Behind the lens: Rhys Grail
Based in North Wales but often finding himself dotted along the 275-kilometre stretch of the A470, Rhys has a clear idea when it comes to visual identity.
Music is rarely seen as an isolated discipline and one who demonstrates just that is Bethel-born musician and photographer Rhys Grail. Either through tireless gigging with his band Gwilym or through peripheral projects he crafts himself, he rarely lays low. Naming the likes of Gunner Stahl, Joshua J Sneade, and Matteo Montanari among his main influences, Rhys too communicates his creative vision through photography.
Fusing together both his love for music and his eye for capturing stories through lens, Rhys is set to release his debut photo-book ‘Circa 21/22’. Described as a “two-year-long photo documentary of the Welsh language music scene” and a “homage” to the relationships he’s built over that period, the book features over 25 Welsh artists and celebrates the rich subculture that tunnels through its landscape today. From emerging trailblazers Skylrk and Crinc, to more established names such as Candelas and Plu, the collection pulls together his catalogue of captures over a two-year period.
Taking us on a two-year odyssey through different periods of the pandemic, Circa 21/22 is a collaborative diary inclusive of the vicissitudes caused by covid-19. As Rhys puts it himself: "I take a camera with me everywhere so most of the pictures featured are from gigs I’ve just happened to be at. Some of my most memorable shots are taken at small, intimate venues. A stand out for me is a tiny sweaty gig in Paddy’s in Bangor watching Y Cledrau and Elis Derby play. My ears were gone after that gig!”.
From the socially distanced festivals to the eventual reconnection of community through post-pandemic gigs, the photo book spans over 100 pages and captures all corners of Wales. ‘Circa 21/22’ will be launched at Dinas Dinlle’s beach-side cafe BRAF on 24 February, alongside some stripped-back sets from Alffa, Y Cledrau, Skylrk, and new-name keyala.
Catch ‘Circa 21/22’ here.
