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Heddlu is the new musical project by Rhodri Daniel. The Ceredigion native was a founding member of renowned Welsh band Estrons who had a major impact on the industry having gained rave reviews from the likes of NME, Vice, DIY and Clash to BBC Radio , Radio X , Ultimate Guitar, The Guardian and Independent .
After finishing the band in 2019, Rhodri became aware that his hearing was severely damaged. Years of touring the live circuit had taken their toll, Rhodri ultimately being diagnosed with hearing loss, tinnitus and severe sensitivity to noise. The effects were so acute, Rhodri was unable to be in the same room as other people, leave the house or play music for almost a year.
A chance encounter with a retired record producer, who's old forgotten studio on the slopes of the Cambrian Mountains was filled with antique synthesisers, inspired Rhodri to consider music once more. Advised to get outdoors to aid recovery, he embarked on a three-month hike spanning 900 miles of the entire Welsh coastline, where he conceived the new project and was inspired to write the music in his head, to be recorded upon his return. Serendipity led Rhodri back to music, and Heddlu was born. Meaning ‘Police’ in Welsh, from the words ‘peace-force’, Heddlu's music has been true to its’ name, offering a force of peace to the songwriter.
“Cantref”, Heddlu’s debut album, is a concept album of sorts, based on a central character who finds themselves washed down river and castaway at sea, only to descend to the depths of Cambrian Bay to 'Cantref Gwaelod', a mythological sunken celtic city, populated with malevolent long-forgotten spirits. Initially, the protagonist struggles to accept reality, before eventually coming to terms with their fate, and learning to float amongst the ghosts.
'Cantref', is a bilingual electronic rock album, full of volatile sonics, soaring melodies and unexpected turns, inspired by wild places, trauma and beauty.
“Cantref” is out now via 'Zawn Records'
Back in 2014 many were shocked when it was reported that the priceless religious artefact known as the Nanteos Cup had been stolen from its owner’s home in Herefordshire.
The Nanteos Cup is an ancient wooden bowl which for many years was kept at the Mid Wales mansion called Nanteos, whence the vessel derived its name. It is believed to have originated from the medieval Cistercian abbey of Strata Florida.
In 2015 the Cup was recovered by police and in 2016 it was given a new home in the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth where it remains on permanent display.
Many traditions and legends grew around the Cup including the belief that it had healing powers and was made from the wood of the True Cross or may even have been the Holy Grail used by Christ at the Last Supper and may have come from Glastonbury.
Now three authors have written the first dedicated, in-depth history of the Nanteos Cup, chronicling its history from medieval times to the present day. A treasure trove of previously unknown information has been uncovered which goes a long way to identifying, for the first time, the origins and history of the relic. The book examines the way in which the stories and practices around the Cup have evolved over the years and introduces the many colourful characters who have been drawn to the vessel.
The Nanteos Grail is written by John Matthews, Ian Pegler and Fred Stedman-Jones. John Matthews has been a writer for more than 40 years on myth, folklore and ancient traditions. He was awarded a BAFTA for his work as an historical advisor on the movie King Arthur (2004) and his book Pirates (Carlton/Athenaeum) was a number one New York Times bestseller for 22 weeks in 2005. Ian Pegler is a regular reader at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth and has researched Welsh history and legends for many years. Fred Stedman-Jones was chairman of the Pendragon Society and an acknowledged expert on the Nanteos Cup; he was the consultant behind the scenes for a number of documentaries on the Holy Grail which he researched for over 30 years.
The Nanteos Grail was published in March 2022 by Amberley and is widely available from online sellers.
The Nanteos Grail on Wikipedia
Ddydd Sadwrn yma bydd y cofiant cyntaf llawn i Dic Penderyn yn cael ei lansio. Gellir prynu Dic Penderyn: The Man and the Martyr gan Sally Roberts Jones yn www.ylolfa.com ac mewn siopau llyfrau am £9.99. Dilynwch y ddolen yma am wybodaeth lawn.
This Saturday the first full biography of Dic Penderyn will be launched. Dic Penderyn: The Man and the Martyr, by Sally Roberts Jones is available in bookshops and www.ylolfa.com for £9.99. Follow this link for more details.
Dic Penderyn: The Man and the Martyr will be launched at 10:30am on Saturday, 30 th July at Aberafan Library (1 st Floor, Aberafan Shopping Centre, Port Talbot, SA13 1PB). The event is free but spaces are limited, so booking is required. Please contact the Library (01639 763490).
The free concert will be held at the Grand Hotel, Port Talbot, starting at 7pm on Saturday, 30 th July. Excerpts from Iniquity / Camwedd and a performance by singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph. There will also be a book signing with Sally Roberts Jones. To ensure a seat, contact Eirwen Hopkins: eirwenhopkins@aol.com / 07873 985527.
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'Llygredd Gweledol' yw teitl EP diweddaraf y triawd o dde Cymru, CHROMA. Wedi'u recordio'n fyw gan y cynhyrchydd Kris Jenkins (Cate Le Bon, SFA, Gruff Rhys), mae'r caneuon sydd yn ymddangos ar 'Llygredd Gweledol' - 'Llygredd Gweledol, Caru. Cyffuriau, Meindia'r Gap, Weithiau' - yn dal sain amrwd ac egniol CHROMA, sain sydd wedi cadarnhau y band fel profiad byw y mae'n rhaid ei weld.
