Adwaith has been announced as the winner of the Welsh Music Prize 2019 with their album, Melyn during the internationally renowned award ceremony at The Coal Exchange, on Wednesday 27thNovember.
Welsh Music prize won by female post-punk trio Adwaith https://t.co/4G0qklAjVS
— The Guardian (@guardian) November 27, 2019
A panel of industry experts deliberated over the shortlist of twelve incredible albums. After a successful first eighteen months as a band, Adwaith’s debut album was delivered with much excitement. The project is sharp, groovy and confident, marking a growth in their creative boundaries.
The win comes fresh off the back of playing M in Montreal this week. In their acceptance speech they said: “This is so insane! Thank you to everyone that bought the album, and everyone that has helped us and supported us.”
Huw Stephens described the album as ‘A very exciting and deserved winner from an exceptional shortlist. Adwaith have made a real impact with their personal, beautiful music that captures what it’s like to be young, female, frustrated and bewildered at the world we live in.
.@adwaithband - Melyn pic.twitter.com/Rf206lDcxS
— Welsh Music Podcast | Podlediad Miwsig Cymreig (@welshmusicpod) November 27, 2019
Also awarded for the second time, the Welsh Music Inspiration Award went to Meredydd Evans & Phyllis Kinney. Arwel Rocet Jones collected the award on behalf of the pair, after Meredydd sadly passed away in 2015. Together, Meredydd and Phyllis dedicated their lives to Welsh music and made an enormous impact on the singing tradition in Wales through their integral role in promoting Welsh folk music to a global audience.
Finally, this year, the organisers of the Welsh Music Prize introduced the new Triskel Award, given to three artists they believe offer a bright future for music in Wales. This was won by Rosehip Teahouse, Los Blancos and Hana2k. With the support of Help Musicians UK, the three artists will all receive an industry support package to help kick-start their careers. This includes a creative development award of £500, free access to the Musicians Hearing Health Scheme (MHHS) and two hours of business planning.
The winners of the inaugural Triskel Award presented by @HelpMusiciansUK and @wgdep_culture - @blancoslos502, @rosehipteahouse and @hana2kmusic. pic.twitter.com/sFsD2lWiu1
— Welsh Music Prize (@welshmusicprize) November 27, 2019
This year’s Welsh Music Prize winners Adwaith played the Welsh Music Mixer this time last year.
You can read about the twelve Welsh Music Prize 2019 shortlist albums here.
Adwaith now joins a list of winners that includes Boy Azooga (2018), The Gentle Good (2017), Meilyr Jones (2016), Gwenno (2015), Joanna Gruesome (2014), Georgia Ruth (2013), Future of the Left (2012), Gruff Rhys (2011).
The judges for this year’s prize were Dexter Batson (Spotify), Matt Jarrett (Diverse Music), Sian Eleri (BBC Radio Cymru/Folded Wing), Kaptin (Boomtown), Daniel Minty (Minty’s Gig Guide), Carolyn Hitt (Journalist), Lucy Wood (Latitude Festival) and Chris Roberts (Son Am Sin).
The ninth Welsh Music Prize is sponsored by Welsh Government Creative Industries, PPL, PRS for Music with support from Cowshed, British Council Wales, and Musicians’ Union.
