Welsh Axe God!

James Dean Bradfield from the Manic Street Preachers has been voted as the 17th best guitarist from the past 30 years by listeners of BBC6 music. Top 3 were:

1st - John Frusciante from the Red Hot Chili Peppers
2nd Slash
3rd Matt Bellamy from Muse

Ellie Goulding joins John Mayer for UK Tour

Ellie Goulding has been announced as support for John Mayer when he tours the UK this year. The dates include Cardiff Arena 23rd May.

Bluetones Frontman in the Bay

In advance of a new album from The Bluetones, frontman Mark Morriss is heading out on a solo acoustic tour, playing songs from his solo album 'Memory Muscle' with a few classic Bluetones tracks thrown in for good measure. Mark will be in Cardiff at The Norwegian Church on Wednesday 9th June
7.30pm-11.00pm. Tickets are £7 adv / £8 on the door and are available from St David's Hall (029) 2087 8444

Huw Stephens up for a Sony

Huw Stephens has been shortlisted for a Sony Award. This prestigious prize will be announced at the ceremony 10th May. Go Huw!! Full nominations in his category are:

Best Specialist Music Programme

:: Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1

:: Jools Holland, BBC Radio 2

:: Sounds Of The Sixties, BBC Radio 2

:: World Routes, BBC Radio 3

:: Zane Lowe, BBC Radio 1

Artis Mundi Freebie

Richard James (ex Gorky's Zygotic Mynci) & Colorama will be playing at the Museum of Wales as part of the Artis Mundi Art exhibition programme this Thursday 8th April from 6pm. Next week 15th April features Gideon Conn & the Gentle Good. Entry is free and includes an opportunity to look around the exhibtion between performers.

Critically acclaimed singer songwriter Rachel Taylor-Beales will be launching her new album 'Dust and Gold' with a special performance at The Gate Arts Centre, Cardiff on Saturday 29th May 7.30pm.She has been gaining a strong reputation over recent years and Bob Harris described her music as 'Highly Recommended’.

http://www.racheltaylor-beales.com/

Formidable Joy

Welsh band the Joy Formidable have signed to American label 'Black Bell' and who will be releasingtheir EP 'A Balloon Called Moaning'. The band are currently on tour and will be visiting Europe and North America until July.