Mae drymiau di-stop Zac a riffiau bas mentrus Liam yn plethu i greu storm lle mae Katie yn troelli ei gwirionedd melodaidd di-rwystr, yn onest ac sydd yn torri i'r asgwrn.
Casgliad o ganeuon yw 'Llygredd Gweledol' sy’n gadael y gwrandawr yn awyddus am yr hyn a ddaw nesaf, mae’n droad y dudalen, yn dudalen wag gyda’r posibiliadau creadigol o ble mae CHROMA'n mynd nesaf. Mae nhw'n fand gyda chymaint i'w ddweud a chymaint i'w rannu.
'Meindia’r Gap' allan ar 29 Gorffennaf.
'Llygredd Gweledol' is the title of South Wales three-piece CHROMA's latest EP. Recorded live by producer Kris Jenkins (Cate Le Bon, SFA, Gruff Rhys), 'Llygredd Gweledol' songs - 'Llygredd Gweledol, Caru.Cyffuriau, Meindia’r Gap, Weithiau' - capture the versatile and energetic sound that Chroma have made their own…..a sound that has cemented the band’s reputation as a must see live experience.
The fearless intertwined drums and bass riffs of Zac and Liam create a thunderstorm on which vocalist and lyricist Katie spins her melodic unbridled truth, honest and bone deep.
'Llygredd Gweledol' Is a collection of song that leave the listener eager for what comes next, it’s a turning of the page, empty with the creative possibilities of where Chroma go next. They are a band with so much to say and so much to share.
'Meindia’r Gap' will be out on 29th July
Heddlu is the new musical project by Rhodri Daniel. The Ceredigion native was a founding member of renowned Welsh band Estrons who had a major impact on the industry having gained rave reviews from the likes of NME , Vice, DIY and Clash to BBC Radio , Radio X , Ultimate Guitar , The Guardian and Independent.
After finishing the band in 2019, Rhodri became aware that his hearing was severely damaged. Years of touring the live circuit had taken their toll, Rhodri ultimately being diagnosed with hearing loss, tinnitus and severe sensitivity to noise. The effects were so acute, Rhodri was unable to be in the same room as other people, leave the house or play music for almost a year.
“Auto-Da-Fé” is out on 22nd July 2022 on 'Zawn Records'.
Heddlu is the new musical project by Rhodri Daniel. The Ceredigion native was a founding member of renowned Welsh band Estrons who had a major impact on the industry having gained rave reviews from the likes of NME, Vice, DIY and Clash to BBC Radio, Radio X, Ultimate Guitar, The Guardian and Independent.
“Auto-Da-Fé” is out on 22nd July 2022 on 'Zawn Records'.
WHY IS FACEBOOK DISCRIMINATING AGAINST WALES AND THE WELSH LANGUAGE?
Readers may not be aware but it is now impossible to target persons who are interested in Wales or the Welsh language in Facebook ads! This development, which occurred recently, means that persons advertising Welsh language courses or indeed anything of specific Welsh interest are being actively prevented from reaching their target audience on the platform.
The image below demonstrates that the 'celtic languages' option has also been removed from targeting.
This leaves 'North Wales' as the ONLY general targeting option for advertisers concerned to reach a Welsh audience. 'Welsh language' and 'Wales' were both removed months ago ago.
If you search for 'Wales' you get this:
If you search for 'Welsh language' you will be presented with the following: ( i.e. nothing )
It should be noted that there is no such problem when we search 'Irish language':
This is blatant discrimination and AmeriCymru is considering withdrawing its advertising from the platform. Any attempt by our staff to reach Facebook for an explanation of this policy would be met with the usual deafening silence.
Clearly Facebook is of the opinion that Wales and the Welsh language are not , and should not be, of any interest to its membership. Under the circumstances we may decide to concentrate our time and resources on an alternative platform that does not hold our nation in utter contempt. If we do, Facebook will not be missed.
EISTEDDFOD COMPETITIONS, NORTH AMERICAN FESTIVAL OF WALES (AUG. 31 – SEPT. 4, 2022)
By Ceri Shaw, 2022-07-07
Once again, it's time to enter the Eisteddfod of The North American Festival of Wales! There are several opportunities to compete, for those attending #NAFOW in Philadelphia (Aug. 31 – Sept. 4) or not, including:
- POETRY COMPOSITION: Welsh Language and English Language, both for Adults (age 18+) and Youth (ages 11-17), each with a $250 grand prize. Entry deadline: JULY 22
- STAGE COMPETITIONS (Sat., Sept. 3 in Philadelphia): Solo Voice / Semi-Professional (for the Welsh North America Prize and a $3500 scholarship to travel to compete in Wales next year); Hymn Singing; Welsh Language Recitation and English Language Recitation. Entry deadlines: AUGUST 22 for singing competitions, no deadline for recitation competitions.
- VISUAL ARTS: For popular viewing & voting in Philadelphia. Entry deadline (for title/description): AUGUST 22.
- LIMERICK COMPOSITION: Something new & fun for those attending in-person in Philadelphia… check it out when you get there!
Click on the link for all the information and links you’ll need to enter… and for any questions please write to eisteddfod@nafow.org !
LINK: http://festivalofwales.org/eisteddfod-competition.html
