She's the Queen of the Castle

Florence & the Machines will be playing an outdoor gig at Cardiff Castle, Coopers Field on Thursday 10th June. This will be by far the band's biggest gig in Wales so far and the first at Cardiff Castle in 2010.

Free Music, Free Art

Welsh Music Promoters SWN have been invited by Artes Mundi - Wales International Art Exhibition and Prize - to curate free music shows as part of five very special late night viewings happening each Thursday during April at the National Museum Cardiff. First show takes place on Thursday 1st April from 6pm and features:

JOHN SMITH (above) a prodigous young guitar player taught by Eric Roche and John Martyn and played on the same bills as John Renbourn, Martin Carthy, Martin Simpson and the legendary Davy Graham.

GEORGIA RUTH is a Welsh harpist and singer who played at SWN Festival 2008 and recently performed as part of SWN's curation at The Pierhead Sessions in The Norwegian Church.

These shows are being supported by Music Box Rehearsal Rooms and Studios, Cardiff
http://www.musicboxstudios.co.uk/.

Hooting & Howling @ Green Man

The Wild Beasts have been added to this year's line up at Green Man Festival. Other acts announced this week include:

* Fuck Buttons
* Girls
* Steve Mason
* These New Puritans
* Erland & the Carnival
* Egyptian Hip Hop

Dovetastic

The Doves have been announced as Friday's headline act at this year's Green Man Festival alongside other headliners The Flaming Lips and Joanna Newsom.


http://www.thegreenmanfestival.co.uk/

Gruff vs Tony

Tony Da Gatorra and Gruff Rhys have announced the release of a collaborative album,"The Terror Of Cosmic Loneliness". Described as a musically unorthodox, experimental record that will receive a limited release in July. Tony and Gruff will also be performing a handful of live shows to coincide with the album's release, including a debut UK date at Cardiff's Clwb Ifor Bach on 29th July promoted by the SWN Festival.
Tickets £12 adv exclusively from: www.wegottickets.com

Intimate Feeder gig!

If you have been wandering past the Millennium Music Hall in Cardiff you might have noticed some posters for a band called 'Renegades'. Like many you probably thought they were some new hip band that weren't on your radar. You were wrong. It's been revealed that Renegades is actually the usually CIA selling Feeder!

The cheeky scamps have been having some fun playing secret shows as 'Renegades', even turning up in London pubs. This 800-capacity show is still small by their standards, so if you can get in and get a ticket you'll be in for a treat.

Tickets come with a free copy of the band's new Renegades EP too which you'll collect on arrival at the venue.

FEEDER play Millennium Music Hall, Monday 19th April. Tickets from 0871 230 5595 or www.gigsandtours.com or 0871 2200 260

www.feederweb.com

NEWSOUNDWALES - Welsh Showcase

We are is excited to announce that we are be hosting a night at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff on Bank holiday Sunday 30th May. The evening features 4 of the brightest hopes from Wales including Gareth Pearson, Jimi Alexander & the Satellites, Bright Light Bright Light & Jessica Lee Morgan. The event includes a workshop by Gareth Pearson at 4.30 pm (Free to ticket holders). The music begins from 6.30 pm so get there early to avoid missing any of the acts.

http://www.myspace.com/garethpearson
http://www.myspace.com/jimialexander
http://www.myspace.com/brightlightx2
http://www.myspace.com/jessicaleemorgansings

Radio Joy for Cerys

Cerys Matthews has joined BBC 6 Music to present the Sunday morning show from 10-12. Matthews begins her run from 4th April.

Little My Bow Out

Cardiff's premier small band may have dispanded but they are releasing a swansong covers EP the final in their 'decology' series.Tracks inlcude:

* Grandstand Theme
* Debaser by The Pixies
* KKK Took My Baby Away by The Ramones
* AM180 by Grandaddy

It is available for £3 from Bubblewrap Records (from 10th March)
www.bubblewrapcollective.co.uk/shop.htm

They may be dead and buried but there is still more to come in the next 6 months from Little My in the form of releases. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive 'Little My's Fifth' as well as the highly anticipated album featuring 26 songs, A-Z.

Little My are dead - long live Little My!

Cool for Cats !

Legendary band Squeeze are back on the road in November including a date at St David's Hall in Cardiff 18th November. Tickets go on sale 26th March.

Elvis Has Entered the Building

Elvis costello will be playing Cardiff St David's Hall 24th June. It is the first time he has played in Cardiff since 2005.

