Dear Poptastic Readers,
It's been awhile since we featured Welsh artist Gwenno, but this year alone she had released 5 singles and has a new album called Tesor. So this post is catching up with Gwenno's music this year. Like her previous albums Y Dydd Olaf and Le Kov this album is also sung in Welsh and Cornish languages, which makes for a very unique experience. It's almost been 10 years since we interviewed Gwenno around the release of her amazing EP Ymbelydredd — an EP that we still adore to this day.
Let's start with the first single released back in February! D'oh! Better late than never ...
"An Stevel Nowydh" was the first single. It translates to the "The New Room." The song has a steady rhythm and Gwenno's airy vocals make it dreamy. And later in the song, there is a slight tempo change. The music video is quite the artful affair. Have a look ...
The second single from the album was "Men An Toll" and it was released in April. It is more of an interlude as the song is only a minute and half. While there are vocals, we aren't sure they are actual lyrics. As for the meaning of the song, we think the title translates to "hole in the stone." We could be wrong, but we see a hole in the stone in the music video, which is also the album cover ...
The third single was released in May and it is the title track of the album: "Tresor." That translation is a bit easier. That means treasure. This track is just lush and beautiful. Very easy listening. While it may be a track that you want to close your eyes and enjoy all the sounds, do check out the music video here ...
The fourth single released in June was "Anima." The tempo is a bit faster than any of the songs so far, but not by much. It has a lovely melody. The music is very interesting here as it feels very retro. Check out the music video here ...
The fifth single released just yesterday is "N.Y.C.A.W." The song has lots of attitude with Gwenno talking her way through the verses, rather commanding that we listen. And rightfully so. This is a political song and Gwenno sings with passion. "N.Y.C.A.W" stands for Nid yw Cymru ar werth, and that translates to "Wales is not for sale." The beat is uptempo and it is full of passionate energy. Watch the music video here ...
There you have it. If you have enjoyed these 5 songs so far, check out Gwenno's new album Tresor. Chances are, you don't speak Cornish or Welsh, but music is a universal language and you don't have to understand them to enjoy it. However, maybe it will intrigue you to learn one or both of the languages.
"An Stevel Nowydh" and "N.Y.C.A.W." were written by Gwenno with Rhys Edwards, who also produced the track.
"Men An Toll" was written and produced by Gwenno.
"Tresor" and "Anima" were written by Gwenno and produced by Rhys Edwards.
We've added all 5 songs to our 2022 Poptastic Confessions Playlist on Spotify. We spread them out a bit. Please remember to use Spotify as a way to hear new music. The best way to support the artists are to buy their music. Please do so!
Cheers then,
—Davearama
P.S. Please follow Gwenno and Poptastic Confessions on social media ...
