Sky Barkers is an indie trio based in coastal West Wales. It is comprised of Joanna MacGregor Messore, Dan Messore and Matt Brown. They make groove based, hook heavy, vocal laden music - lyrically connective and energy driven, rooted in song-writing but with a wonky edge.

‘Beholden to None’ is their first single as a trio and speaks to the new sound that is emerging. “This is a song that invites you into one of my regular day dreams – what would life be like if I was a wanderer, a rover, a free soul flitting from town to countryside, sleeping in nooks of the earth and following old paths? Of course, it’s is a romanticised version of what it would actually be like to live that way – its more about that deep, simple urge to just get up and walk off. To be answerable to no one, leave no forwarding address - to know that no governing body or co-orperate nonsense can find you. To be elusive, beholden to none but the night sky”.

Horizons Launchpad fund announces the award of over £63,000 to forty-nine emerging Welsh artists, the most since the funding pot was established in 2014. The fund is part of Horizons – a partnership between BBC Cymru Wales and Arts Council of Wales, investing in and platforming original music talent.

The artist receiving awards to develop their fledgling careers in music include dramatic trans auteur Alice Low who won the Triskel Award at the Welsh music awards last year ; Newport’s BBC 6Music favourites The Bug Club; Ladies of Rage alumni Asha Jane - a neu-soul star and Sex Education actress; emerging confessional pop star Hana Lili who has caught the attention of Spotify’s New Music Friday and New pop UK playlisters; award-winning songwriter Rebecca Hurn ; viral tick-tock sensation K(E)NZ ; Libertino records risers KIM HON ; Green Man rising winner Teddy Hunter ; Cardiff MC and Music venue ambassador Mace the Great who has just been announced for SXSW … and many more hotly tipped Welsh artists to be excited about this year!

At a time when lockdowns have caused uncertainty for live music and releases, Horizon’s Launchpad 2022 delivers a bumper year of awards with over £63,000 in awards offered to support the work of emerging Welsh talent from across the country and the spectrum of the music scene in Wales. Including a strong contingent of artists from the MOBO community including a key record label in the hip hop community, the exciting Welsh Language music scene and artists gaining recognition and growing their audiences on stage and on record.

Since its inception in 2014, Horizons and the Launchpad fund has been granted to over 250 artists, from over 60 different towns, across the whole of Wales spending £273,000 in the Welsh music ecosystem. The funds for Launchpad are made possible through the National Lottery, allocated to the project by Arts Council of Wales.

The applications were selected by a panel including Leigh Jones (PRS), Laura Herd (Queens Hall), Helen Weatherhead (BBC 6Music), Gethin Pearson (Producer), Esyllt (Dirty Pop DJ), Rachel K Collier (Musician), DJ Jaffa, Lekan (Intricate Management), Kima Otung (Musician), Elan Evans (Clwb Ifor Bach), Hollie (Adwaith/ Musician), Ifan Davies (BBC Radio Cymru/ Swnami/ Musician), Natalie Jones (Focus Wales), and Andrew Ogun (Arts Council of Wales).

Many have been supported in their creative work with the fund enabling them to utilize studio time, specially commissioned photography and artwork, promotion of releases, equipment, video production and touring costs. For the forty nine artists awarded funding this year this is a key moment in their journey, which could in the future include artist development, promotion and showcases sets at major festivals.

Lisa Matthews-Jones, Portfolio Manager with Arts Council of Wales said: “We were bowled over by the number and richness of the applications that came in. There is a tremendous amount of music talent in Wales across all genres and corners and Launchpad is a vital opportunity to elevate these artists”

Bethan Elfyn, Project Manager with Horizons said, “We’re very grateful to the Arts Council of Wales and BBC Cymru for supporting this project into its 8th year, to be able to provide a much needed development step for a whole host of artists in Wales. It’s more important than ever to connect a community, to believe in the artists and their journey, and to inject the Welsh music industry with investment in the whole ecosystem around the artists from the studios, to producers, labels, promotion companies and more. We’re really excited to see how these music projects develop.”

Launchpad artists react to the funding awards:

Ci Gofod

"I am so pleased to have support from Horizons for my EP release in 2022. I have been inspired by artists who have previously worked with Horizons, so to get involved with this year's project is a true honour. With the backing of the Launchpad fund, I am able to have my EP mastered by some of the industry’s leading sound engineers, as well as producing an online ‘zine where listeners can learn more about the background of the songs and Ci Gofod itself. Launching in summer 2022, the EP will add some Welsh-language funk and neo-soul to the melting pot of the Welsh music scene."

