GrassrootsMusicVenues – Becky and the Bands

Horizons are set to embark on their Independent Venue Week Tour of Wales. Between the 25th-31st of January prepare to be enthralled by exciting sets from the incredible new Horizons prodigies, as well as performances by many other Welsh bands, including special appearances from Holding Absence and Junior. As sessions from the artists are streamed online, there is a focus on not just marvellous music talent, but also a spotlight on various venues across Wales.

The Horizons tour will celebrate and champion Independent Venues, in need of as much love and support as we can muster, following the unprecedentedly tough backlash of COVID-19. Although we won’t be attending these glorious Welsh venues in person for now, we can certainly be present in spirit, with Horizons streaming sets at 12pm each day for viewers to enjoy at home.

Immerse yourself in the best new musical talent Wales has to offer, right from the heart of our beloved independent venues. From mountain top Neuadd Ogwen in Bethesda, to the west coast’s Queen’s Hall in Narberth. We journey to the modern Galeri in Caernarfon, and flow into inner city hubs Sin City in Swansea and Le Pub in Newport. Across the upcoming days, Horizons Independent Venue Week Tour of Wales will explore some of our most cherished venues. Celebrating and showcasing their crucial role, fostering the next generation of Welsh music talent.

Bethan Elfyn, Project Manager of Horizons for BBC Wales said:

“We’ve been watching helplessly as Covid-19 has kept venues and theatres from opening, keeping communities that need each other apart, keeping us from watching, supporting and growing talent in Wales, and keeping us from the benefits of wellbeing and personal growth that music brings to life.”

“Independent Venue Week is a chance to celebrate everything about our map of venues around Wales, the maverick producers and promoters behind the venues, and the talent that would normally fill the empty buildings with life. The tour is a celebration of what we have, what we miss, and a nod to the future when we can get back to the community that we’ve missed.”

The line-up of musicians to perform, include hip hop artist Mace the Great, r&b singer Faith, rock band Those Damn Crows, urban siblings Leila McKenzie and K(e)nz, country vocalist Jodie Marie, alternative singer-songwriter and producer Rona Mac, low fi enigma Ennio The Little Brother, Gwilym frontman Ifan Pritchard, blues rock pair Alffa, female duo Body Water, and electro pop artist Malan.

In what will be a rather special but poignant week for music, Horizons are taking the opportunity to bring us closer together. Sharing sets from artists, your stories and our memories of music at its very greatest, as emerging talent has thrived through independent venues. Show your love for your favourite venues by streaming and sharing throughout the week, with Horizons.