Rock duo Alffa (pronounced Alpha) formed in 2015, and consist of Dion Wyn Jones (vocals, guitar) and Sion Eifion Land (drums).
In 2019, the twosome hit the headlines when they became the most streamed Welsh language act ever on the Spotify platform, with three million streams for their two singles alone, reaching a global audience. Alffa’s debut album ‘Rhyddid o’r Cysgodion Gwenwynig’ / ‘Freedom from the Poisonous Shadows’ was released later that year.
We subjected Dion to our Dydd Miwsig Cymru interrogation:
Are you doing anything for Welsh Language Music Day 2022?
I tend to just enjoy new tracks that get released on the day, usually Alffa plays a gig but not this year.
What is the first song in the Welsh language you remember, and what does it mean to you?
One of the first songs that I really enjoyed was ‘Anifail’ by Candelas. Brings back good memories of intimate gigs.
Why do you think the day is important, both inside and outside Wales?
It’s important just to draw more attention to the exciting scene that we have here in Wales and to celebrate it.
What is the best venue welcoming Welsh music, and why?
We only have a handful of venues in Wales to be totally honest. Clwb ifor bach in Cardiff is one of my favorite and they are very good at giving Welsh bands opportunities.
What are your top three Welsh Language songs, and why?
At the moment these are my go to’s – Sywel Nyw – 10/10, Kim Hon – Nofio efo’r fishis, Gwenno – Chwyldro.
Which Welsh albums are you most looking forward to hearing this year?
Looking forward to see more from Malan, Cate Le Bon, Gwenno and Adwaith. And hopefully Alffa.
What do you have coming up in 2022?
Writing some new music with Sion and just enjoying what we love to do.