Soren Araujo

"I’m truly happy to have been selected, I couldn’t be any more grateful. The Horizons Launchpad Fund will have a significant impact in my career as a musician. It’ll allow me to finally record an EP collaborating with other welsh musicians, to showcase the beauty of the welsh language and that of my mother tongues (Portuguese and Creole). Ultimately, it’ll help me grow roots in this beautiful country that my family and I call home."

Tara Bandito

‘ Thanks to the Horizons Launchpad Fund I’ll be able to create two music videos filled with dancers, sequins and fun. I believe that tackling tough topics with lightness can help so I look forward to coinciding the depth of the lyrics with visual joy and some pumping beats to boot!’

Full list of artists:

ALICE LOW

With just two audacious singles released so far (‘Ladydaddy’ and ‘Cry Baby’), enigmatic trans auteur Alice Low has been causing ripples of excitement for her exuberant live shows including a performance at Swn Festival, heartfelt lyrics and unhinged energy. Low has received funding for live touring and press and promotion.

ANWAR SIZBAR

Anwar Sizbar is a 23 year old RnB, Soul and Hip hop artist based in Cardiff. Releasing his first mixtape, he’s performed a raft of sets including a headline show at the Tramshed. He received airplay on BBC Radio Wales and contributed a verse to 'We won't forget' dedicated to those from the ethnic minority community who lost their lives during the pandemic. He’s received funding for musicians and video production.

AISHA KIGS

Aisha Kigs harnesses her Swahili heritage, Welsh upbringing and African-American musical influences into her song-writing. Growing up idolising the likes of Whitney Houston from the age of ten, she effortlessly blends R&B, pop and hip hop influences to create modern pop songs. She has received funding for video production.

ALEKXSANDR

Cardiff born artist and actor ALEKXANDR is a striking talent releasing his debut in 2017 with 's a l t c r y s t a l s' it was picked up by DIY magazine and CLASH, self producing his songs and directing all of his own visuals from his bedroom he has been nominated the Berlin Music Video Awards.He’s received funding for production.

ALICE LOW

With just two audacious singles released so far(Ladydaddy and Cry Baby), enigmatic trans auteur Alice Low has been causing ripples of excitement for her exuberant live shows including a performance at Swn Festival, heartfelt lyrics and unhinged energy. Low has received funding for live touring and press and promotion.

ARTSHAWTY

Cardiff based Artshawty taps into her Pakistani heritage and modern influences and alongside producer Volcano Szn, she explores dreamy and bedroom pop with lofi r&b grooves. She has received funding for promotion and video production.

ASHA JANE

Ladies of Rage alumni Asha Jane is a Cardiff based neo-soul artist with a multicultural heritage and a distinctive voice. She’s supported Kae Tempest and performed sets at The Great Escape, Big Love and Sŵn Festival. She’s also an actress on three seasons of the Netflix show 'Sex Education'. She has received funding for studio time, production and a promotional campaign.

BANDICOOT

Swansea’s Bandicoot have developed a reputation for energetic live performances and catchy garage pop tunes. Last year included a run of insatiable singles ‘Fuzzy’ and ‘Life Death and Other things’ and appearances at Green Man Festival and FOCUS Wales, Their debut album is produced by Tom Rees (Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard) & mastered by Ed Al-Shakarchi.They’ve received funding for instruments and live production.

THE BUG CLUB

Comprising the creative trio of Sam Willmett (guitar/vocals), Tilly Harris (bass/vocals) and Dan Matthew (drums), The Bug Club formed in 2016 in Caldicot, Monmouthshire and have swiftly gained a reputation for witty, raucous tunes across some much talked about live sets and a string of insatiable singles culminating in a brilliant mini album ‘Pure Particles’ they’re set for a big 2022 with a raft of dates and a session for Marc Riley on BBC 6 music. They’ve received funding for recording and mastering.

CHASING SHADOWS

Denigbshire’s Chasing Shadows have played FOCUS Wales, Manchester Academy, Liverpool's O2 Academy and received radio play and streams from across the globe. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Sam, was registered visually impaired in 2022 but this has not stopped him or the band with their fifth EP to be released in 2022. They’ve received funding for recording and video production.

CELAVI

CELAVI are an industrial/ electro metal band from Bangor. The duo released their debut EP entitled 'NOVUS' in August 2019, reaching 250,000 streams in less than a year. In October 2021 the band celebrated reaching the milestone of 1 million streams worldwide. They’ve received funding for recording and production.

CLWB FUZZ

This emerging Cardiff five piece ensemble create fuzzed out walls of sound with a run of standout singles culminating with the release of ‘God(Let You Lose’ last year they’ve received BBC 6 music support and performed at Swn and Focus Wales. They’ve received funding for promotion of releases and investment in merchandise.

