Bringing venues, clubs, promoters, punters and bands together in small
hubbub of activity, Swn has in the past transformed sleepy wine bars
into chaotic math-rock dives, a café into a big scrabble game, and the
National Museum of Wales into a respectful rock venue!
Curated by my friend Huw Stephens at Radio One, it manages to pack into a weekend a really fantastic mix of new exciting names on the cusp of something special, with the brightest Welsh musicians and a sprinkle of international names with plenty of exotic charm.
I'm looking forward to seeing a few US bands, like Girls, who are released on Welsh label Turnstile Music. They'll be playing alongside other Turnstile friends like The Longcut, Swanton Bombs, Threatmantics, and Sweet Baboo. This gig is at Y Fuwch Coch on the Saturday evening - and you can run between Fuwch and...
...Brooklyn dudes The Drums, for example. This night will also be exciting with other Moshi Moshi label mates like Slow Club and Teeth - that's happening at Dempseys (Irish bar opposite the castle) on the Saturday.
The biggest problem at these street-hopping events is that venues like Dempseys and Fuwch Goch, which are both the size of most people's front room, get full quickly - and if you leave, you don't get back in.
In previous years, I've delighted and despaired to see the queues down the street for various events, because without movement, you also don't get to see the amazing selection of music on offer. But do think about getting a bike for the weekend, that, skates, or even a limo if you want to do it in style!
So its all kicking off from Thursday 22 October, and on the first night of the festival, myself and Adam Walton, from BBC Radio Wales (and fellow blogger), will be promoting our own Swn night at Chapter Arts Centre for future broadcast on both our shows.
I'm putting on a show headlined by Marina & The Diamonds (pictured), and supported by Post War Years, Bright Light Bright Light, and Zimmermans.
Curated by my friend Huw Stephens at Radio One, it manages to pack into a weekend a really fantastic mix of new exciting names on the cusp of something special, with the brightest Welsh musicians and a sprinkle of international names with plenty of exotic charm.
I'm looking forward to seeing a few US bands, like Girls, who are released on Welsh label Turnstile Music. They'll be playing alongside other Turnstile friends like The Longcut, Swanton Bombs, Threatmantics, and Sweet Baboo. This gig is at Y Fuwch Coch on the Saturday evening - and you can run between Fuwch and...
...Brooklyn dudes The Drums, for example. This night will also be exciting with other Moshi Moshi label mates like Slow Club and Teeth - that's happening at Dempseys (Irish bar opposite the castle) on the Saturday.
The biggest problem at these street-hopping events is that venues like Dempseys and Fuwch Goch, which are both the size of most people's front room, get full quickly - and if you leave, you don't get back in.
In previous years, I've delighted and despaired to see the queues down the street for various events, because without movement, you also don't get to see the amazing selection of music on offer. But do think about getting a bike for the weekend, that, skates, or even a limo if you want to do it in style!
So its all kicking off from Thursday 22 October, and on the first night of the festival, myself and Adam Walton, from BBC Radio Wales (and fellow blogger), will be promoting our own Swn night at Chapter Arts Centre for future broadcast on both our shows.
I'm putting on a show headlined by Marina & The Diamonds (pictured), and supported by Post War Years, Bright Light Bright Light, and Zimmermans.
This is a hand picked show, and its going to be glamourous, pop, sexy,
fun, and everything you could want from a gig. Marina, will just be
finishing the NME Radar tour too, where she's been asking the front row
girls to keep an eye out for Camel Toe - ew! See its going to be
irreverent, fun and lots of bouncy fun!
For more about the festival, including full line-up details, visit swnfest.co.uk.
And check back before the event as I'll write an alternative map to Cardiff for anyone heading to the city for the first time.
So, drop the dates in the diary, and I'll see you SWN.
Beth
For more about the festival, including full line-up details, visit swnfest.co.uk.
And check back before the event as I'll write an alternative map to Cardiff for anyone heading to the city for the first time.
So, drop the dates in the diary, and I'll see you SWN.
Beth