Weller Wakes Up The Nation

Paul Weller sets out on a massive UK tour later this year in support of his new album 'Waking up The Nation' which is due out 19th April. The tour includes Cardiff Arena November 27th. tickets go on sale 26th March.

Queen Guitarist Fights for

Queen guitarist Brian May has joined a fight to prevent a badger cull in mid and west Wales to help combat bovine TB infection. May described the proposed cull as 'bad science'and 'genocide'. He joined the Badger Trust in Swansea as they sought a legal challenge to the proposed cull.

Videos we like part 1

Attack! Attack! will be releasing their 2nd album ‘Not Afraid’ 3d May. They will also be undertaking a full UK tour:

APRIL
30 - LONDON Borderline

MAY
01 - BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy
02 - NEWCASTLE O2 Academy
03 - GLASGOW King Tuts
04 - ABERDEEN Warehouse
06 - SHEFFIELD Corporation
07 - OXFORD O2 Academy 2
08 - SOUTHAMPTON Joiners
09 - CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach

Shy Child @ the Station

New York duo Shy Child will be playing Central Station in Wrexham 28th April as part of their UK in support of their new album 'Liquid Love' which was released 15th March.

Lemmy in Llandudno!

Motorhead have announced a UK tour to coincide with their 35th anniversary and will be playing The Arena in Llandudno 13th November. A new studio album is due for relaese later this year.

Nights at the Museum for free!

SWN have announced they will be hosting Thursday evenings at National Museum of Wales in Cardiff during April. Entry will be free. More info to follow as we get it.

Martyn Joseph @ Stonewall Fundraiser

Martyn Joseph will be joining poet Patrick Jones and Devine & Griffiths at a fundraiser for Stonewall Cymru the Welsh lesbian & gay campaigning organisation. The event takes place at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff on Tuesday 30th March 7pm tickets £10/ £8

Info contact: jenny.porter@stonewallcymru.org.uk

TJ's John Sicolo dies

The owner of TJ's in Newport has died at the age of 66. The venue described by John Peel as 'the legendary TJ's' opened it's doors in 1971 and bands playing there over the years have included Oasis, Primal Scream and Catatonia.

Hendrix re-incarnated

This is from an exhibition at the Barbican. It has no Welsh connection we just think you should see the future of music!



http://www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery/event-detail.asp?ID=9713

Cardiff Comes 2nd in Music Poll

Cardiff has come 2nd in a survey by the PRS (Performing Rights Society) based on membership in each UK town & city taking into the population of each location.The top ten most musical cities in the UK are:

1. Bristol
2. Cardiff
3. Wakefield
4. Glasgow
5. Cheltenham
6. Edinburgh
7. Manchester
8. Paisley
9. Doncaster
10. Londonderry

Ffred Jones EP Launch

South Wales singer songwriter ffred jones is releasing his second EP, ‘Feed the Fire’ on Thursday 25th March at Buffalo Bar, Cardiff.

ffred has looked to explore his Welsh roots through the EP and to combine this with his clean acoustic sound, incorporating vocals from the Cardiff Arms Park Male Voice Choir in the title track ‘Feed the Fire’.

ffred lives in Newport, having returned to his home-town after completing a music degree in Liverpool. ffred is a full-time guitar teacher, teaching in schools across Newport, and regularly gigs around south Wales, Bristol and London. ffred’s biggest musical influences include Radiohead, Bjork, Bob Dylan, Jack Johnson.

The EP will be available to buy from iTunes, with half the profit from all EP sales being donated to Ty Hafan children’s hospice.

Venue: Buffalo Bar Cardiff, 11 Windsor Place, CF10 3BY
Event: Bethan Elfyn and Friends (Spindle and Wit / ffred jones / Samuel H Invisible / Joshua Caole)
Date: Thursday 25 March 2010
Time: 8-12pm

Read our feature on Ffred from last year -

http://www.newsoundwales.co.uk/artist_ffred.htm

Pipettes Pop In

Indie pop favourites from Brighton will be touring the UK in May including a date at Parc Hall, Cwmparc 22nd May. The band's new album 'Earth vs. Pipettes' will be released later in the year.

http://www.myspace.com/parchall

Andy McKee Venue Change

Guitar wizard Andy McKee's forthcoming Cardiff gig has switched venues from The Globe which is about to undergo soundproofing work. The event will now take place at Clwb Ifor Bach on Friday 26th March.

