Rockfield Studios, a recording studio just outside the village of Rockfield near Monmouth, is renowned for having recorded some of the world’s biggest acts. This converted farmhouse is the very place Queen recorded their iconic hit ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and Oasis completed their second album ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’.
In a new two-part television programme presented by Heledd Watkins, lead singer of indie band HMS Morris, we see some of Wales’ most exciting acts head to the same location to record their own music.
The series of live studio sessions have been produced by Horizons Cymru in collaboration with Small and Clever Productions and Hoot Studios and premiered at Cineworld this week, with a number of prominent figures from Cardiff’s buzzing music scene attending.
Phillip Moss, MD of Small and Clever, said it was ‘one of the most enjoyable productions he’d worked on’ and an example of ‘a really good collaboration’.
DJ Bethan Elfyn runs Horizons Cymru, a scheme delivered by BBC Cymru Wales in partnership with Arts Council of Wales to develop new, independent contemporary music in Wales. Each year 12 emerging Welsh artists are chosen and given the platform and support they need to grow in Wales and beyond. Bethan said she was delighted to see the musicians ‘supersized’ on the screen.
Here's @AleighciaSings performing Crying No More in a special Rockfield Studios session.
— Horizons / Gorwelion (@HorizonsCymru) January 14, 2019
Y gantores reggae unigryw o Gaerdydd, a can wreiddiol.@BBCWales @BBCCymruFyw @Arts_Wales_ @Celf_Cymru #RockfieldSessions pic.twitter.com/MfZri8gzkW
Performances include Nia Wyn with ‘Turnstiles’, Llangollen’s Campfire Social with their song ‘Oh Atrophy’. There are also covers of bands who have previously recorded at Rockfield including a bilingual performance of Supergrass’ ‘Alright’ by Carmarthen’s Adwaith and a soulful cover of Black Sabbath's 'Killing Yourself to Live' by Cardiff-born Marged. The programme also features live performances by Himalayas from the Tramshed in Cardiff, and Tenby-based band I See Rivers, originally from Norway, deliver a magical performance at Horizons' own stage at Festival Number 6.
Absolutely magical performance from @ISEERIVERS at @festivalnumber6 last year. Catch them on BBC 2 Wales this Tuesday at 10pm as part of the #RockfieldSessions!
— Horizons / Gorwelion (@HorizonsCymru) January 13, 2019
Perfformiad lliwgar gan I See Rivers o wŷl Rhif 6 Portmeirion @BBCCymruWales @Arts_Wales_ @Celf_Cymru pic.twitter.com/a5EflwkJMe
Tune in to watch Rockfield Sessions on BBC 2 Wales next Tuesday, 22 January on BBC 2 Wales at 10pm.
