The BBC’s Horizons/Gorwelion project showcasing up and coming Welsh musical artists has announced the recipients of this year’s Launchpad funding, and here’s a special playlist from BBC Radio Wales DJ Bethan Elfyn to introduce you to those acts.
A total of 28 talented artists and bands from across Wales have been successful in their bid for a music bursary worth a combined value of £35,000. Winners include artists such as iTunes chart-hitting reggae singer-songwriter Aleighcia Scott from Cardiff, who will use the bursary to produce a music video for her debut album. Christian Punter from Rhondda has also been successful. Christian crafts songs using stories inspired by his local village and the house he lives in, The Old Post Office.
The up-and-coming Wales-based artists have been awarded up to £2,000 each to help support them in shaping their careers, developing their music and supporting activities that will enable them to fulfil their potential.
The Launchpad fund, part of the BBC Cymru Wales and Arts Council of Wales’ Horizons project is made possible by funds from the National Lottery. The scheme aims to develop emerging contemporary music and received over 100 applications from across Wales. Two panels made up of 20 music industry experts were tasked with selecting the most eligible applicants.
Launchpad fund applications opened in September to Wales-based artists and bands writing, producing and performing original contemporary popular music.
Since its inception in 2014, Horizons and the Launchpad fund has been granted to over 150 artists, from over 60 towns, across the whole of Wales.
This year, the 28 successful artists applied for the funding to help support a range of ideas, from hiring rehearsal space to working with talented producers and recording professionally.
From the diverse mix of applications, many will be supported in their creative work with grants towards studio time and song writing, specially commissioned photography and artwork, promotion of releases, live performance equipment, video production and touring costs.