Man Guitarist Dies

Mickey Jones guitarist with legendary Welsh rock band Man has died following the effects of a brain tumour. He was 63 years old. Man were formed in 1968and quickly became one of country's most popular progressive rock band combining psychedelia, rock, blues and country. They had a number of top 40 albums such as '2 Ozs of Plastic with a Hole in the Middle'. Jones continued to play with the band until the onset of his ill health in 2004.

Calvin Harris @ Beach Break

Calvin Harris has joined the line up for this year's Beach Break Festival being held in Pembrey Country Park 14-18 June. Alongside Harris are The Futureheads, Plan B, Ellie Goulding and The New Young Pony Club.

http://www.beachbreaklive.com/

Damned Damned Damned

Veteran punk band the Damned will be appearing at the Millennium Music Hall in Cardiff Monday 17th May. The band features original members Dave Vanian & Captain Sensible.

http://millenniummusichall.fatsoma.com/home.php

Hassle at the Buffalo

Top Swedish export Erik Hassle will be appearing at the Buffalo Bar in Cardiff with local up and coming singer Pete Lawrie on Wednesday 31st March. Hassle's debut album was released recently and the track Hurtful has been a Europe wide hit. Tickets priced £5 are available through:

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/74903

http://www.erikhassle.com/

Rufus Wainwright exclusive Cardiff preview

Rufus Wainwright releases his new album 'All Days Are Nights - Songs For Lulu' 5th April. In the meantime Wainwright devotees can hear an exclusive playback of the album in Cardiff on Thursday 11th March at The Promised Land, 4 Windsor Place. This is a first come first served event so email renegade@musichouse.co.uk to reserve your place.

Macca at the Stadium

Sir Paul McCartney will be touring the UK this Summer including an appearance at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium 26th June. Tickets will be on sale from 8th March.

http://www.paulmccartney.com/

Duke Special May tour

Peter Wilson AKA Irish genius Duke Special will be touring in May including a date at the Cardiff Glee Club 12th May. The Duke's new album'The Stage, A Book & The Silver Screen' is released 8th March.

Soundproofing due at the Globe

The Globe in Cardiff looks set to complete the soundproofing work needed to secure its future.The Globe Manager Gwyn Thomas said:

“Its been one hell of a ride here at the globe in the past few weeks, we’ve had a huge push for donations, we’ve had lots of electrical problems which have resulted in cancelling some shows but we have also had some great shows inc Peter Green, Courtney Pine, Bad Manners + The Stop Motion Men. But we made it. The Globe now has the finances to undertake the construction work to soundproof our venue. A massive massive thank you to all who have donated. We really couldn’t have done it without you. The builders are due to start on site Monday 1st march and the work is set to last aprox two weeks. We then have one week of testing followed by a few days for all the legal licensing stuff then we aim to be back late march or first week of April. We will be hosting a huge FREE Globe relaunch party as a thankyou for all your loyal continued support. Details to be announced shortly."

Joanna Newsom Headlines Sunday Night at Greenman

Joanna Newsom has been announced as Sunday's Headliner at this year's Green Man Festival. Newsom is a Greenman regular and her new album 'Have One On Me' has been receiving 5 star reviews left right and centre. Joining Joanna as new additions are:

* The Unthanks
* First Aid Kit
* Fionn Regan
* Voice of the Seven Thunders

The festival takes place 20-22nd August.

http://www.thegreenmanfestival.co.uk/

Wakestock Acts Announced

The first acts have been announced for Wakestock 2010 which takes place 2-4th July in Abersoch.MAXÏMO PARK have been confirmed as our first headliner to be announced for this years event. Other acts alkready announced include N-DUBZ & Mr Hudson.

www.wakestock.co.uk

Gareth Pearson Signs to Stateside Label

Guitar virtuoso Gareth Pearson has signed to American independent label Candyrat Records whose roster includes Andy McKee and Don Ross. This is a double reason to celebrate as Gareth is the first non-American to be signed to the label. His first album is due early next year. Newsoundwales is working with Gareth on an event taking place in May 2010. More news to follow soon…..

Swn – Way on High

SWN look set to be hosting a night at this year’s Hay-on Wye literary festival which runs from 27th May – 6th June. Artists pencilled in for their event, which takes place on Saturday 5th June, include King Creosote, Sweet Baboo and Muchu.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4092758555

Robyn Hitchcock @ the Globe

Legendary former Soft Boy, who invariably writes songs about death, sex and eating, plays the Globe in Cardiff 17th April.

http://www.robynhitchcock.com/

Pet Shop Boys? Absolutely!

