Walking up to the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff for this year’s Welsh Music Prize, the building gives off a warm glow of glamour. The building is lit right up, throwing a gloss onto the ground outside, a spotlight on all attending. Because this is not just about the winner this evening, the entire ethos is concerned with highlighting and bringing together all local music makers, no matter the stature or stage of career. A broadcasting van firmly parked out front because fair play, the night is a special one. The prize celebrating new music by Welsh artists grows bigger in reputation each year and for the first time in the award’s history, music fans are invited to attend alongside shortlisted, longlisted artists, and music industry bods. The 1000 capacity theatre inside holds row upon row and BBC Radio 1 presenter Sian Eleri is a passionate and supportive host, and clearly delighted to be here.
Adwaith – Carmarthen trio Hollie Singer, Gwenllian Anthony and Heledd Owen – nominated for second album Bato Mato, perform first. Having only seen them in 300 cap venues mostly in England, it’s gloriously obvious they are 100% at home on this big beast of a stage. Those shows supporting Idles and the Manics and gigging-gigging-gigging have set them in excellent stead. Read our deep dive interview with Adwaith about the album.
Up next is Dead Method resplendent in pink suit and faux fur. It’s a warm night in the theatre, but the business that is show must go on, sprinkling further glitter on the electro pop album Future Femme.
Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard – nominated for debut album Backhanded Deals – go against the grain a little, rock n roll rebels, and share three brand spanking new songs with us. One’s about singer Tom Rees’ scary dog; the trademark Buzzard humour and wit ever present. We interviewed Tom about Backhanded Deals here.
The Welsh Music Inspiration Award was given to Mike Peters of The Alarm, sadly not present. He was given the nod for his influence on Welsh-language music and the alternative music scene. “We were and still are fiercely Welsh and even though, (coming from Rhyl), we couldn’t speak the language – our music did that for us and the fans understood along with people like Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, who saw the value in our music and accepted us into their worlds by sharing the stage and singing with myself and the band,’ he said in a message. “Last year we continued to break new ground by writing, recording and releasing an album ‘War’ in fifty days during the lockdown. We have always pushed boundaries and from where I’m standing right now, we will continue to do so.”
But of course the winner of the Welsh Music Prize 2022 was given to Adwaith. Winners for the unprecedented second time, having previously scooped 2019’s award for their debut album Melyn, they’ve achieved so much in the interim, the new record a massive progression on the first. As Prize co-founder Huw Stephens commented, they are forever forging ahead. “The judges debated and were blown away by the quality of all 15 albums. They felt Bato Mato by Adwaith deserves this title. We are thrilled for the band, who continue to make excellent music and find new fans constantly,” he said. Click here for our interview with Huw about the Welsh Music Prize.
Adwaith take home ten thousand pounds prize money stumped up by Creative Wales, which will no doubt come in good and handy for that third album they’re already working on. Their record label Libertino had three albums on the shortlist this year – Breichiau Hir with Hir Oes I’r Cof‘ (our chat with them is here), and Papur Wal’s Amser Mynd Adra'(read our interview).
The Triskel Award for new and emerging artists is given to three up and comers. Minas – whose video for his new single ‘Protests‘ we premiered last week – gets an incredible cheer from the audience – but it’s fellow awardees, alt-popstar in waiting Aderyn and drill rapper Sage Todz who play songs for us. Aderyn keeps getting better and better; she is the guest star on the latest edition of our podcast ‘Show Me Magic’, which you can access here. Sage Todz is a revelation; if he brings out an album over the next year we reckon he’ll spank the competition. Metaphorically of course. Loved his impromptu speech after his performance too – how the women and men making music in Wales are here, and totally ready.
A successful night all round, then. We bang on a lot here at GIITTV about how robust and relevant contemporary Welsh music is, especially that created by independent artists and those on small labels. Of their resilience, and determination. We can’t help but think how wonderful it would be if the Welsh Music Prize was on the telly, for all to enjoy – both in Wales and outside if it. We have a dream, ladies and gentlemen.
The ceremony this year is the opening event for Llais, Cardiff’s flagship international arts festival.The other 14 artists in the running for the prestigious award included Manic Street Preachers (nominated for their 14th album), along with eight debut albums – from Art School Girlfriend, Breichiau Hir, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, Dead Method, Danielle Lewis, L E M F R E C K, Papur Wal and Sywel Nyw. The other nominated albums were Bryde – Still, Cate Le Bon – Pompeii, Carwyn Ellis & Rio 18 and The National Orchestra of Wales – Yn Rio, Don Leisure – Shaboo Strikes Back, and Gwenno – Tresor.
Previous winners include Kelly Lee Owens (2021), Deyah (2020), Adwaith (2019), Boy Azooga (2018), The Gentle Good (2017), Meilyr Jones (2016), Gwenno (2015), Joanna Gruesome (2014), Georgia Ruth (2013), Future of the Left (2012) and Gruff Rhys (2011).
Adwaith photo credit: Polly Thomas
