A sound reaction
SOME of the leading names in Welsh music have been shortlisted for this year’s Cardiff Music Awards.
Rising welsh stars such as Boy Azooga, Chroma, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, Estrons, Holding Absence and Estrons have all been nominated.
Now into its third year the awards seek to recognise the achievements, success and talents of musicians, organisations and
individuals who have helped enhance Cardiff’s unique and diverse music scene.
The prestigious event on Friday, March 29 will again be held at Tramshed, one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed music venues.
With more than 2500 nominations put forward and 15,000 votes cast in 2018, the awards reflect what is currently thriving musically in the city.
Last year’s event featured performances from HMS Morris, Afrocluster and Rainbow Maniac and 2019’s line up is equally excellent. The confirmed performances for this event include leading Welsh artists Chroma, Madi, Mace, Hana2K and DJ Jaffa. The Cardiff Music Awards will thsi year be hosted by Best DJ winners from 2018, GRLTLK.
“The shortlist for the music awards this year has a healthy split between recognisable names you hear every week from the people in this scene and then those who have a strong underground following; those that might not have broken through to what we consider the ‘mainstream’,” said CMA organiser Ed Townend. “I love seeing new names I don’t recognise on the shortlist, it means there is always something new out there that’s interesting and well liked.
“The awards have always set out to celebrate Cardiff’s music scene, and I think it continues to do so.
“I’ve heard reports from across the bridge that some of the bigger cities in the country are noticing it and I’m glad of that. It shows that by recognising the best of our city it also brings more attention to them elsewhere.
We’ve already seen some of the finalists make huge steps in the last year. Boy Azooga have toured the US, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard were just played by Iggy Pop on BBC 6Music, Holding Absence continue to have a huge following around Europe, Estrons are currently embarking on a huge UK tour after supporting bands like Garbage.
“Closer to home Clwb Ifor Bach has branched out into not only putting shows on in huge venues like St David’s Hall, but are reaching across the country and showcasing bands in London.
“God Is In The TV Zine continues to be a powerful underground resource based out of Cardiff and producer Romesh Dodangoda produced the new Bring Me The Horizon album.
“Our Welsh influence is spreading!” Nominations are now closed and voting will begin on Sunday, February 17.
Voting will then close Friday, March 22 at midnight. To view the full shortlist and to cast your vote visit cardiffmusicawards.co.uk
■ You can also purchase a ticket for the event which are priced £15 via http://bit.ly/ CMAsTickets19