Pet Shop Boys will be making a rare appearance in Wales when they play Cardiff Arena as part of their critically acclaimed ‘Pandemonium’ tour on Wednesday 21st July. Having sold over 100 million records and had over 40 top 30 hits since 1986 Pet Shop Boys are one of the UK’s most successful and long lasting recording artists.

http://www.petshopboys.co.uk/

We Can Save the Globe!

Cardiff’s leading live venue has asked the public for help with raising the £25,000 required to complete the soundproofing work that needs to be done if they are to win their appeal over noise complaints from local residents. If you would like to donate you can send cheques payable to A.D.Jones to The Globe, 125 Albany Road, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3NS or donate online at paypal using the email info@theglobecardiff.com

Too Good Not To Repeat

After the triumph of last year's performance of 'Paris 1919' at the Cardiff Coal Exchange, John Cale will be performing the piece again with the Heritage Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall, London on Friday 5th March.

http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/search/results/john%20cale

Beirut & Bragg Go Green

Beirut and Billy Bragg wil be appearing at this year’s Green Man Festival taking place 20th – 22nd August. They will be appearijng alongside Field Music & The Flaming Lips.

http://www.thegreenmanfestival.co.uk

Hidden Cameras @ The Gate

Canada's leading indie band The hidden Cameras have announced a UK tour including a date at The Gate Arts Centre in Cardiff 22nd March. With their reputation for live performance and 2009's stunning album 'Origin:Orphan' this looks set to be one of the live highlights of the year.

http://www.thehiddencameras.com/
http://www.thegate.org.uk/

Here Comes The Son

James McCartney, son of Sir Paul, will be appearing at Cardiff’s Barfly 20th March. Playing songs from his new album inspired by – surprise surprise - the Beatles, but also Nirvana, the Cure and Radiohead. James McCartney’s album is due out later this year.

http://www.barflyclub.com/

Kate loses her fight

Kate McGarrigle has died at the age of 63 from clear cell sarcoma. Kate was best known for the singing partnership with her sister Anna. She was married to Loudon Wainwright and mother to Rufus and Martha Wainwright. Since being diagnosed with cancer she helped raise awareness of the illness and funds for research. She made her last appearance alongside her family at the Albert Hall in December at the 'Not So Silent Night' concert which raised $55,000 for the fund. Newsoundwales was lucky enough to see this perfromance, one of our highlights of 2009, and you can read our review in the live review 2009 archive.

http://www.mcgarrigles.com/

Spring Tour for Cerys

Cerys Matthews heads out on a UK tour in April. She wil also releases a new single "Into the Blue" 22nd February. Welsh dates on the tour are:

7th April Wrexham, Glendwr University

12th April Cardiff, Glee Club

13th April Newport, Riverfront Theatre

14th April Builth Wells, Wyeside Arts Centre

16th April Llanelli, Elli Theatr

18th April Aberystwyth Arts Centre

www.cerysmatthews.co.uk

Sterophonics kick off live music at Cardiff City Stadium

Wales' premier league rock band the Stereophonics will become the first band to play at the Cardiff's news football stadium on Saturday June 5th. Tickets cost 35 pounds and go on sale 22nd January.

Welsh mini tour for Cate

Cate le Bon has announced a short Welsh tour taking in 4 dates around the country beginning at the end of Febraury. These are:

* Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff 27th February
* Constitution Hill Cafe, Aberwystwyth 1st March
* Rascals, Bangor 2nd March
* Central Station Wrexham 3rd March

Jimi Alexander & the Satellites Go West

Our breakthrough Act of 2009, Jimi Alexander & the Satellites, have been invited to appear at this year’s prestigious SXSW (South by South West) festival in March. This annual event held in Texas attracts over 1400 performers and is considered one of the most prestigious of its kind. SXSW attracts world wide attention and in the past has seen the likes of Fleet Foxes take off. In the meantime the band will be playing Buffalo in Cardiff January 11th with Country Mile label mates The Ash & the Oak.

Storys reach the final chapter

Swansea band The Storys have decided to call it a day after 6 years together. The band featured vocalist Steve Balsamo and their debut album released in 2006 received critical acclaim and international sales. They were also heavily played by the likes of Bob Harris who became one of the band’s most vocal supporters. Disappointingly the follow up ‘Town Beyond the Trees’ in 2008 failed to harness the band’s reputation or sales and the band have decided now is the right time to end the story. However, the band is going out in style with a farewell gig at the Swansea Grand 19th June.