CERYS HAFANA

Cerys Hafana is a triple harpist, pianist and composer from Machynlleth. She uses techniques and effects on the triple harp to evoke the language, landscapes and history of Wales. She’s performed at Festival Interceltique de Lorient, Ara Deg, Sŵn. She is also a member of Avanc (the Welsh Youth Folk Ensemble), and released her first solo album, Cwmwl, in 2020. She has received funding for collaboration and studio time.

CI GOFOD

Ci Gofod is the project of Maestag’s Jack Thomas Davies, he writes and records his bountiful 80s-inspired soul-infused disco-funk grooves in his bedroom studio. Ci Gofod’s singles have been a regular feature on Adam Walton’s BBC Radio Wales show and BBC Radio Cymru. He has received funding for mastering and production and a zine.

CUPSOFTE

Cupsofte is a mixed-race, queer, dyslexic poet from Cardiff. Reflecting upon her experiences growing up of prejudice and inequality she has performed at Festival of the Voice and the Horizons summer tour. CUPSOFTE receives funding for production and promotion.

GWENNO MORGAN

Gwenno Morgan is a 22 year old pianist / composer, originally from Bangor, Gwynedd. A graduate of the University of Leeds this year (1st Class BMus), now in the midst of a 'Composition and Production' Master's course at Goldsmiths, University of London.At Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor she was a member of the successful Jazz Band and had Piano lessons from Ben Muskett, Sioned Webb and Iwan Llewelyn-Jones at the William Mathias Music Centre.She has received funding for studio time and production.

HANNA LILI

21 year old Hana Lili used lockdown to her advantage, producing and writing a series of intimate confessional singles with modern pop production that have seen her included on Spotify’s New Music Friday and New pop UK playlists and receive support from the Guardian. She has received funding for production and studio time to record an album.

HEMES

Hemes is an exciting emerging pop artist born to both Arabic parents, her love for songwriting and poetry grew from a young age. Based in Pontypridd, her music is produced by Welsh producer Daniel Evans (LVR) and infuses Arabian scales with modern pop. She followed up “Who Needs Love” with an EP - Matters of the Mind in 2021. She has received funding for production and visual design.

TEDDY HUNTER

Teddy Hunter is a Cardiff based audio visual artist and musician working in alternative music. Winner of the Green Man Rising competition last year, she has also released a critically acclaimed single ‘Games’ and has a full album in the works for 2022. She received funding for mixing and recording.

JAMES AND THE COLD GUN

Hailing from Cardiff, James And The Cold Gun is a two-piece rock band comprised of James Joseph (ex-Holding Absence) and James Biss (ex-Frown Upon). With an urgent, exciting hard riffing rock sound the band recorded their debut EP with acclaimed (two-time Grammy award winning) producer Adrian Bushby (Foo Fighters, Placebo, Muse). They’ve received funding for studio time and instruments.

K(E)NZ

19 year old rapper from Swansea. With his personal lyrics about growing up and his life on the streets he puts his own spin on drill and UK hip hop. He’s generated a 200k following on TikTok in under a year. He has received funding for mixing, equipment and studio time.

KINNIGAN

KINNGAM is a Welsh-based hip-hop artist with Sudanese heritage who has only just begun his career, born in the Netherlands his first exposure to hip hop and early influence was established and respected Dutch rapper Ali B, Kinnigan released his first single ‘No Pain No Gain’ his latest and seventh installment is the single titled ‘Think Of Me’. They’ve received funding for a video shoot and promotion.

KIM HON

KIM HON are an exciting bilingual 5-piece from the Caernarfon area in North Wales. Signed to Libertino Records their debut EP 'Stoppen Met Roken', have an uplifting sound brimming with psyche guitar riffs, melodic synth leads and floaty acoustic tracks. They’ve received funding for mastering and production.

KNOMAD

Cardiff’s Knomad has developed his 'out-the-bedroom-window' sound as a multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter and soulful vocalist. Holding an eclecticism that leans him towards an ambient genre-blurring sound. In collaboration he’s turned the music created from his bedroom into a full live experience at venues such as Tramshed. He has received funding for music video and radio promotion.

L E M F R E C K

Cardiff's L E M F R E C K excels in unique storytelling with underground gritty sounds and honest detailed lyricism. Combining his grime upbringing with classically trained musicianship. He has received funding for instruments and equipment.

