Never forget where you’re coming from! The Welsh certainly don’t. Take That returned to Swansea once again in 2024, where they had one of their first Welsh concerts all those years ago. Take That’s return to Swansea wasn’t just another stop on their tour- it was a powerful nod to the places that shaped their rise to stardom. Back in the ’90s, cities like Swansea … Continue reading Looking back: Our Favourite Concerts of 2024 in Wales
Brat by Charli XCX There are pop culture moments that shape each year, and it would be hard to sum up 2024’s legacy without one word: Brat. Charli XCX’s monumentally successful sixth studio album defined some of the most iconic social media trends, club nights, and memories of the past year. Von Dutch and 360 are an instant confidence boost and were the first singles … Continue reading 2024 Wrapped: The Best Albums of 2024
In conversation with Peter Hook, on the pleasures of performing, divided fans, gloomy 1970’s Manchester and ‘cocktail’ bass playing. Amidst Peter Hook and the Light’s 2024 ‘Substance’ tour, I was able to catch up with Peter Hook, squeezing into his jam-packed schedule. With Hook’s musical career spanning over forty years, established by the formation of Joy Division in 1976, Peter is no stranger to the … Continue reading Peter Hook: ‘How to handle it was to rebel. Which is what I did, I rebelled’.
Music is such a big part of Welsh life. Singing at the rugby, school assemblies, anywhere we get the chance. For those of us with remarkable talent, though, there isn’t always the outlet to get further in the music industry. The Ed Sheeran Foundation aims to change this across the UK and allow young people the opportunities and industry links to turn their passion into success. … Continue reading The Ed Sheeran Foundation Visits Cardiff- The Importance of Funding the Arts in our Communities.
Dynamic pricing, outrageous costs and an increasing monopoly: Ticketmaster’s users cry out evermore for the company to relent on the underdog. The past year has seen the promotion of many hit tours: Oasis’ reunion concerts, Swift’s Eras Tour and the emergent Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet shows. Alongside the excitement and anticipation amongst fans for these gigs, frustration and disappointment has become a common theme … Continue reading The War on Ticketmaster, Prices and Venues – Are Gigs becoming more inaccessible?
Breakthrough ‘brat punk’ sensation Delilah Bon is someone you should keep your eye on – especially if you’re a metal head! Infusing bratty riot grrrl punk with lyrical hip-hop and hard-hitting nu-metal, Delilah Bon’s distinct musical style generates fierce anthems that will give you the freedom to be angry and loud. Her music explores important political and societal issues, honing in particularly on women’s rights … Continue reading Delilah Bon: The Freedom to be Angry and Loud
Ahead of the release of their second studio album Faux Animoux, I caught up with Sarah and Sam Gotley of alternative, electronic rock duo Blue Violet to talk inspiration, the human race, and their upcoming UK tour. Let’s start with the new album’s writing process. Was it always such a conceptual piece of work, or something more pieced together? We really like to write a collection of … Continue reading In Conversation with Blue Violet
Ahead of the release of their fourth studio album Smitten, I had the opportunity to speak to Pale Waves guitarist Hugo Silvani. We spoke about the inspirations of the new album, the writing process, and discussed Silvani’s passion for the sonic side of the musical world. We then delved into details of the upcoming 2024 Smitten tour. Talk me through your writing process as a … Continue reading Pale Waves: In Conversation with Hugo Silvani
Eradication Festival is a 3-day extreme metal event which takes place in Cardiff every year. This year I was lucky enough to attend SaturdayÔÇÖs show to celebrate its 10-year anniversary, and I have to say; it must have been one of the best shows IÔÇÖve ever been to. IÔÇÖve been into the extreme subgenres of metal since my early teenage years but never attended many … Continue reading Eradication Festival ’23 @ Fuel
Baby QueenÔÇÖs current tour revolves around her new album ÔÇ£Quarter Life CrisisÔÇØ, encapsulating what it feels like to reach your 20s and get hit by societal pressures to grow up and figure out who you are, while all the while battling fake internet perceptions, sexuality and dealing with (or succumbing to) the substance abuse which surrounds us. She also talks about moving away from home for … Continue reading Baby Queen @ Trinity Bristol
