Discover the best in new Welsh music

From the innovative sounds of L E M F R E C K to the captivating melodies of Megan Wyn, a new wave of musicians is emerging and redefining what it means to be part of the Welsh scene music today.

Read on to discover some next-gen artists we’ve proudly supported, including several featured on the Welsh Music Prize (WMP) 2024 shortlist – previous nominees include the likes of Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, also featured in this earlier Ones to watch article.

Aleighcia Scott is a force in the Welsh music scene and one of reggae’s brightest stars. The Welsh/Jamaican artist blends soulful melodies with powerful lyrics that deeply resonate with her listeners.

With her emotive voice and captivating stage presence, Aleighcia is emerging as a significant voice in contemporary Welsh music. To learn more about her experience with the PRS Foundation’s POWER UP initiative here. Her debut album, Windrush Baby, is on this year’s shortlist for the Welsh Music Prize having previously been longlisted for a Grammy.

Two-time BAFTA nominee L E M F R E C K is carving out a unique space in the Welsh music scene with his blend of introspective lyrics and grime-infused beats.

Raised in Newport and now based in London, this rapper tackles various themes in his music, often honouring his Welsh roots and reflecting the experiences of the Black community in Wales.

He is also the winner of the 2024 Welsh Music Prize for his second album Blood, Sweat and Fears, showcasing his growing impact in the industry.

Hailing from Aberystwyth and now based in Cardiff, Mellt is an energetic Welsh-language band making a mark on the music landscape.

Living up to their name, meaning lightning, the band is known for their high-voltage performances, as seen when they headlined our Klust London Showcase. Their second album, Dim Dwywaith, described by NME as exploring ‘vast new musical territories,’ has also made this year’s WMP shortlist.

Formed in 2022, Ffatri Jam is a bilingual hard rock band from Anglesey and Caernarfon. Despite being a new act, they're fast positioning themselves as one of North Wales’ standout bands, bursting onto the scene with a raw energy and infectious sound. They are a band to keep on your watchlist.

Each of their singles has been picked up by the radio, with plays by Alyx Holcombe on BBC Radio 1 Introducing Rock and Adam Walton on BBC Introducing in Wales, they’re definitely a band to keep on your watchlist

Swansea-based alt-rock band The Stray Pursuit are quickly making a name for themselves with catchy riffs and punchy melodies. Drawing influence from bands like the Stereophonics and Kasabian, they’ve recently worked with double Grammy-nominated Romesh Dodangoda on their soon-to-be-released EP.

Rapper and singer-songwriter Luke RV is an up-and-coming artist from Neath. Now based in Cardiff and at the forefront of the expanding music scene, Luke reflects the realities of life in South Wales through powerful storytelling.

His distinctive sound contributes to the new wave of hip-hop artists redefining the genre in Wales. Having received Momentum funding and recently headlining his first London show, Luke RV is undoubtedly an artist to watch.

Cardiff four-piece Half Happy have been friends for over 10 years. They describe their sound as a blend of dream-pop, indie-rock, and post-punk, layering engaging melodies with honest observations.

After catching the attention of Adam Walton on BBC Introducing, they were named Huw Stephens’ Artist of the Week. Alongside playing Focus, Green Man, and Sŵn in 2024, the band celebrated a sold-out debut show and a headline slot at Clwb Ifor Bach. Their debut EP, Conversation Killer, is out now.

Cardiff-based spoken word poet and hip-hop artist Duke Al is an emerging voice in the Welsh music scene.

Known for his smooth delivery and sharp lyrics, he creates songs that are both relatable and thought-provoking. Alongside creating work for FA Wales and the Paris Olympics, he also set up his own Poet Treehouse.

Finally, we have Megan Wyn, known for her fresh take on contemporary pop. Growing up in Anglesey, Megan describes her musical style as dreamy, nostalgic indie pop.

Having played Isle of Wight, Kendal Calling and Truck, she stands out as a rising star with the potential to become a defining voice for a new generation.

Head to the Welsh Music Prize website to discover the 2024 shortlist. If you’re interested in finding out more about the music scene in Wales, visit our music page to explore further