LLOYDY LEW

25 year-old Lloydy Lew is from Cwmbran, South Wales. Blurring the lines between hip hop bars and r&b sounds his most recent EP titled 'Good Intentions' was a collaborative effort with artists like Luke RV and talented producers, Minas and DØN. He has received funding for promotion, video production and equipment.

LUKE RV

Luke RV is from Neath Port Talbot Luke's music is about everything from mental health to drug use. His debut single 'Lost' released in 2018 has amassed more than 14,000 views on YouTube. His latest release ‘Valley Boy’ was nominated for the Welsh Music Prize last year. He’s received funding for production, mastering and promotion.

MACE THE GREAT

Mace The Great is an exciting name on the Grime and Hip Hop scene, hailing from Cardiff. Having won a Triskel Award at the Welsh Music Prize 2020, and garnering the support of the likes of BBC 1Xtra. Mace The Great is now primed for a huge 2022, which will see an appearance at SXSW and the release of his much anticipated debut album, following on from the success of his critically acclaimed EP ‘My Side Of The Bridge’. He has received funding for production. a music video and merchandise.

MALAN

Caernarfon based artist Malan creates a refreshing fusion of Jazz, Neo-Soul and Pop. She was selected as a winner of last year's Triskel Prize, was added to Spotify's 'New Music Friday' playlist, received Radio 1 airplay and won Y Selar's top new artist for 2020. She has three singles for 2022 in the works. She has received funding for a music video, artwork and photography.

MALI HAF

Mali Hâf is a 24 year old, Cardiff based artist, creating magical songs that includes a modern R&B sound laced with catchy pop melodies. Mali Hâf's wish is to be able to see and hear her own culture and language reflected in her music. She has received funding for promotion and a music video.

MANTARAYBRYN

Cardiff’s Mantaraybryn takes inspiration from history, nature, and literature, alongside his own diary entries and poetry, Mantaraybryn's vocals and lyrics are what set him apart. His latest EP, 'Year of the Heron', is a stark body of work focusing and celebrating the theme of isolation. His latest EP is Mantaraybryn's most confident step forward to date. He has received funding for touring.

MARARI MORE

Cardiff’s Mirari is an artist who draws from personal experience of the world around him, growing up immersed in different cultures (Nigerian, British, Caribbean and American). His cutting-edge lyricism gets personal tapping into emotions, blending melody and rap bars harmoniously.

NIQUES

22 year old Niques is a ray of sunshine brought to the overcast skies of Wales, she dabbles within genres and she is experimental with her creations, brewing a storm of sweet vocals and melodies. She has received funding for recording, music video and promotional materials.

PANTA RAY

Panta Ray is a duo comprising a Welshman and a Kazakh, growing up together in Cardiff they spent years making music on Bagdat's mum's computer in Llanishen. They have accumulated over 1.5 million plays across all platforms; their song 'Supreme' was in the 'Top 50 USA Viral' playlist. They’ve received funding for mastering and instruments.

REBECCA HURN

Rebecca Hurn is a global award winning singer-songwriter from South Wales. Her debut EP ‘Waves’ was awarded as ‘Best Song’ at Cardiff Music Awards and ‘Best Folk Songwriter’ in New York City’s Independent Music Awards. Last year she headlined Isle Of Wight Festival, Rebecca was only one of two Welsh headliners, the other being Tom Jones. She has received funding for production.

ROMAN YASIN

A Kurdish native 21 year old Yasin was raised in Cardiff. His intense love for poetry, and psychology has pushed him to release a wide variety of sounds and moods across his rapidly developing catalogue. He’s received funding for music production, video, a photo shoot and promotion.

SKYLRK

skylrk. is the unique new project by North Wales director Hedydd Ioan. With his storytelling skills and writing ability mixes hip hop and indie elements He released his first single, 'dall.' in August, a day after he won the Brwydr y Bandiau Maes B and BBC Radio Cymru. A week after releasing the first single skylrk. was also a guest on a song by Endaf and Fairhurst called 'Gweld dy Hyn'. He has received funding for equipment.

SOREN ARAUJO

Born in the USSR Araujo grew up in the Cape Verde Islands spending his young adult years playing Metal, until he was invited to join Mario Lucio Sousa's band in 2009. This 11 year long experience allowed me to tour extensively, grow as a musician, and enriched my vocabulary. Moving to Wales in early 2020 to join his family, and recording first solo album just before the onset of COVID.

SYBS

SYBS are an explosive four piece post punk band from Caerdydd / Cardiff. Right after the release of their single “Paid Gofyn Pam”, they’ve been immediately put under contract by Libertino Records, label and hotbed of the best Welsh talents. With their rare live energy and a string of awesome singles, SYBS spent a highly successful year on tour. They’ve received funding for mastering and PR.

