Canu Issue 1

CanU

CanU get on our wavelength?

EMMET The music mag with all of Cardiff’s upcoming artists

Also featuring...

BETSY Neck Deep Mellt

We are CanU When we say ‘Can U get on one wavelength?’ it’s not a question, it’s a challenge. We are CanU; a magazine dedicated to seeking out the greatest grassroots music throughout Wales and its capital city, Cardiff.

The root of CanU lies in ‘canu,’ the Welsh word for sing and within this magazine, you’ll find all you need to start your journey into a world of previously undiscovered music. We have reviews of gigs and the live music venues throughout the city of Cardiff, as well as our own hand-picked selection of the best tracks, albums and EPs by grassroots musicians in Wales. And don’t forget our exclusive, must-read interview with up-and-coming folk artist Emmet McGonagle.

CanU is ordered like your favourite album or mixtape - taking you track-by-track through the magazine. You can read through them all or read your favourite over and over again.

So… Can U get on our wavelength?

TRACKS 1.

PROFILES

2.

FEATURE

3.

GIG REVIEW

4.

PLAYLIST

Track 1 PROFILES

MEET OUR PICKS Your next door artists that combine the essence of diverse Welsh talent

BETSY, born Elizabeth Humfrey is a Welsh singer from Pembrokeshire who is currently touring the UK. “Trashy opulence” is the name of her impactful look. Betsy received rave reviews after her solo debut, “Fair” on January 2016. Betsy’s singles continue to make waves in Wales.

Welsh pop punk band, Neck Deep from Wrexham came into the scene in 2012 with vocalist Benw Barlow. “What Did You Expect” gained online recognition that introduced the two other members, guitarist Matt West, drummer Dani Washington and bassist Fil Thorpe Evans.

Mellt, a punk rock group that exploded onto the Welsh music scene in 2012. Swept away by the shores of Aberystwyth, the three musketeers took over music with their first EP, which was released almost four years ago titled ‘Cysgod Cyfarwydd,’ meaning Direct Shadow.

Composer Luke Starkey graduated from the heart of Cardiff city at the Royal Welsh College. Starkey is currently studying lute and theorbo as his compositions were performed

by BBC’s National Orchestra of Wales. He also performed at the London Gala Orchestra and with singers in opera productions.

Track 2 FEATURE PT. I

no place like home?

Singer/songwriter Emmet McGonagle on the move to Cardiff from Ireland Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, 21-yearold singer/songwriter Emmet McGonagle tells us how it feels to perform in a land away from home.

While music is his passion, he is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism in Cardiff University.

Singing always came naturally to him, from back when he was a little boy. “I would never shut up, I always sang. Not very well, but I always sang.” he says.

When asked about how his journey with music started, he says:“I started playing the guitar when I was 15 because my brother learnt how to play, and I wanted to be better than him”, laughing lightly.

Although it is an intrinsic skill, music does require some time to work on.

When asked if he manages to find enough time to work on his music, he says: “I still try to write as much as I can, but it feels like there are less hours in the

CanU day for some reason. I imagine I’ll write a lot more over Christmas, and the tracks will be a lot stronger because they’ve had the chance to build up a bit in my head.”

His first gig in Cardiff took place in Gwdihw, a live music venue nestled at 6 Guildford Cres. “It was great! The staff were really nice, it was this crazy hipster bar, it was really nice.

“I was opening up for a guy called Chris Reardon and he was amazing.”

When asked if he gets nervous before a performance, especially in Cardiff, he says “I actually don’t get nervous before playing anymore.

“I have played so many gigs, I am now more comfortable doing that kind of thing, it just feels right playing music. I’d say I tend to get cocky whenever I play music, constantly feeling overconfident.”

Being a folk-artist through and through, we ask Emmet about who inspires his music: “I absolutely love Damien Rice.

His O album is completely amazing, he’s always going to be my number one.

“He was really influenced by Leonard Cohen, so obviously Cohen has whittled his way into all my depressing playlists.