On both occasions where I have been lucky enough to attend their shows, I have left in complete and utter awe of the raw, unrefined talent displayed by Fall Out Boy, regardless of it being some 20 years since they started out. The band honoured their pop-rock roots upon the release of their eighth, and most recent, studio album in March of this year ÔÇô … Continue reading Fall Out Boy @ Utilita Arena
Watching Art School Girlfriend was multisensory experience. The Wrexham-born Polly Mackey delighted the mostly dungaree-clad, girlfriend-accessorised audience. Her set had a soft and gentle sort of melodic feel, vocally, which was flanked by a strong bass line and synth undertones, giving it the atmosphere of a DnB rave; this unlikely combination provided something truly unique and fresh. In fact, it felt like there were influences … Continue reading Art School Girlfriend @ Clwb Ifor Bach
After a band or artist takes time off, it can be difficult for them to maintain loyal and passionate fans. However, that was not the case for JLS. On the 30th of October, JLS made their anticipated return to Wales, with their first night of two in the Utilita Arena Cardiff. After the phenomenal success of their comeback tour in 2021, I had very high … Continue reading JLS @ Utilita Arena
Words by Abbie Harper S┼Án Festival is an annual music festival in Cardiff city centre. I was fortunate enough to attend the Saturday and Sunday of this yearÔÇÖs festival, and found the atmosphere to be extremely friendly, chilled out and respectful – it was an event for both hardcore ÔÇÿmusic-headsÔÇÖ and casual fans alike, representing a range in ages, backgrounds and tastes. The artists were … Continue reading S┼Án Festival 2023
As a well-publicised feature of this yearÔÇÖs Llais festival, an evening ÔÇ£celebrating Joni MitchellÔÇØ was in high attendance at Wales Millennium Centre. The evening boasted the first complete performance of 2001 album Both Sides Now in this country. It was undertaken by the talents of The BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, plus singers Charlotte Church, Laura Mvula, ESKA, Georgia Ruth and Olivia Chaney. With new … Continue reading Both Sides Now: Celebrating Joni Mitchell @ Llais Festival
Punk Rock Factory started their ÔÇÿItÔÇÖs just a stage weÔÇÖre going throughÔÇÖ EU & UK tour with a bang last night in Bristol. Combining nostalgic throwbacks and childrenÔÇÖs music with a contemporary pop-punk sound, their innovative twist has opened new possibilities for alternative music. Whilst fairly new to the scene after gaining popularity through TikTok, IÔÇÖd argue their stage presence was nothing short of energetic, engaging, and … Continue reading Punk Rock Factory @ SWX Bristol
There were many a pair of shimmering rhinestone-adorned cowboy boots at Clwb Ifor Bach on Saturday the 14th of October. Between Eleri, launching her newly released album The Carnival, and support acts Katie Lou and Megan Lee, jewel-covered footwear was in abundance. The sublime, carefree self-expression the cowboy boot has come to be associated with was evident in all acts’ performances, but is best typified … Continue reading Eleri @ Clwb Ifor Bach
A fun filled event promoting and celebrating the musical talents in Wales has yet again proved that the Welsh indie scene is one to watch. As part of Llais Festival, the awards ceremony for the ÔÇÿWelsh Music PrizeÔÇÖ was presented for the second time in front of a live audience presented by BBC Radio 1ÔÇÖs Sian Eleri on October 10th, at the Millennium Centre in … Continue reading Llais Festival: Welsh Music Prize 2023
Ahead of her performance at this year’s S┼Án Festival, I had the opportunity to sit down with Welsh electronic musician Ani Glass, and chat all things South Wales, creative processes, and the genius of the late, great Martin Rushent. You released your debut solo album, Mirores, in 2020, but you were in a lot of bands before that; whatÔÇÖs your musical journey been like, and how has … Continue reading S┼Án Festival 2023: In Conversation with Ani Glass
Quench were lucky enough to be invited along to Girls Pushing Buttons, a celebration of South Wales-based electronic pop artists – Honey B McKenna, Millie Blooms and Femmebug. As well as a night of fantastic music, we also got the chance to sit down and chat with Honey and Millie about community, their musical journeys, and what they liked about South Wales’ rich and diverse … Continue reading Girls Pushing Buttons: A Celebration of Music, Community and Womanhood