SU SANG SONG

Su San was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia having grown up in a multicultural and multilingual country, she has always been fascinated by the power of music to connect strangers together despite coming from different backgrounds. Developing her songwriting voice while studying for a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Arts at University of Wisconsin, Madison. She’s received funding for production, mastering and promotion.

SZWE

Cardiff based Sizwe ‘SZWÉ’ Chitiyo is an energetic and versatile artist, his personal and prescient sound bridges RnB and Hip Hop. He has performed on radio stations in Cardiff and has been featured on a special for S4C. He currently has music out on all streaming services and has been played in over 230 cities across the world. He has received funding for equipment and instruments.

TARA BANDITO

Cardiff’s Tara Bandito is a Welsh language artist who delves into her own experiences and brings them to the dancefloor, with a video created with LWP and a new EP lined up for 2022 she is one to watch. She also presents a podcast called 'Dewr' where she discusses the ups and downs of life with well known Welsh faces. She has received funding for video production. She has received funding for promotion.

TAPESTRI

Rhyl-born singer TAPESTRI discovered that writing her own music is the best way to understand and express herself. Her music that comes from her late-night writing sessions is as unique as it is honest, balancing intimacy and euphoria, touching on experiences traveling to the eastern side of the world..

THALLO

Thallo aka Elin Edwards has been quietly building a reputation for evocative and rich, bilingual compositions. Thallo released ‘I Dy Boced’ in 2019, has performed at The Great Escape, Other Voices, Focus Wales and will be performing at SXSW Festival 2022. Her elegant latest single "Pressed and Preserved' received support from Sian Eleri and 'Radio 1's Chillest Show'. She has received funding for PR and recording costs.

WINGER RECORDS

Winger Records is an Independent Hip Hop Label and events arm based in Carmarthenshire, home to the artists Culture Vultures, Blacktrix, Boofy, Zhubat, Cyanne, Squires Da Gem, Hagie, Po Grif. They’ve received funding for equipment.

WOBBLI BOI

WOBBLI BOI is rural Carmarthenshire based producer Elijah van Rijswijk. His self released their first single 'U R The One 4 Me' in October of 2021 which has gained traction and attention from the global underground pop scene. WOBBLI BOI will be following up their newly released single with an EP due for release in the new year of 2022. He’s received funding for mastering and equipment.

WYNT

WYNT are a five piece rock band hailing from Rhondda Cynon Taff. They were selected for This Feeling's Big in 2020 acts, achieved playlisting on BBC Radio 2 and Kerran, played at Planet Rock Stock festival and supported Mallory Knox at their Cardiff farewell show. They’ve received funding for production and mixing.

VOYA

VOYA are Cardiff duo Linford Hydes & Eddie Al-Shakarchi. Influenced by early '80s synthesiser music, with their album having been completed in Nov 2018, and their first music video 'Forever (Unloved in Endless Seasons)' created in Aug 2021. Linford trained at RWCMD and previously led the band Palomino Party, who captivated audiences from The Accidental Festival at London's Roundhouse to the BBC Horizons stage at Festival No.6, 2017. They’ve received funding for photography, design and website.

YAZMEAN

YazMean is an emerging artist from Cardiff with her unique flow her bars embody her experience of womanhood. In 2018, YazMean released her debut EP 'BLK Tape' on Bristol based rap and alternative soul label Issa Vibe.She also performed at The Great Escape festival in Brighton, and supported Kae Tempest and the first all-woman UK Hip Hop Tour Queens of Art. She has received funding for studio time and video production.

XL LIFE

Unmissable punk/ hardcore band XL LIFE formed when former Astroid Boys frontman Traxx joined Lewis and Jasper at their regular jam sessions last year.Fusing a high-energy wall of sound with gut-punching riffs, hard-hitting drums and the inimitable vocals of Traxx. XL Life went on to play a sell-out, headline show at Cardiff MADE and released their debut four-track EP 'Sweet Moves'. They’ve received funding for PR and video production.

Through February Launchpad Artists will be able to access bespoke online sessions, as Horizons are planning to run a series of music talks on business advice, marketing, media, featuring specialist guests.

Also coming up this month will be a return to live events with a Homecoming show for Venue Week ambassador Mace The Great at Clwb Ifor Bach, supported by Juice Menace, and Lily Beau. Horizons is planning a return to Maida Vale studios for Wales Week in London in March followed by a Tour of Wales’s Music Venues.

“Absolutely outstanding… a dawning of a significant talent.”

