Shortlist showcases growing music scene
THE shortlist for the Welsh Music Prize 2020 has been announced, recognising the best in creativity and new music in and from Wales.
To mark its 10th year, the award’s shortlist has increased to 15 albums, showcasing the growing Welsh music scene.
Last year’s winner was the Welshlanguage post-punk trio Adwaith with their album Melyn. Other previous winners include Boy Azooga (2018) for their debut album ‘1, 2, Kung Fu’, and Gwenno (2015) for her debut solo album ‘Y Dydd Olaf’ (The Last Day), who have both gone on to tour globally since.
The Welsh Music Prize was cofounded in 2011 by BBC Presenter Huw Stephens and music consultant John Rostron, with the winning album selected by a panel of music industry expert judges, which is refreshed yearly.
Stephens said: “It’s 10 years since the Welsh music prize was launched. We’ve celebrated so many fantastic albums and seen nine very worthy winners so far. The Welsh artists who continue to create wonderful music deserve recognition, and the Welsh
Music Prize is proud to be able to do that every year, shining a spotlight on these brilliant albums. It’s very much about discovery too, we hope music fans will discover new music from Wales that they love.”
With touring on hold for most artists, this year it feels more important than ever for the Welsh Music Prize to support album sales and streaming.
Rostron said: “The entire live music sector has been decimated this year, and for artists that means their opportunity to perform live, earn income and grow their fanbase has been halted. But Covid-19 hasn’t quashed our appetite for listening to and discovering new music. Streaming and buying new records has been a lifeline for performers to reach audiences, and for us all to stay in good health with a daily dose of great new songs.”
The 2020 judging panel includes: Polly James (Radio X), Gemma Cairney (BBC Radio/author), Mark Sutherland (Music Week), Daniel Minty (Minty’s Gig Guide), Ffion Wyn (Ladies of Rage), Angharad Jenkins (musician/composer), Emma Zilmann (Bluedot/Kendal Calling), Sian Eleri Evans (BBC Radio Cymru/ Folded Wing).
For more information about the Welsh Music Prize go to welshmusicprize.com