Sheffield bilingual psych/post-punk four-piece Sister Wives released debut Gweler Ein Gofid in 2020 on the city’s Delicious Clam Records. They were soon snapped up by Libertino, birthing a split single with label mates Tacsidermi.
Donna from the band was exposed to our intense Dydd Miwsig Cymru questioning.
Are you doing anything for Welsh Language Music Day 2022?
We will definitely be celebrating in our own way! I am a big collector of Welsh music so will be playing all my faves in no particular order. We also usually watch old Welsh music videos on YouTube, there’s some amazing stuff in there! I have also planned to have some virtual drinks with some friends who speak Welsh, and do a bit of a Welsh music quiz, that’s if we haven’t organised a gig for us to play!
What is the first song in the Welsh language you remember, and what does it mean to you?
As I was born and raised in Wales and Welsh is my first language, I remember a lot of Welsh nursery rhymes, many of which I still sing to my daughter. I genuinely think that the first song I was attached to was the theme tune of Wil Cwac Cwac as it was the first programme I loved as a child. However, there aren’t any welsh words in the theme tune, so in terms of Welsh language songs I think that my Nain used to play so much Tony ac Aloma and I think that ‘Mae gen i gariad’ is one of those earworms that hasn’t ever really left my brain. I still find myself singing it when I’m doing boring tasks around the house. It’s lovely though, it reminds me of my Nain.
In terms of music that I chose to get into though, I’d say that Mwng by SFA was the most important album for me when I was really young. I heard Trons Mr Urdd and thought it was the best thing I’ve ever heard! SFA was then a big influence on my musical taste. It was so refreshing to hear Welsh music in the national charts.
Why do you think the day is important, both inside and outside Wales?
It’s important to celebrate Welsh Language Music day because there’s so much Welsh music talent, and it’s great that we celebrate Welsh music on that day, perhaps find out about a new band who sing in Welsh for example. I feel that we have a moral imperative to support WLMD as it makes people realise that there’s so much amazing Weag music out there and sometimes it doesn’t get the mainstream backing it deserves from media outlets and festivals etc. Everyday should be WLMD!
What is the best venue welcoming Welsh music, and why? We love Neuadd Ogwen. Such a lovely venue and what they’re doing in Bethesda is great. They’re bringing such cool acts to the area and really raising the profile of Welsh music by being present and supportive. It’s so nice to have more cultural epicentres like this in the North of Wales.
What are your top three Welsh Language songs, and why?
Anhrefn – Defaid.
Anhrefn are the best Welsh punk band to have ever existed and this is a stomper. I used to cover it in an old band of mine. Liv’s guitar isn’t far from this!
Heather Jones – Nos Ddu
Obvious choice, but what’s not to like? Her voice is velvet and the riffs are mouth watering. Sister Wives love a good riff.
Y Cymylau – Wylan
The harmonies melt like butter. The song’s about my favourite bird, the humble seagull. We would love to be able to replicate harmonies like these in the band!
Which Welsh albums are you most looking forward to hearing this year?
Adwaith’s new album is going to be excellent, and they are our label mates. Obviously our new album too! We’re so excited for you all to hear our new tunes.
What do you have coming up in 2022?
We’ve got a bunch of exciting shows and festivals lined up, playing Focus Wales and Kendal Calling amongst others, we can’t wait! An extra special re-issue of our first EP, Gweler Ein Gofid, is coming out soon with remixes by some of our current favourite artists & last but not least, we’re recording our debut album soon which will hopefully be out by the end of the year. It’s something we dreamed about and now it’s happening so 2022 is looking pretty good!