- Adam Walton, BBC Radio Wales

Alt-pop newcomer LUIANNA kicks off 2022 with the release of her celestial new single Lying To Me, due for release on 4th February 2022.

Taken from her upcoming debut EP Skiá, Lying To Me is a brooding slice of atmospheric electronica oozing with sonically dark twists and turns throughout. Written weeks before LUIANNA found out her partner was having an affair, the single has become a powerfully emotive and highly relatable premonition for what was to come.

LUIANNA elaborates, “the song told me it was happening. I didn’t know until I wrote it and when I went to see him, it all fell into place. I love how songwriting can do this, predict. I put this down to the subconscious knowing what you have not yet understood; being in a space writing freely channels into the subconscious.”

LUIANNA - aka Jasmine Luianna Emslie - was born in London, brought up in South Wales and has since spent the past fifteen years between Bristol and Berlin. Her upcoming EP was recorded in The Famous Gold Watch Studio in Berlin. With Skiá,

LUIANNA hopes to captive listeners further with her unique blend of intimate electro-pop.
Lying To Me is out on 4th February 2022

History

From the Wikipedia :- "The Frederick C. Robie House is a U.S. National Historic Landmark now on the campus of the University of Chicago in the South Side neighborhood of Hyde Park in Chicago, Illinois. Built between 1909 and 1910, the building was designed as a single family home by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is renowned as the greatest example of Prairie School, the first architectural style considered uniquely American. It was designated a National Historic Landmark on November 27, 1963, and was on the first National Register of Historic Places list of October 15, 1966. Robie House and a selection of other properties by Wright were inscribed on the World Heritage List under the title "The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright" in July 2019."

Read our interview with Matthew G. Rees here

Not to be confused with the recent, wildly acclaimed Welsh language horror movie of the same name ( Y Gwledd ), this is Matthew G. Rees' third published anthology of short stories. You will find reviews of his other works here The Keyhole and here Smoke House & Other Stories

We have expressed the opinion that Matthew G. Rees is a major new talent elsewhere and this new collection confirms our estimation. The Feast is a deliciously dark and frequently amusing collection that leaves one in no doubt that Rees is a writer at the top of his game and destined for popularity and acclaim.

In so far as this collection has a theme, the author outlines it in his brief introductory note:-

" This collection of stories created itself over the course of two years in which I found that I seemed to be writing short fiction that possessed a connective tissue ."

The nature of this 'connective tissue' becomes clearer when we consider the accompanying quotation from Shakespeare:-

" Things sweet to taste prove in digestion sour. " William Shakespeare Richard II 

Indeed there is an element of - be careful what you wish for - in most of these tales. In 'The Twilight Maiden' we are introduced to Guiseppe Dellucci, an Italian restaurateur in search of a delicious legendary variety of tomato which only grows in the vicinity of the remote village of Collina Rossa. The atmosphere of suspense and thinly veiled threat are skilfully crafted until Guiseppe is finally inducted into the mystery of the fabled tomato plant.

These stories are set in a variety of locations and in 'Stone Cold' we meet Candice Canyons, an exotic dancer at The Southern Peaches Go-Go Club, somewhere in the American south. She dreams of a better life and opportunity presents itself in the form of Seymour Thrayle, an aged wealthy landowner who frequents the Club. His obsession with, and desire for, peach tarts leads to a  grim and humorous denouement.

In 'Fungal' the protagonist is distracted by a store front sign which reads:-

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Enquire within

Having nearly exhausted a fortune he had inherited from his family he decided that there would be no harm in inquiring. Needless to say his life is changed forever in the most unexpected of ways.

If you are not acquainted with the work of Matthew G' Rees this collection provides an excellent introduction. His tales have the capacity to simultaneously delight and disturb and always stay in your thoughts for some time after reading. The Feast by Matthew G' Rees is AmeriCymru's selection for Book of the Month January 2022.

‘In It Together Festival,’ the newest and biggest ever addition to Wales’ live music calendar, have announced the full list of 50 Welsh artists who will perform across the festival, with some of the best new talent across the country performing alongside a plethora of international superstars, shining a light on local talent like never before.

The 50 artists cover a huge range of genres spanning the entire musical spectrum, with 25 artists performing across the Paddock Stage, showcasing the very best in indie, rock, grime and hip hop, including Cardiff born singer-songwriter Gwenno and Swansea indie rockers Who’s Molly . The other 25 artists will take over the Escape Records Stage covering all things electronic, from rising Trance star Will Rees , to tech-house maestros This Culture .

Photo: Gwenno

Both stages have been carefully curated alongside Focus Wales and BBC Horizons, providing an unrivalled platform that will truly establish them as Wales’ next generation of music stars. 

