Although some claim that music serves as a universal language, at DIY we firmly believe in expanding our perspectives. This is why we’re excited to partner with Dydd Miwsig Cymru to celebrate their annual event this month. Scheduled for Friday, February 7th, this day—also referred to as Welsh Language Music Day—concentrates on celebrating and promoting various forms of Welsh Language music while also showcasing Wales' rich musical heritage. To commemorate this year’s Dydd Miwsig Cymru, we have gathered a few prominent figures from the Welsh music scene to share why the Welsh language and culture hold such significance for them.
Before the release of their ambitious double album ‘Solas’ this week, we interviewed Heledd Owen, the band’s drummer. You’re set to release your new album ‘Solas’; what mindset did you have when creating this new record? We aimed to be very ambitious with this album. From the outset, we knew we wanted to craft something special with ‘Solas’, so we began by trying to write as many songs as possible. We dedicated considerable time to reflecting on our home and how it has influenced us, wanting to honor West Wales through our music.
What inspired you while making the record? Did you have a specific idea in mind, or was it a more fluid process? Since our last two albums, we’ve all moved away, traveled together, and become more secure in ourselves, which has allowed us to gain a fresh perspective on our roots. In the past, we may have taken this for granted, but this album has helped us rekindle our love for the place where it all began. It delves into the strength and vulnerability we found within ourselves, and we sought to create something that genuinely represents us. ‘Solas’ is a Celtic term that means light, and it encapsulates the joy of being welcomed home.
The album was recorded in several locations; do you think the specific places contributed different elements to the overall feel of the record? We invested a lot of time in recording ‘Solas’; we ultimately utilized 5 or 6 different studios, all of which significantly influenced the album's final sound. A considerable portion of the recording took place at Black Bay Studios in the Outer Hebrides, which was incredibly inspiring. We also traveled to Lisbon, which provided a stark contrast to the Outer Hebrides. We were conscious of our desire for the album to maintain consistency given the extensive body of work it represented, and visiting various studios allowed us the time and perspective necessary to thoughtfully shape how we wanted the album to sound as a cohesive whole.
Creating a double album is quite a challenge—what motivated you to do this? And what gave you the confidence to produce potentially the first Welsh double album? Initially, this album was intended to be a 10 or 12-track project, but we had so many songs in progress that it felt wrong to leave them out. Our manager visited us during pre-production and suggested it could evolve into a double album! We genuinely wanted to challenge ourselves to create the best body of work possible, and it made sense to produce a double album since we had a story to tell without making any compromises.
What does making music in Welsh signify for you? As we’ve matured, it has become increasingly important to us. It’s easy to take for granted when you’re young, but eventually, you realize how fortunate you are to even speak the language, let alone write and perform in Welsh. It is a significant privilege, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had these amazing opportunities, so it’s an honor to be able to sing in Welsh.
How does it feel to have non-Welsh-speaking audiences singing back Welsh lyrics? It’s wonderful! It shows that it doesn’t matter if people don’t speak or understand Welsh; the music still connects with the audience.
Does the success of artists like Kneecap and Gwenno boost your confidence in the readiness of the audience for non-English language artists? Absolutely! We’ve never doubted that people are ready for non-English artists; it’s really the industry that has been slow to adapt. From our personal experiences, we’ve witnessed growing interest and an audience for non-English artists in the UK, and it’s genuinely exciting.
Why do you think it’s essential for events like Dydd Miwsig Cymru to promote and celebrate the Welsh language, especially through music? It’s crucial since many people in the UK are not even aware of the Welsh language. Music provides an accessible means to introduce audiences to a whole new realm without being overwhelming. It’s great that there’s ample media coverage and events surrounding Dydd Miwsig Cymru; it feels like a special occasion each year.
‘Solas’ is set to be released on February 7th via Libertino Records. This feature is presented in partnership with Dydd Miwsig Cymru. For more information, please visit gov.wales/wel
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