LLECHI : 7 & 9 AUGUST
Inspired by the theme of slate and the history of Bethesda, first written as part of the Pontio's opening season, this collaborative project features
9Bach, Lleuwen Steffan, Siân James, Caleb Rhys, Côr y Penrhyn, Vertical Dance Kate Lawrence, John Ogwen and poet Martin Daws. An enrapturing musical, visual and poetic mix - astounding and acclaimed when first performed, this second opportunity is not to be missed. Tickets are still available from the Pontio Website, but becoming limited. [21.07.17]
SONG OF THE WEEK : GAI TOMS : GWALIA
To mark today's release of Gai Toms' seventh solo album, this week's song is its title track, Gwalia - which is based around a long, haunting sample of Eleri Llwyd's O Gymru. Overall the new collection is a triumph, remarkable in the agility with which it shifts stylistically - at one moment offering the monumental, slow dub-edged rock of Gwalia itself, another the contrast of the infectious Gallic pop groove of Ewrop. Read the album review - buy Gwalia here.
[21.07.17]
ALYS WILLIAMS : TYRD ATA I
Rummaging about the internet before Sesiwn Fawr next weekend (21 - 23 July) turned up this showstopper, Tyrd Ata I, an unadorned, beautiful piece sung by Caernarfon based Alys Williams. It was recorded live, and uploaded in December last year, with backing singers Aled Hughes (see below), siblings Osian and Branwen Williams, and Gwion Llewelyn - who make up Alys' band; that's more creative talent than should be allowed to gather in one room safely. The result on this occasion is quietly stunning. [ For more see : Alys Williams Facebook I Sesiwn Fawr Website ]
[18.07.17]
REVIEW : PATROBAS LIVE AT TY COCH
Patrobas are definitely one of Wales' most exciting new bands. This review of an outdoor gig held on the edge of a beach near Morfa Nefyn completes a set of three articles - including an interview and a debut album review - read all about it. [16.07.17]
ALED HUGHES : TRUGAREDD / NOS DA MYFANWY Aled Hughes plays bass in Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog and for Georgia Ruth, runs a record label, Sbrigyn Ymborth, and is an outstanding producer. A first solo effort, this single has two tracks - hushed, tranquil songs (one an instrumental), as cleverly composed and arranged as you'd expect - but also genuine emotionally articulate music. Read more. [16.07.17]
SESIWN FAWR : 21 - 23 JULY [Dolgellau] You could say the essence of Sesiwn Fawr is that it is a superbly well run and curated event, in a beautiful location, with a genuine sense of the community and culture that hosts it; like the Llangollen Fringe it is a festival that makes the town it is held in come alive. But you can distill it even further - the nub is three days of exceptional music in a small host of intimate venues. Here is this year's programme - and ticket details. Amongst many potential highlights Lewis & Leigh play at The Royal Ship Hotel on the Sunday:
[14.07.17]
GIG OF THE MONTH : LLANGOLLEN FRINGE : BAND PRES LLAREGGUB : 22 JULY
If you have not seen them before, don't miss this chance. Band Pres Llareggub fuse hip hop, brass and their North Walian musical heritage to create a uniquely exhilarating live show - and this date also epitomises what the Llangollen Fringe Festival is all about; it has brought excitement, creativity and a mood of revelry to the town each summer for the last twenty years. There's a detailed preview for the gig, and the rest of the programme can be found here. [14.07.17]
BETH CELYN : TI'N FY NHROI I MLAEN
Like rabbits on Father Ted, no sooner do you spot one superb Beth Celyn song then you immediately see another. Released as a single today, heralding what will be a keenly anticipated EP, Ti'n Fy Nhroi I Mlaen (You Turn Me On) has its fair share of piano and drums (the latter played deftly by Carwyn Williams of Patrobas, Fleur de Lys and, on occasion, Candelas), but the heart of it is her sublimely gliding vocal - which is again majestic.
[13.07.17]
SONG OF THE WEEK : BETH CELYN : TROI
Impressive live at Gŵyl Arall, Beth Celyn is undoubtedly a gifted singer songwriter, and Troi is a graceful, soaring & emotive song. [ For more see : Facebook I SoundCloud I Twitter ]
[10.07.17]
COURTEOUS THIEF : TRIBAL EP
Courteous Thief is the recording name of Llandudno singer songwriter Gary Roberts - he has released a new four track EP of acoustic folk-pop on CEG Records;
expansive music that is a very positive signal for the album that is follow. Read more. [10.07.17]
PATROBAS PROFILE An interview with Patrobas as they recorded their debut album - remarkable contemporary folk from the Llŷn Peninsula. Read the article here.
FtM 2017 WATCHLIST
Monico Blonde and Adwaith feature in the set of 13 pre-debut album bands we think will make exactly the right noise in 2017. See the full list.
In its 20th year - a perfect rambunctious eleven days of music, spoken word, arts & comedy in a semi-bucolic (which means you can see sheep and buy chips at almost the same time) setting. What more could you want.
The epitome of a Welsh folk festival - family friendly with contemporary and traditional forms mixed with the best from sister Celtic nations.
Dolgellau is transformed for a weekend - the bill to mark the event's 25th year already includes Lewis & Leigh, Calan, Climbing Trees and the artful power pop of Sŵnami
The slate set history of Bethesda presented by 9Bach collaborating with Lleuwen Steffan, Siân James, Caleb Rhys, Côr y Penrhyn, Vertical Dance Kate Lawrence, John Ogwen and poet Martin Daws.
Wrexham's Focus Wales is now a firmly established annual event with international reach. It places 'the music industry spotlight firmly on the emerging talent that Wales has to offer the world', by delivering a vibrant celebration of music, comedy and the arts.
We are pleased to be working more closely with Focus Wales to promote their 2018 edition, which in turn will make it easier for From the Margins to highlight the best of new Welsh music and comedy; theirs is the first organisational logo we have added to the site to mark a closer association - we will be adding a few more in the next couple of months.
Site News
FtM SITE REBOOT
After a brief hiatus From the Margins has been
jolted back to life with a renewed focus - which will become much clearer as new content is added over the next few months.
The site is uploaded weekly on Sunday or a Monday - if you have something you would like to submit please read the About page and then use the contact form here.
LLECHI : 7 & 9 AUGUST
SONG OF THE WEEK : GAI TOMS : GWALIA
ALYS WILLIAMS : TYRD ATA I
REVIEW : PATROBAS LIVE AT TY COCH
ALED HUGHES : TRUGAREDD / NOS DA MYFANWY
SONG OF THE WEEK : CLIMBING TREES : FALL
GIG OF THE MONTH : LLANGOLLEN FRINGE : BAND PRES LLAREGGUB : 22 JULY
BETH CELYN : TI'N FY NHROI I MLAEN
COURTEOUS THIEF : TRIBAL EP
OBLONG : BRILLIANT ... GWD
TUDUR OWEN LIVE REVIEW
THE IMMEDIATE : MANBUOY 
BENDITH EP
LASTIGBAND EP
SERA : LIVE REVIEW
ALDEN, PATTERSON & DASHWOOD
MR HUW ALBUM
PATROBAS PROFILE
FtM 2017 WATCHLIST
