Awst Releases New Single ‘Afallon’

Awst releases his bittersweet new single ‘Afallon’ that captures childhood memories, out now.

Awst is the project of Eryri musician Cynyr Hamer. Awst returns with bittersweet new single ‘Afallon’ a hazy wistful song about not being able to recapture childhood memories of long hot summers in the 90s, spending time with family in his grandparents home. Hamer says “over the years our grandparents’ home has become like a mythical magical place which exists only in our memories, like the mythical story of Avalon.”

With a redolent, glowing, psych tinged strum and lilting vocals, it’s a wistful and gorgeous window into childhood and fond memories. The accompanying video is a snapshot of that place and time, filmed by his dad through a larger camcorder in the early 1990s.

“And to be in the place of my home, now I seek for that place far within my memory”

Having been involved in various other bands over the years, such as Worldcub, Hippies Vs Ghosts, and We Are Animal, Awst is Cynyr’s more personal solo brainchild. Active since 2021, a handful of releases are already under the belt, including debut album ‘Haul/Lloer’ follow up self titled album ‘Awst’ and newly released album’ Mewn Côf’. All released within a year.

Awst’s songs are crafted from acoustic melodies, layered with dreamy guitars and synths, with the occasional horn sections. The material is written and recorded entirely by Cynyr on a tascam multitrack recorder in a caravan up in the Eryri hills. The songs are recorded almost always on first takes, keeping the live element of excitement of playing the parts for the first time, with spontaneity, playfulness and freedom captured in the music. The songs often conjure up nostalgic feelings at the end of summer, capturing bittersweet memories and sounds.

Having played electro-acoustic sets at numerous shows in the past year, including FOCUS Wales Festival and FOCUS Wales’ Dydd Miwsig Cymru event,  Awst set out to release his third album, with the single ‘Hafan’ being the first to appear, followed by second single ‘Aros Tan Ddydd’, ‘Afallon’; is the third and final single to be released from his summer album release titled ‘Mewn Côf’.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Josh Hicks Releases New Single ‘Everything About You’

23 year old South Wales singer-songwriter Josh Hicks releases his second single, Everything About You. After attending ACM in Guildford, where he gained a First in vocal performance, Josh entered the Open Mic competition in 2021 and won the overall competition, against 15k other entries (previous winners include Birdy and Lola Young). 

Josh from Newport, working with long-time producer/writer Shatterjack, says ‘This song was written by Shatterjack, Kemi Sulola and myself. Everything About You is about having an absolute fascination for someone and feeling utterly and powerlessly bowled over by that person. It’s about not listening to what people may say about them and just trusting your own thought processes and instincts.’ 

With a contemporary, classic pop sound that embodies soulful yet subtle jazz inclinations, while Hicks’ songs are aimed at younger audiences, they’re equally able to cross the generational divide. Inspired by lyrical greats such as Cole Porter and Amy Winehouse, Hicks injects personality into his writing, drawn from personal experience. 

With its dramatic, modern melodies and soulfully expressive lyrics this second single pays testament to Josh’s powerful vocals and innate ability to write life-affirming songs. The track provides all the evidence you need that this bright young star is set to shine. 

Catch Josh playing live this autumn around various venues in Wales. Follow him on Insta, Tik Tok and Spotify for further live announcements. 

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Maines Release New Album ‘Sometimes We Live’

Hailing from North Wales, Maines is a combination of Post-Rock, Punk, Shoe gaze and noise rock. The band have previously released two EPs and two singles.

Maines have self released their latest album ‘Sometimes We Live’, which is a reflection of their struggles over the past three years, the pandemic, losing two band members and vocalist Dave moving to Reading for 18 months and was recorded at Penmaenmawr at Orange Sound Studio.

As the band continue to develop their sound they stand poised, ready for an exciting journey ahead. On the release of their brilliant debut album they have become and exciting band on the rise.

