08/06/2020

Disgrifiad

A single to thank key workers for their help during COVID. You won't be forgotten

No awards

Dafydd Hedd is an artist who has continued to keep busy during what has been an exceptionally challenging year for performers - whether by leading the "The Calendar" podcast, or staging virtual gigs on his Instagram page. The single "Follow Me" is the latest addition to the Bethesda musician's canon. I've always considered David's music to have a pretty bluesy feel, based mostly on gritty guitar noise, so hearing piano was the main instrument

a breath of fresh air. His unique voice blends beautifully with the song's melancholic chords, which create a bleak and dark atmosphere, though the lyrics contrast; “Follow me, things will get better”. I feel the production needs to be taken into consideration as well, with the heavy reverb on the background guitar being the perfect addition to the atmospheric atmosphere. Although I liked the production and the instrumentation, I feel that the song would have benefited from more musical development, for example by adding more instruments to the end, or introducing a whole new section. Otherwise, from my point of view, this is the most mature example of Dafydd Hedd's work to date, taking us in a different direction. I look forward to hearing more about what the young musician has to offer.

"Niwl” is a single released by a group of musicians/artists who have been part of a project called “Sbardun Talent Ifanc” - which is lead by Endaf Roberts – that gives young up and coming musicians the chance to collaborate with Endaf and create new Welsh language music. Two of four successful applicants for the song were Mike Pritchard (Mike RP) and Dafydd Hedd who both feature in the track. Bethesda based Dafydd is an 18 year old artist who has experience with multiple genres including indie rock, blues, pop and punk (“Niwl” being his first introduction to electronic music) Mike RP is a 19 year old DJ / producer and is mainly associated with tech house and disco. The combination of Dafydd’s vocals and Mike’s club influences work really well together in an eclectic mix of electro and jazz, there is an unmistakable club/remix vibe throughout the track featuring a bouncy bassline and heavy

synth notes that fit perfectly with the Welsh lyrics and Dafydd’s voice. “Niwl” is a song that would complete the soundtrack for a summer of sunshine and the many socially distanced outdoor events that have successfully helped music make its much anticipated comeback. What is even more worth praising is the

main goal of the project which has created the opportunities to set up collaborations between artists who may never have had the chance without it – and “Niwl” proves the efforts have paid off pretty well indeed. A real track for the summer!

14/01/2022

Description

Atgyfodi is a dance track that discusses the great feeling of overcoming difficult times. It is energetic, happy and passionate.

Awards + Reviews:

None

Description:

Inspired by the conflict of either following your dreams or having to earn a living, this bitter track recreates the joy of creating in an ever more corporate landscape. Spacey chorused guitars and a catchy riff encapsulates the song from the beginning. Tight and hard-hitting drums carry the vibe across the song. Dafydd’s grungy and frustrated persona along with his grainy and melodic vocal sets the story and the frustration and joy that creatives often live by.

The album art has a minimalistic template containing little but a title and the bag full of money wearing a beanie hat. It’s those who carry on creating despite the struggles that are indie to me. 

Musically influenced by Megan Wyn, Joey Gardiner, The Skinner Brothers, Alfie Templeman, Liam Gallagher, Blur, Alfie Templeman, and Paramore. Although it’s quite a catch all umbrella of artists, the music is upbeat, has a groovy bass and swing rhythm, people tap their feet and move their hips when it’s played at gigs and it’s a meaningful add to any indie pop or rock playlist.

The type of person who’d love this song may be those wanting a change in the system, hardworking people giving their all in the hope of better days, and indie music lovers and those listeners (legends) who go out of their way to support independent creativity.

No awards

Description:

Drum and bass remix of the song Dafydd wrote about dissassociation and losing a personality.

Description:

The song was inspired by a poem I wrote when I was fourteen years old about how the feeling of unity in the community has evolved over the ages. As an artist from Bethesda, right in the middle of the quarries, the industrial history of the area has made an impression on me. While studying economics in Bristol and reading through old notebooks, I happened to come across the words "How the scene changes? The castle that turns warlike, a cold chapel that still stands, a sorrow that’s routine” (the poem is Welsh and this is a very literal translation). Either way, I felt like I had to create something with this, and try to contrast it with the present.

There is an indie rock vibe with a relaxed feel and energetic intervals. The sound has clearly been influenced by Nirvana, Maffia Mr Huws and Papur Wal with Dafydd's grainy but expressive voice. The guitar sound is a mix of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The 1975 and Mari Mathias. Morgan on the drums has been inspired by shoegaze artists such as Block Party and Tame Imapala and this can be seen in the fills. Osian Cai also takes similar inspiration. The words convey themes of social frustration, despair, existentialism and longing.

Description:

I wrote "Bia Y Nos" last year, amid the drink-spiking crisis to empower victims and send a message. Everyone should be able to enjoy a night out regardless of who they are. The crisis was terrible in Bristol, where I'm a student, so I funnelled my first-hand anger and frustration into this song.

Musically, it has a similar feel to Radiohead, Declan McKenna, CHROMA, Mellt, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Sam Fender. It's characteristic of our developing chilled-out indie vibe, particularly where different guitar melodies lay on top of each other. Thematically, it addresses social justice, safety, resistance and feeling like you're being looked out for. 

In a few words: a feminist indie anthem that aims to empower, inspire, and make people feel safe.

Disgrifiad:

I wrote "Rocstar" from the childish and myopic perspective of a young artist who sees nothing else as important apart from rocking, gigging and touring the world. This is contrasted with the reality of life, political injustices and finding a love in other dreams. During the  song, the "rockstar" grows up; still loving all things music but urges the world to "fight for their rights for the future of the world". The cover looks like a photoshopped stone with an upside down smile, googly eyes and stars in the background. The simple nature (a bit too simple if anything) of this art conveys dysregulation of complex emotions: not being able to follow your dream and the anger, sadness, jealousy and inner confusion that unfolds.

Musically, it has a similar feel and was influenced by Nirvana, Los Blancos, BLE?, The Clash, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Sam Fender. It is typical of the 'chill' punk vibe that is developing.

In a few words: an alternative, grunge-rock anthem that tells the story of a young "rockstar" maturing and becoming angry when injustice kills dreams.