Says Bethan Elfyn, Project Manager for BBC Horizons; “We’re excited at Horizons to see a new festival on the Welsh map – we look forward to supporting the festival, curating some of the Welsh talent and working with the team to make the weekend one to remember. It’s so important after the last couple of years of restrictions on music events to see new events provide new opportunities and experiences for Welsh artists.”

As well as welcoming some of the best talent Wales has to offer, the festival will also host a range of local food vendors providing the very best in local cuisine, as well as working with local suppliers from across the country to create a truly Welsh experience, while the festival’s website will also be available in both English and Welsh. 

Says Escape Records Director Adam Gore; “Our company was born out of the Cardiff nightclub scene, starting out hosting parties in the smallest venues in the city, to filling 3000 capacity venues on Greyfriars Road. We’ve since gone on to launch festivals all over Wales, but this will undoubtedly be our biggest project to date. We are incredibly proud of our Welsh roots and felt it only right that we make our biggest ever festival a true celebration of Wales and Welsh culture.”

With tickets already flying, In It Together is well on track to sell out in its first year. Family, weekend, and day tickets are now available to buy so make sure you are part of history and grab yours here before they go: https://inittogetherfestival. com/

Fe welwn ni chi ar y fferm!

The 50 Welsh artists are as follows (In Alphabetical order)

Wales’ leading talent development project, Forté Project, re-launches in 2022 with a full scale Wales-wide project for the first time, starting with ten new acts.

The newly chosen music acts from across the country, covering multiple musical genres, will gain crucial skills, industry knowledge and perform their music live at a series of unique events across the country.

Forté Project was established in 2015 and throughout its six year tenure it has developed over 70 young music creators aged 16-25 including Owina Felstead, Alex Stacey, Hana Lili, Eädyth, The Honest Poet, Otto, CHROMA and many more

Amongst these are artists, many have since gone on to become internationally acclaimed songwriters signed to national record labels, performed across the world, gained national radio exposure and won multiple awards.

Over the last two years, Forté project has adapted and overcome the challenges it faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Working online has enabled the project to establish and continue connections with the artists who desperately needed support and encouragement over a difficult period.

Now in 2022, Forté Project is ready to embark work on a brand new scale with artists selected from around Wales. Providing ten chosen new acts with professional mentoring, personal development, mental health support, skills workshops and unique live opportunities which will enable them to take their first steps in developing long-lasting and successful careers. 

The Forté 10 acts in 2022 are:

• 
  

  Artshawty - Dreamy bedroom-pop from Cardiff

• 
  

  Elin Grace - Classically trained folk-pop from Llandrindod Wells

• 
  

  Elis Derby - Jagged Welsh language indie-rock from Y Felinheli, North Wales

• 
  

  Fig. - Unique melancholic rap hailing from Caerphilly

• 
  

  Kitty - Sugary sweet pop from Cardiff (via Paris!)

• 
  

  Mali Hâf - Sultry bi-lingual neo-soul from Cardiff

• 
  

  Ogun - Politically charged rap from Newport

• 
  

  Only Rainyday Rainbow - Scuzzy art-school psychedelia from Swansea

• 
  

  Skylrk - Erratic Welsh language hiphop from Caernarfon

• 
  

  Sorry Stacy - Layered electronic-pop from Cardiff (via Estonia!)

Forté Project has been made possible by the support from the PRS Foundation and Arts Council of Wales.

forteproject.co.uk   facebook.com/forteproject10   twitter.com/forteproject10   instagram.com/forteproject10  

Kjell Olsen, Wright Sketches for Broadacre City,   CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

In 1958 Frank Lloyd Wright published The Living City . Appearing a year before his death the book contains his final thoughts on the subject of remaking American cities in a truly 'organic' and 'democratic' style. In its pages Wright outlines his vision for his ideal Broadacre City and many of the themes explored here had preoccupied the great architect for much of his life.

As an insight into Wright's philosophy of architecture it is invaluable. Indeed the work is part philosophical and political treatise, and part, prescription for his 'democratic' city of the future.

His plans have been dismissed as Utopian and criticised for being too auto centric but at least one commentator has recently suggested that it may be time to take a second look -  Is the world ready for Frank Lloyd Wright’s suburban utopia?

In the final part of 'Living City', Wright poses the following question:-

"Do you question the fundamental direction for American citizens of the future? Then first learn the meaning of these words:-

'Organic' 'Decentralisation' 'Integration' 'Democracy' " 

In issuing the above challenge, Wright clearly intends that you should acquaint yourself with his own interpretation of these terms.

