17 May 2022
Over the coming months, some of Wales' leading bands will record live studio performances as a second series of Lŵp: Ar Dâp hits our screens.
Adwaith, the critically acclaimed three-piece band from Carmarthen are first up on Wednesday 18 May at 8.00.
Hollie, Gwenllian and Heledd have taken a break from their busy gigging schedule to record a session for Ar Dâp.
The session features two of their new singles, Wedi Blino and ETO, as well as a few favorites from their debut Welsh Music Prize winning album, Melyn.
Commenting on their success, bassist Gwenllian Anthony said: "We've done some stuff and I can't believe we've really done them. It's a good thing we're a little laid back or we might have gone a little bit crazy. We really appreciate the opportunities we've had; touring and taking Welsh music around the world."
An exciting development means all of the featured bands will benefit from an international stage, as Lŵp has struck up a partnership with FOCUS Wales.
As well as organising the annual international FOCUS Wales festival in Wrexham, the not-for-profit company also promotes Welsh artists at showcase festivals around the world.
Rhodri ap Dyfrig, S4C's Online Content Commissioner, said: "Our aim is to create exciting sessions that will be a permanent record of contemporary Welsh musicians at their best.
"FOCUS Wales will lead on bringing together artists for the series as well as use their expertise to find new audiences for Welsh music.
"We are very happy to be working with such an influential organisation in Wales that supports artists to succeed internationally."
Neal Thompson, co-founder of FOCUS Wales, said: "FOCUS Wales is excited to work with S4C on this new series.
"One of the most important things for us as an organisation is to create and offer opportunities for new Welsh artists to reach an international audience.
"So being able to curate a line-up of contemporary Welsh artists for the new series of Lŵp with S4C is a perfect partnership."
With the sessions available on S4C, S4C Clic and Lŵp channels, they can be watched anywhere in the world.
"The series will provide high quality audio and visual recordings of Welsh artists at the top of their game, who have been regularly releasing music or touring" added Rhodri.
"After the success of the first series of Lŵp: Ar Dâp, we aim to continue to develop the content and push it further."
9Bach, Tri Hŵr Doeth and Yr Ods are amongst the bands that recorded sessions for the first series.
More exciting bands will release sessions on a monthly basis over the coming months, so keep an eye out on the Lŵp YouTube channel for the latest.
Launched in August 2019, Lŵp is a digital platform offering a new stage or all kinds of contemporary Welsh music and culture.