Check out their debut album out now on all streaming platforms.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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The Stray Pursuit Release New Single ‘Mama’

Hailing from Swansea, The Stray Pursuit emerges as a dynamic force in the realm of Alternative Rock. Distinctive for their guitar-driven riffs and captivating vocals, each track becomes an embodiment of their eclectic musical tastes. Inspired by bands like Green Day, Stereophonics and Guns N Roses, their music resonates with a unique fusion of influences. 
 
The four-piece consists of the lead singer Aaron Morgan, lead guitarist Dylan Evans, bassist Fred Wilkinson, and drummer Ben Lewis. They had their first gig in November 2018, quickly followed by a string of sold-out shows. Including Swansea’s renowned music hub Sin City in March 2019 with their debut single release show of “Out of This World”. Since then, they have supported The K’s, featured on This Feeling’s ‘Big in 2020’, and played alongside Sub Focus, Steel Bangelz and Caity Baser at the Swansea Student Summer Ball 2023. 
 
The band’s origin story traces back to an unexpected bus ride that led Aaron and Fred to forge an unexpected bond. Despite being rivals in separate bands, their chemistry became undeniable during a jam session. The addition of exceptional talents lead guitarist Dylan and drummer Nicky solidified the line-up. 
 
Tragedy struck when founding drummer Nicky Bevan passed away in December 2022. The devastating loss catalysed a renewed purpose for the band: to honor Nicky’s legacy and prove their potential for greatness. The pandemic-induced hiatus and Fred finishing university provided a window for maturity for the band. Emerging from this break in June 2022, and Ben joining the band later in April 2023, The Stray Pursuit re-entered the practice room, channelling their energy into crafting new tracks and elevating their stage presence and live performance. 
 
A new chapter unfolded at Longwave Studios in Cardiff, where they collaborated with producer Romesh Dodangoda to record their debut EP. Scheduled for release by December 2023, this EP promises to be a testament to their growth and artistic evolution. 
 
 
About the song:
 
Delving into the intricacies of a strained relationship between a son and his mother, ‘Mama’ becomes an emotional canvas where frustration and confusion are elegantly woven into a quest for clarity, improved communication, and a shared understanding. 
 
The song’s foundation is built upon a commanding bassline, driving the rhythm with unwavering intensity. Intermittent pauses and calculated breaks strategically highlight moments where the titular word ‘Mama’ is delivered with unwavering vocal prowess, charged with raw power and undeniable passion. 
 
This punchy and enthralling composition not only captivates the senses but offers a tantalising glimpse of the journey The Stray Pursuit promises to embark upon. 
 
Produced under the expert guidance of Romesh Dodangoda, at Longwave Studios in Cardiff, this single aims to leave an indelible mark on the auditory landscape.
 

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Josh Weaver Releases Debut Album ‘Love, Loss & Mental Wealth’

Hailing from Anglesey is solo artist Josh Weaver, Josh has been writing music for many years and playing gigs for a decade now, playing regularly on the North Wales scene.

His music covers all types of genres and will have you dancing, laughing and at times even crying. Josh covers many topics, even difficult ones as of October last year with his independently released single ‘I’m Fine’, a song all about men’s mental health, all royalties for the first 12 months are going to charity.

He takes his inspiration from the likes of Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Oasis and Blink 182.

His latest album ‘Love, Loss & Mental Wealth’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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FOCUS Wales at Reeperbahn Festival 2023!

We’re excited to be presenting a showcase at Reeperbahn Festival, Germany on 21st September 2023 with performances from AdwaithMace The Great, and Gillie. Join the team behind the FOCUS Wales festival at Sommersalon, Spielbudenpl. 22, Hamburg, from 1pm for complimentary drinks and networking (arrive early to avoid missing out), followed by music from Wales from 2:00pm.
 
MORE INFO HERE





Emily Marsden – Editor
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Stellar Echoes Release Debut Album ‘Now Is All There Is’

Can you hear an echo?

