08 February 2012

Young classical performer Trystan Llŷr Griffiths from Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire is looking forward to developing his music career as he receives support from one of the world’s biggest record companies, Decca Records.

Trystan reached the shortlist on S4C’s ‘Voice for Wales’ (Llais i Gymru) documentary, along with Lisa Angharad, Rhiannon Herridge and James Williams. They went on to try to impress the panel in an attempt to receive a possible recording contract with Decca.

Though Trystan has not struck a deal with the company, out of the 600 original contestants he has been chosen and invited to meet Decca’s managers to discuss the future.

"I’m not completely sure what Decca have in mind regarding my career. I’m going to meet them as soon as possible," says Trystan, who studied Music and Media at University of Wales Trinity St David. He is now studying for a Masters degree in Singing at London’s Royal Academy.

"I’m confident they intend to provide support while I develop my singing career, so it’s a very exciting time for me.

"I was over the moon with the news from Decca, and I’m not disappointed at all because there was never a guarantee that one of us would receive a contract – you can’t get a contract overnight!

"For a company as successful as Decca to take an interest in you is such a compliment. It’ll be a long process in order for them to get to know me better.

"I’ve learnt quite a few new things from Llais i Gymru – I’ve learnt how to discipline myself to cope with everything. I’m glad I’ve had this opportunity and I don’t intend returning to fitting garage doors at my part-time job at home – this process has given me the confidence to try for a serious singing career," explains Trystan, who won the W. Towyn Roberts Scholarship at last year’s National Eisteddfod in Wrexham.

On the Llais i Gymru panel were agent Sioned James, Decca’s Managing Director Mark Wilkinson and Head of A&R Tom Lewis.

According to Mark and Tom from Decca, the process was an undisputed success they praised all four of them. However, Trystan caught their attention the most with his strong vocals, warm personality and good image. The panel agreed this combination meant he has the potential for a great career on stage and in a recording studio.

"We are proud of Llais i Gymru and enjoyed the sea of talent coming out of Wales – to so many, the Land of Song," says Mark Wilkinson, Decca’s Managing Director.

"Trystan is an exciting talent, and we are keen to provide some foundations and opportunities for him to continue his development."

The four singers have been taking part in a variety of tasks and activities throughout the series, including a voice session with singing teacher Ian Baar, stage sessions with Strictly Come Dancing Star Camilla Dallerup and a public performance with previous X Factor winner Joe McElderry.

The series came to a climax with a performance by the four on the Under the Bridge stage in the Chelsea area of London, in front of a selected audience as well as the panel.

Ends