A round-up of our favourite new tracks
With so much new music being poured into Welsh soundscapes every week, it can be a daunting task to keep ahead of the curve. To give you a little helping hand, we’ve highlighted some of our favourite recent releases from Welsh artists — all freshly sourced from the last eight weeks. From ground-breaking Welsh language drill — to mellow melodies and soothing synths, Klust has it covered.
Sage Todz — ‘Rownd a Rownd’
Though Toda Ogunbanwo is not a newly discovered artist, his name is unknown to many in Wales — or at least it was up until a few weeks ago. Releasing music under his pseudonym Sage Todz, the 22-year-old rapper from Penygroes gained traction as he released ‘Rownd a Rownd’ — the first Welsh language trap track. Dropping hints of jazz into his hip-hop hoops, 'Rownd a Rownd' draws it's strength from Toda's unapologetic lyrical narrative.
Ynys Alys — ‘Rhywbeth Mwy’
A recently-toured theatre production that followed a young girl and her newfound independence, Ynys Alys is also packaged as a four-track EP. Co-composed by rapper Lemarl Freckleton (L E M F R E C K), artist Casi Wyn and electro-producer Alexander Comana, the EP is a rich blend of gentle beats, experimental melodies and honest lyrics. In a league of its own however is the strikingly beautiful 'Rhywbeth Mwy' — a poignant, reflective track which both provokes and inspires.
Charlie J — ‘The One’
Charlie J is a rapper, producer, and songwriter currently based in Porthcawl, South Wales who’s been busy making hip-hop beats since 2018. Releasing his second EP in March this year, ‘A Moment’s Notice’ features stunning collaborations with Ogun, MEZCAL, Katy Mumford, and producer KwanLi. EP Highlight ‘The One’ carries a fine, fluent flow and is underpinned by some neo-soul swagger. A must for your spring playlist.
Yr Eira — ‘Canu Gwlad’
First making waves in the populated indie-pop era (circa 2014), Yr Eira’s sophomore album ‘Map Meddwl’ leans against one of the most accomplished releases in recent years. Going a little under the radar with their latest track, ‘Canu Gwlad’ takes on a relaxed vibe to the tune of spacey synths and falsetto harmonies. Released as part of I KA CHING’s ten-year celebrations, Yr Eira's latest track will be pressed on a special double-sided vinyl in May, along with the label's fifteen other artists.
Talulah — ‘Breuddwydio / Capasiti’
North-Wales based DJ, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Talulah creates woozy fusions of electronic ambience through genre-blending production. Self-mixed with breezy vocals and hybrid percussion styles, Talulah largely works with surreal soundscapes, progressive breakbeat and melancholic melodies. Take a glance at their first offerings here.
Gwenno — ‘Men an Toll’
Long established herself as a Welsh music icon, Gwenno is releasing her third studio album ‘Tresor’ on July 1 via Heavenly Records. Though the follow-up for the album’s lead single ‘An Stevel Nowydh’ is only a minute-and-a-half in length, it captures Gwenno’s singular artistic vision. Sharing a different side to the album, ‘Men an Toll’ inspired by “ancient monuments and how they enable us to reflect on our own nature as human beings and on our relationship to the landscape” — and an embodiment of Cornwall’s Bronze Age formations.
Kiddus — ‘Mashallah’
Of Caribbean, Indian, Filipino and Welsh heritage, Kiddus returns to complete his doubled-sided debut project — ‘Snake Girl’. Part of the jigsaw is 'Mashallah' — a song about losing loved ones and navigating relationships. Flooded with mellow melodies, playful lyrics and irregular mixes, be sure to check out the project in its entirety.
Ify Iwobi — ‘History’
While her new album ‘Better Than That’ is set to be released on 29 April, Ify’s lead-single features R&B vocalist, B-LAKE. Boasting punchy percussion and a bold chorus, the Swansea-born pianist mixes it up with some 90’s nostalgia. Self-composed and self-produced, ‘History’ will leave you wanting to go back for more.
Catch our full round-up here:
