Fancy Supporting the Stereophonics?

Stereophonics have launched a competion to find a band or artist to join them on the support bill at their Cardiff football Stadium gig 5th June. The bill already includes The Doves and Kids in Glass Houses. To enter all you need to do is submit a video of you or your band performing and the band will choose thier favourite:

http://www.myspace.com/stereophonicssummerinthecity

Musical Highlights at Hay Festival

This year's Hay on Wye literary festival takes place 27th May - 6th June and includes a number of musical highlights. Our recommendations are as follows:

* Christy Moore - 28th May
* Richard Strange (ex Doctors of Madness)- 28th May
* Beth Orton - 29th May
* Nick Kent in conversation - 31st May
* Thea gilmore - 31st May
* Laura Marling - 3rd June
* Cate le Bon & Islet - 4th June
* King Creosote, Sweet Baboo, Johnny Flynn & Muchu - 6th June

more information at:

http://www.hayfestival.com

http://www.howthelightgetsin.org/

The Keys Set To Ignite

The Keys, one of the most promising Welsh bands around are releasing their new album ‘Fire Inside’ 7th June on See Monkey Do monkey records preceded by a single of the title track 24th May. In their former guise as Murry The Hump, The Keys recorded 3 sessions for John Peel, signed to Too Pure, were lauded by the NME for their ‘glorious jangle-pop’, counted Joe Strummer, Keith Allen and Damien Hirst among their biggest fans and were the “ best new band in Britain” according to Alex James and Daman Albarn. The Keys’ new album was self produced and recorded with the help of producer Charlie Francis (R.E.M, The High Llamas) at their own studio shared with local comrades El Goodo. The Keys support the release of Fire Inside with a 10-date UK tour and will be launching the album at the Cardiff Arts Institute 3rd June.

http://www.myspace.com/thekeysmusic

Laura Marling joins Greenman line up

Laura Marling is amongst the latest batch of artists to be added to this year's Green Man Festival line up. Others include Efterklang, Johnny Flynn, Mumford & Sons, Race Horses and Tindersticks . The festival takes place 20-22 August.

http://www.greenman.net/home

Marc Almond Celebrates 3 Decades

Marc almond will be appearing at St David's Hall 15th November. Almond, who narrowly escaped death in a motobike crash in 2004, will be performing songs from across his 30 years of recording.

http://www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk/English/Marc-Almond/1/

Nice 'n' Sleazy Does It

Hugh Cornwell has announced a UK tour in May including a date at the Globe in Cardiff where he will be performing the Strangler's classic debut 'Rattus Norvegicus IV' in full plus Cornwell's new solo album Hoover Dam. also available exclusively on this tour is a live album of the Hooverdam / Rattus show - recorded on the last UK tour. This is a double-CD / double-vinyl release called New Songs For King Kong, Disc 1 being Hooverdam, Disc 2 being Rattus Norvigus IV.

Thursday 13th May
Cardiff - The Globe
125 Albany St, CF24 3NS
£15.00 Adv / £17.50 Door
Box Office: 02920 230 130 / www.seetickets.com

Lucky Delucci Debut Single

One of Wales' brightest new bands Lucky Delucci are releasing their debut single 'December 1986' 3rd May on Bubblewrap Records. The single was recorded with Kris Jenkins (Super Furry Animals; Cate Le Bon; The Peth). The song has already enjoyed early radio play from DJ’s as close to home as Huw Stephens and as far a field as Gene Pembleton of ‘The Great British Breakfast’ Virginia, USA. The band will be releasing for their debut album at the end of 2010.

To read our interview with Lucky Delucci from ealrier this year:


http://www.newsoundwales.com/interview_Delucci.htm

Welsh Axe God!

James Dean Bradfield from the Manic Street Preachers has been voted as the 17th best guitarist from the past 30 years by listeners of BBC6 music. Top 3 were:

1st - John Frusciante from the Red Hot Chili Peppers
2nd Slash
3rd Matt Bellamy from Muse

Ellie Goulding joins John Mayer for UK Tour

Ellie Goulding has been announced as support for John Mayer when he tours the UK this year. The dates include Cardiff Arena 23rd May.

Bluetones Frontman in the Bay

In advance of a new album from The Bluetones, frontman Mark Morriss is heading out on a solo acoustic tour, playing songs from his solo album 'Memory Muscle' with a few classic Bluetones tracks thrown in for good measure. Mark will be in Cardiff at The Norwegian Church on Wednesday 9th June
7.30pm-11.00pm. Tickets are £7 adv / £8 on the door and are available from St David's Hall (029) 2087 8444

Huw Stephens up for a Sony

Huw Stephens has been shortlisted for a Sony Award. This prestigious prize will be announced at the ceremony 10th May. Go Huw!! Full nominations in his category are:

Best Specialist Music Programme

:: Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1

:: Jools Holland, BBC Radio 2

:: Sounds Of The Sixties, BBC Radio 2

:: World Routes, BBC Radio 3

:: Zane Lowe, BBC Radio 1

Artis Mundi Freebie

Richard James (ex Gorky's Zygotic Mynci) & Colorama will be playing at the Museum of Wales as part of the Artis Mundi Art exhibition programme this Thursday 8th April from 6pm. Next week 15th April features Gideon Conn & the Gentle Good. Entry is free and includes an opportunity to look around the exhibtion between performers.

Critically acclaimed singer songwriter Rachel Taylor-Beales will be launching her new album 'Dust and Gold' with a special performance at The Gate Arts Centre, Cardiff on Saturday 29th May 7.30pm.She has been gaining a strong reputation over recent years and Bob Harris described her music as 'Highly Recommended’.

http://www.racheltaylor-beales.com/

Formidable Joy

Welsh band the Joy Formidable have signed to American label 'Black Bell' and who will be releasingtheir EP 'A Balloon Called Moaning'. The band are currently on tour and will be visiting Europe and North America until July.