On the other hand I’m also into agro music, like the White Stripes, , Nothing But Thieves, the 1975 and Biffy Clyro.”

When asked if he ever considers himself tied down by one genre, Emmet says: “I play depressing folk music, and it took me a while to come to terms with that as a brand, but that’s just the way it is.”

“I love my shitty sad music and I can only hope that I can move someone to cry alone in their bedroom and eat ice cream.”

Track 3 GIG REVIEWS

CanU

30 November // REWS // We’re No Heroes // Saccharyn // Telgate // Gwdihw

CanU magazine attended a gig night at well known live music venue the Gwdihw, showcasing just a few of the best bands that Cardiff has to offer.

The bar is full of chatter as the crowd patiently awaits for Telgate, to kick off the night. It’s only the fourth gig for the unique four piece band, and despite a broken string halfway through the set for guitarist Chris, the post-punk cross grunge band still managed to deliver a raw set featuring their singles ‘Get out my radio’ and ‘CherryTight’. Telgate showed a lot of promise and potential, and with a little confidence, can go a long way.

Next up was Cardiff based group Saccharyn, an electronica trio playing for one final time as a trio due to their keys player and ‘beatpad master’ Scotty leaving to tour the alps for a while. Nevertheless, Saccharyn played a chill set, a nice contrast to the fast-paced Telgate, covering Chris Isaak and an impromptu cover of ‘A Thousand Miles’ during a quick tuning session.

We’re No Heroes followed with a set aimed at the feet as well as the heart and brain. They’ve been a compelling movement in Cardiff’s music scene for a couple of years, and performed their tracks ‘Friendly Fires’ and ‘Jungle’. Although dancefloor-focused, We’re No Heroes songs are songs, as opposed to chants. The lyrics detail the darker corners of life, giving their grooves a real gravitas.

Finally, headlining act Rews took to the stage to an eager crowd. The duo delivered some of their best known singles ‘Your Tears’, ‘Shake Shake’ and ‘Shine’ with a high energy set that got the whole crowd moving. As this was one of the last legs on their tour, Rews treated us to two encores, which they didn’t really have much of a choice in as the crowd demanded to hear more of their tight beats and vocals.

With a growing fanbase, a few of which I’m sure were made on this night, CanU can see these two going

Track 4 PLAYLISTS

CanU

ON OUR WAVELENGTH You’ve read about them, now listen to them.

We’ve curated the best tracks from the muscians featured in this issue.

Now you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

All of these songs and more can be found on our Spotify @CanUMag1 EMMET MCGONAGLE - ‘LIKE LANDSLIDES’ Our cover star breaks out with a folk-pop bop, showcasing his Irish roots and a look to his future.

BETSY - ‘LITTLE WHITE LIES’ Betsy masters her unique brand of soul-pop on a cut of sophisticated synths that’s part Gaga, part Winehouse and a lot amazing.

NECK DEEP - ‘IN BLOOM’ Neck Deep have broken out massively over the past year. ‘In Bloom’ is the brightest spark from their impressive third LP, The Peace and the Panic.

MELLT - ‘CYSGOD CYFARWYDD’ Who knew the Welsh language could bang? Mellt’s very own brand of Welsh-rock is effervescent on their signature track.

JUNIOR - ‘VERONICA’ Junior showcase a darker side to their stellar rock on a mature and sobering cut from their upcoming fourth studio

MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS - ‘LIES’ A reminder just how exciting and lumions a Welsh pop act can be.

VENUES

IN THE MOOD FOR A GIG?

Here are the best spots to hit for great live music

Nestled in 6 Guildford Crescent,Off Churchill Way CF10 2HJ, the Gwdihw is an independent space for alternative music often featuring live acts.

Pass by the Live Lounge, 9 The Friary, CF10 3FA on any day of the week you will find yourself in the midst of some great live acts

Located at 11 Womanby Street, CF10 1BR Clwb Ifor Bach is a popular venue that focuses on homegrown acts and a great selection of live music

Full Moon can be found at Unit 3 Womanby St, Cardiff CF10.

This independent venue hosts a number of live artists and bands