The nominees for this year’s Welsh Music Prize have been revealed, and the twelve artists on the list represent the diversity of the country’s music. After receiving nods for her previous efforts CYRK and Mug Museum, Cate Le Bon has been nominated once again, this time for her acclaimed album Crab Day. Joining her is chamber pop maestro Meilyr Jones and his LP 2013, while former Race Horses bandmate Alun Gaffey also makes the list for his self-titled record. Yet another debut record, Confessions of a Romance Novelist by art-pop artist The Anchoress also makes the shortlist, as does It Seemed Like A Good Idea at the Time, the new record from Simon Love, formerly of The Loves.
After winning this year’s Welsh Language Album of the Year award at the Eisteddfod, Swnami’s self-titled album is in the running for its second gong of the year. It’ll be up against the new album by veterans Datblygu, Porwr Trallod, as well as the third album by folk group 9Bach, Anian, and the latest effort by Newport metal-fusion band Skindred, Volume. Pontypridd four-piece Climbing Trees receive a nod for their second album Borders, as does Tir a Galau by alt-folk band Plu and rockers Right Hand Left Hand’s self-titled effort.
See the full list of nominees below.
9Bach – Anian
Skindred – Volume
Swnami – Swnami
Cate Le Bon – Crab Day
Alun Gaffey – Alun Gaffey
The Anchoress – Confessions of a Romance Novelist
Meilyr Jones – 2013
Datblygu – Porwr Trallod
Simon Love – It Seemed Like A Good Idea at the Time
Climbing Trees – Borders
Plu – Tir a Galau
Right Hand Left Hand – Right Hand Left Hand
John Roston of the Welsh Music Prize said: “This is an incredibly strong shortlist for the Welsh Music Prize. So many great albums are being released from Wales at the moment – it’s a really good time to be listening to new music and finding some new favourites.”
The Welsh Music Prize ceremony takes place on 24th November at The Depot, Cardiff. Tickets are on sale now.
