Think Welsh music is all hymns and arias (to borrow a line from the legend that is Max Boyce)? Well, it’s time to set the record straight.
The Welsh music scene has never been more vibrant than it is today, with a new generation of artists pushing the country’s sound in exciting new directions, covering all manner of genres, from reggae to old school rock and roll.
Take LEMFRECK, for example, a rapper from the Welsh city of Newport with a menacing, offhand style, who, having been announced as winner of the Welsh Music Prize 2024, is flying the flag for this eclectic new brand of Welsh music. LEMFRECK, whose real name is Lemarl Freckleton, won the annual award, which honours the best Welsh album released in the last 12 months and includes a £10,000 cash prize, for his second album Blood, Sweat and Fears.
But the Newport rapper isn’t the only Welsh artist currently making waves in the industry. Mellt, a fiery three-piece from Aberwswyth known for their energetic brand of indie rock with Welsh lyrics, headlined the Creative Wales-backed Klust London Showcase this summer, while Aleighcia Scott, one of reggae’s brightest stars, has won a legion of admirers thanks to her silky, soulful voice and a captivating stage presence.
Other great Welsh artists tipped to have a big impact on the music scene in 2025 include bilingual hard rock band Ffatri Jam, indie pop artist Megan Wyn, and rapper Luke RV, whose tune Driver’s Seat is a certified summer anthem.
But where can you see these great acts? You might well ask. Cardiff’s multi-venue Swn Festival, which has been taking place each autumn since 2007, is a great place to start, while other festivals with strong Welsh music representation include FOCUS in Wrexham, held in May, Other Voices in Cardigan, in October, and Green Man in Crickhowell, taking place in August.
Alternatively, esteemed live music venues playing host to Welsh bands year-round include Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff, Sin City in Swansea, The Rockin' Chair in Wrexham and The Bank Vault in Aberystwyth.
Learn more about these Welsh artists – and others – who are tipped to do great things in 2025.