Next up, we spoke to Welsh musician, composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist and record producer, Carwyn Ellis, whose album Yn Rio has been nominated for the prize this year.
Congratulations on being nominated for the Welsh Music Prize! Can you tell us about your shortlisted album?
My album, 'Yn Rio' was recorded (mostly) in a performance with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in March 2021, and was released in October 2021. The music and story contained therein are inspired by my time in Brazil, and in Rio de Janeiro in particular. It is a cross-cultural, multi-national meeting of minds and musicians, all with a tropical pulse.
How does it feel to be nominated?
It is in honour. It's always nice to have your work recognised by others.
What impact has being based in Cardiff had on your work?
I've been settled here for 15 years now and it's my home. Work-wise, it's provided me with an excellent base to go elsewhere to work - be it Rio de Janeiro, London or Caernarfon. These are the main places I've actually recorded music over recent years.
What are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months?
More projects, more music. So no change there! But more travel would be nice - the world changed in 2020 and I'm only recently becoming musically mobile again.
Tell us about any upcoming gigs…
I've just come back from gig season, having played shows with Rio 18 (and one with the orchestra at Green Man Festival) and Edwyn Collins during the summer. I've no concerts planned until next year now, and what exactly they will be is anyone's guess!
How can people find out more about you and your music?
If you'd like to find out about me, then my wikipedia or my website or social media accounts would be good places to start. For my music, buying records/CDs or streaming on the usual platforms would be a good bet.
More about the Welsh Music Prize
The Welsh Music Prize will take place on the 26 October at the Wales Millennium Centre as part of Llais 2022. Find out more about the festival and other nominees.
