Launched by Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens and music promoter John Rostron, the Welsh Music Prize has been celebrating the best of the country’s music since 2011. Last year, Gwenno won the prize for her debut album Y Dydd Olaf, and Georgia Ruth, Joanna Gruesome, Future of the Left and Gruff Rhys have also all won the prestigious prize.
This year’s event is being held at The Depot on Cardiff on 24th November, and the judges – who have the difficult task of choosing a winner from the upcoming shortlist – has been revealed. The 12 judges include industry experts and musicians, which should result in a diverse range of opinions. They are:
- Amy Wadge, songwriter and musician
- Ashli Todd, Spillers Records
- Derek Lloyd, hmv
- Dwynwen Morgan, BBC Radio Cymru
- Gwyn Eddior, Y Nyth and BBC Horizons
- Jen Long, DICE
- Lowri Cooke, Cultural Critic
- Neal Thompson, Focus Wales
- Nici Beech, artistic creator and TV producer
- Noel Gardner, Buzz Magazine
- Oliver Morris, UK Music
- Sarah Dennehy, Festival of Voice
John Rostron said: “With this year’s judges and the new partnership with hmv plus existing supporters, 2016 is shaping up to be the best yet for the Welsh Music Prize. There are some really great albums vying for the shortlist too, the judges are going to have a tough job on their hands.”
The shortlist for this year’s prize will be revealed soon.
For more information, visit the Welsh Music Prize website.
