with her endless breath of high pitches and soulful lows.
Info: soundcloud.com/hangracemusic
Florence Black
Stylishly scorching blues speckled southern rock in Welsh fire, this trio of Merthyr dragons are fired up to bring you a ballsy form of rock n’ roll. Following in the footsteps of those that have gone to prove the small nation’s worth, these three young men became Florence Black in 2012 and have progressively expanded their fan base to the point where rock superstars Corey Taylor and Brian Johnson have offered their praise. Gathering a wealth of support from radio stations and fellow music enthusiasts, you’re guaranteed to hear a lot more of this band in the year to come.
Info: www.soundcloud.com/florenceblackuk
Accu
Angharad Van Rijswijk is a fluent welsh speaker, ex-Trwbador member and all around art enthusiast. Moving to Wales from the Netherlands, the half Welsh, half Dutch musician creates dreamy Bjork-like sounds with surreal visuals that cross the line between mundane reality and imaginative euphoria. Collaborating with the likes of comedian Stewart Lee, supporting Meilyr Jones and earning a slot in this year’s Sŵn festival, her open nature for working with anyone (or anything) in relation to her field is downright impressive to say the least.
Info: www.swnfest.com/artist/accu
Captain Accident & The Disasters
When it comes to the reggae/ska/soul Welsh world, this group of ‘disasters’ are far from what their title suggests. Recently headlining Cardiff’s Brickstock festival and sharing the stage with reggae greats Toots & The Maytals, Adam Parsons and his party of talented musicians have accomplished much and come a long way since their formation. With three self-produced albums meeting the high expectations of their fans, they have travelled and graced stages across the UK to bring their Caribbean influenced groove music to the eyes and ears of those ready to get up and sway to the rhythm.
Info: www.soundcloud.com/captainaccident