Wherever you go in the world, people listen to Wales. We have superb venues, festivals, promoters, studios and record labels. There’s no end to our international stars, including Underworld, Super Furry Animals, Duffy, Funeral for a Friend and Manic Street Preachers. 

We want to expand this list. By developing music at grassroots level, we can nurture the next generation of artists – from Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard and Adwaith, to Kelly Lee Owens and Afro Cluster, via Nia Wyn and Mace The Great. That means making sure they have the skills and resources they need to prosper.

We champion a broad range of initiatives for the commercial music industry and its musicians, in both English and Welsh. These include funds for artists trying to break through to the next level, music projects and a wealth of online resources. Our goal, alongside our partners, is to make sure Welsh talent – across the music industry – is nurtured, supported and developed. In addition, visit UK Music and Help Musicians – two organisations that provide a wide range of support services to people working in the industry. 

It’s important to say, that while the likes of classical music, opera, orchestra and musical theatre are a vital part of both Welsh music and the wider creative sector, these are taken care of by other organisations, such as the Arts Council of Wales. We have an agreement in place with the Arts Council to work together through a Memorandum of Understanding.

Music is at the heart of our national identity. We’re committed to its growth and success, in all its wondrous diversity, both in English and in Welsh.

This is the sound of contemporary Wales

Our monthly playlist brings you fresh sounds from emerging and established artists across Wales – both in Welsh and English. Go on. Dive right in.