South Wales based Stellar Echoes fuse elements of alternative, indie and psych rock.
Their debut album was recorded at Kings Road Studio in Cardiff after singer, guitarist and songwriter Huw Webb found a renewed rush of enthusiasm to write music again after being stuck in lockdown.

Stellar Echoes consists of Huw Webb (Vocals, Guitar), Dan John (Guitar), Dean Powell (Bass) and Michael Nash (Drums).

So give their fantastic new album a listen, you won’t be disappointed! Out now on all streaming platforms.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Jammy Releases New Single ‘Try’

Nominated for the Welsh Music Prize, JAMMY is a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Cardiff. Heavily influenced by Nik Kershaw, Tom Petty, John Mayer and all things 80s.

JAMMY has previously released a full-length album and is now working on his second album. His first single of the upcoming album, ‘Sing’ received great praise, and now his second single ‘Try’ has already caught the eye of Welsh Connection’s Michael Kennedy. He says ‘Do we like it? We LOVE it – it’s got a fantastic 80’s retro feel to it but with enough contemporary touches to avoid it sounding in any way dated. There’s a backbeat reminiscent of Tears For Fears but everything else is 100% Jammy and it’s the sound of a massive hit.’

JAMMY also produced and played on fellow Welsh artist, Kaysha Louvain’s, Welsh Music Prize nominated album ‘The Song Goes On’ Try is the second single from Jammy’s upcoming untitled second album.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Swan Hill Release New Double A-Side ‘Rosebud/Landlines’

Swansea indie-fuzz favorites Swan Hill have not one, but two new offerings of hooky guitar goodness in the shape of Double A-Side ‘Rosebud/Landlines’. Following hot on the heels of the success of 2022’s ‘Unlucky’, these two complimentary tracks showcase the band’s unmistakable style.

The anthemic ‘Rosebud’ has become a staple of the band’s live sets with it’s driving guitar riff, searing Mascis-esque dual guitar solos and vocal harmonies akin to the Wilson brothers after several cans of Oranjeboom. The lyrics touch upon age old topics such as the loss of youth, microwaveable evening meals and the poor selection of vinyl at charity shops.

‘Landlines’ broadens the band’s musical palette, opening with a simple programmed drum machine beat before bursting into layers of angular guitars and asymmetric descending basslines. A paean to an obsolete format of tele-communications, this catchy sub 3 minute indie banger is the synthesis of the coolness of early Strokes and the chaos of Guided by Voices you never knew you needed.

The tracks were recorded by the band in a shed somewhere in the valleys of Neath and brought to life by the mixing and mastering of esteemed Leeds based producer Bob Cooper (Jools, Ferocious Dog, Don’t Worry , Hot Mass).

Swan Hill are Chris (Vocals/Guitar), Dan (Guitar), Rory (Drums/Vocals) and Owain (Bass/Vocals). Since their first few shows in 2021, the band have made a name for themselves as a tight knit musical unit, spreading their gospel of fuzzy power pop and off kilter humour on small stages across the UK that they can barely fit their pedalboards on. This has included a DIY tour of England, a couple of packed out sets at The Swansea Fringe Festival and headlining the legendary Clwb Ifor Bach.

‘Rosebud/Landlines’ is the new Double A-Side single from Welsh fuzz enthusiasts Swan Hill. The band’s 90s tinged indie will be sweet-feedback-laden music to the ears of fans of Pavement, Weezer and Dinosaur Jr. Out July 28th on streaming services and cassette tape.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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10 Years Of Wrexfest 2023

This year Wrexham are celebrating a whole decade of Wrexfest! From indie rock vibes to soulful ballads, there is something for everyone at Wrexfest. Dive into a world of music, arts and culture right in the heart of Wales’ beloved town. To top it off most events are free, experience top entertainment right on your doorstep. So whether you are looking to dance to fresh beats or relive classic tunes, Wrexfest is the place to be this weekend! Let’s celebrate community, culture and connection.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com