In the heart of Carmarthenshire, a trio of young Welsh musicians is preparing to make history. Meet Adwaith, the post-punk band that’s about to release “Solas,” a groundbreaking 23-track double album sung entirely in Welsh. With their sights set on elevating Welsh language music to new heights, Adwaith is ready to prove that there are no limits to what artists can achieve when they stay true to their roots and dare to dream big.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Ambition
For Adwaith, the journey to “Solas” has been one of personal and artistic growth. Reflecting on their earlier albums, bassist and keyboardist Gwenllian Anthony notes, “There was some naivety around our first album. The second album we were in our early 20s and there was a bit of anxiety and not being sure what to do with ourselves.” But with “Solas,” Adwaith has found a new level of confidence and clarity. “This third album is us coming home and actually being confident in ourselves and being true to ourselves,” Anthony explains. “We’re sort of feeling enlightened.”
Defying Expectations and Embracing Their Language
For Adwaith, singing in Welsh isn’t just a creative choice – it’s a vital part of their identity and a way to honor their heritage. “It’s such an integral part of what we do and who we are and what we create,” says vocalist and guitarist Hollie Singer. And while some might see singing in Welsh as a barrier to wider success, Adwaith sees it as an opportunity to challenge expectations and inspire others. “The more you get people saying, well, wouldn’t you be more successful doing it in English, the more we want to do it in Welsh,” Anthony declares. “We’re stubborn.”
“If Beyoncé and Taylor Swift can do double albums, then why not us? I think we’ve always had that ambition from the start. This is the pinnacle of that.”
– Hollie Singer, Adwaith vocalist and guitarist
Opening Doors for the Next Generation
With “Solas,” Adwaith isn’t just aiming to make a statement – they’re hoping to inspire a new generation of Welsh language artists. “It’s important for us to open more doors for other Welsh language bands,” Anthony says. “If we do that, then our job is done.” By proving that there’s an audience for ambitious, boundary-pushing Welsh music, Adwaith hopes to pave the way for more young artists to follow in their footsteps.
- Eclectic Influences: From post-punk icons like the Cure to the avant-garde pop of Björk, Adwaith draws inspiration from a wide range of genres and artists.
- Nostalgic Sounds: Some tracks on “Solas,” like “Heddiw / Yfory,” pay tribute to the comforting familiarity of the Welsh landscapes Adwaith grew up with.
- Linguistic Pride: For Adwaith, the Welsh language is like an instrument, an essential part of their sound and identity.
A Landmark Moment for Welsh Music
With its daring scope and uncompromising vision, “Solas” is poised to be a landmark release not just for Adwaith, but for Welsh language music as a whole. By proving that there’s an audience for ambitious, genre-defying music sung entirely in Welsh, Adwaith is opening up new possibilities for artists and listeners alike. And with their growing fanbase and critical acclaim, it’s clear that Adwaith’s message is resonating far beyond the borders of Wales.
As “Solas” prepares to light the way for a new era of Welsh music, one thing is certain: Adwaith’s journey is far from over. With their unwavering commitment to their language, their heritage, and their artistic vision, this trio of young trailblazers is ready to keep pushing boundaries and inspiring others for years to come. For Adwaith, the question isn’t “Why us?” – it’s “Why not us, and why not now?” With “Solas,” they’re ready to find out just how far their music can take them.