Organic Architecture

Frank Lloyd Wright did not coin the phrase 'organic architecture' and he wasn't the first (or last) to use it but a number of relevant themes emerge from a consideration of his work and writing.  It is difficult to precisely define this term and it is certain that Wright's understanding of it grew and developed throughout his career. Broadly speaking, however, he was determined that his buildings should be constructed to harmonize with their surroundings in such a way that - "No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Hill and house should live together with each the happier for the other." He also preferred to build with local materials wherever possible.

Importantly he also insisted that - "The reality of the building does not consist of the roof and the walls but the space within to be lived in”. Consequently the interior space determines the exterior form and there should be a sense of space flowing through the interior rooms. The use of L-shaped designs with copious window space was also intended to blur the distinction between exterior and interior, once again enhancing the sense of space.

Decentralisation

Wright was no fan of the American city in its present form. He regarded it as the embodiment of a form of centralisation intrinsic to modern capitalism and cursed by the burden of 'rent' which it imposes on its citizens. Wright defines various forms of 'rent' and seems to include wage labour amongst them. He wished to abolish overcrowding by building more spacious communities in which each couple would have an acre  of land, more for larger families, at their disposal in which to  practice agriculture and grow vegetables  both for their own consumption and for sale at local community markets.

Integration

Lest the above prescriptions should sound like a recipe for vastly increased suburban sprawl, albeit with bigger yards and better designed houses, it should be noted that Wright's communities would be provided with integral features like community centers, design centers and roadside markets. These would integrate, or reintegrate citizens with their local communities just as the newly designed homes would reintegrate them with their environment.. These features will be discussed later in this article.

Democracy

Wright believed that architecture is, "... the logical outline, the background and framework as well as the philosophic and aesthetic center-line of any true civilisation."

Consequently he believed that it alone possessed the power to create an environment in which a true capitalist democracy could flourish. Witness the following from 'The Living City':-

"Optimistic, nonpolitical, exurban, vernal, spacious, free! All this - yes. In practical outline here is the feasible idea of organic  social democratic reconstruction of the city belonging to creative society - the living city. Abolish not only the 'tenement' and wage slavery but create true capitalism. The only possible capitalism if democracy has any future."

Whether the breadth of Wright's vision was powerful enough to achieve the effect that he desired is up to the individual reader to decide but for now let's examine some of the features of his ideal or 'Usonian' * communities.

'The Living City' contains sections on many of the building types that will grace the Usonian city of the future. There are chapters on offices, apartments, motels, theaters etc. But perhaps the structures that would most exemplify the philosophy and spirit of these settlements are the following three.

Community Centers

These would be - "a salient feature of every countryside development of the county, wherever the county seat may be."

"Golf courses, racetracks, the zoo, aquarium, planetarium - all would be found at this general center. Good buildings grouped in architectural ensemble with botanical gardens, art museum, libraries, galleries, opera etc."

As will be seen from the above quotation these centers would serve a much wider variety of functions than present day community centers do. They would serve as mini 'town centers' offering a full range of recreational facilities.

Design Centers

These would be 'live in' establishments where the brightest and best in the local community or those with some flair for practical design, would work with machinery donated by industry to create new and original designs. Industry would also provide tutors for these style centers and benefit from the results of their work. Wright insists that there should be no entry exams for these establishments. He also maintains that these centers would have real producing power and that, "each month a supply of usefully beautiful things would be ready for roadside markets."

Roadside markets are perhaps one of the more interesting and original features of the Usonian community and we will turn our attention to them next.

Markets

Wright describes them as follows:-

"Great spacious roadside pleasure places these markets, rising wide and handsome like some flexible form of pavilion - designed as places of cooperative exchange, not merely of commodities but of cultural facilities."

Wright sees the germ of these future establishments in modern day county fairs and farmers markets, however in the Usonian community of the future they would serve a multiplicity of new roles and would replace city centers as hubs of exchange and commerce. Critically they are 'places of cooperative exchange' so we must assume that the many  local homeowners and small scale agricultural producers, all those families living nearby with one, two or more acres of land, would be able to market their surplus produce here.

Local 'design centers' would also display and sell their wares in these markets.

Further Reading

Should you wish to read beyond this brief introduction to Wright's Broadacre City vision the following links will prove of interest:

Revisiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Vision for “Broadacre City”

Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Living City” Lives On: Conserving the Broadacre City Model

* 'Usonian' is a term which Wright often employs to describe his uniquely American organic, democratic style of architecture. He claims to have borrowd it from Samuel Butler's 'Erewhon'. Interestingly it has been claimed that Butler nowhere employs this term in his work.