Start Listening To: Adwaith
We caught up with Adwaith and learnt more about their sophomore album Bato Mato.
Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?
We are Adwaith from Carmarthenshire in West Wales. Our music is a melting pot of influences from folk to punk to Turkish psychedelic music, all through the medium of Welsh.
How did Adwaith form?
Hollie and I (Gwen) have known eachother since we were 2 years old. We decided to start writing together after an inspiring weekend at a Welsh festival. We met Heledd at our first gig in The Parrot in Carmarthen. We were very lucky she came to the gig!
How are you feeling about the release of your new album Bato mato?
We are so excited that it's out and that everyone can hear it! Feels like a lifetime since we released Melyn so we're just on cloud 9 at the moment!
How do you produce your music?
It varies from song to song. We wrote most of this album over lockdown so it was a bit different to what we're used to. We sent a lot of voice notes over to each other and were writing that way. Usually, someone will come up with a riff of chord progression and we'll work on it together and jam it out.
Can you tell us more about the lyrical themes on this album?
Our first album Melyn was very much about growing up in West Wales and the experience of being a teenager in a rural town. Bato Mato is a continuation of that in a way. We're in our 20's and realise that life isn't as great as we once thought. There's heartbreak, love, anxiety and hopefulness within this album
What was your favourite & least favourite part of making your new album?
The writing process was quite hard. Not being able to get together and experiment. It was very wishy washy process but we're very proud of what we came up with. Favourite part was definitely going into the studio. We were in the middle of nowhere with our producer and it was 2 weeks of normality, away from the world.
We love the music video for your single Wedi Blino. How involved are you in the making of your videos?
We love getting involved with the videos! Everyone we've worked with has wanted us be involved and suggest ideas which has been great! We had such a fun time filming that video. We do get a bit hysterical by the end though, I have to admit.
How has Wales influenced your music?
The reason we started a band was Welsh music. Going to Welsh gigs, listening to Welsh music. I don't think we would have started a band if it wasn't for our local venue. It's a relatively small scene but everyone knows each other and wants to show support. It's so varied too. So many different genres of music within the Welsh language scene. It's very inspiring.
Can you share something interesting about the band that has nothing to do with music?
We love pickles? We did a raffle at every date of our album tour and one of the prizes was a jar of pickles. We love them!
What do you love right now?
Heledd's family bought some pigs recently called Hilda and Gertie. I would have to say them.
What do you hate right now?
The conservative government. (That goes without saying, doesn't it?)
Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s important to you?
The Staves - Dead, Born and Grown. We listen to this album ALL the time. Hollie and I know every single word and harmony. It's an album we listened to a lot when we started the band. We wanted to be them so bad. I think we learnt how to harmonise from this album.
Is there any new music from 2022 you have been enjoying?
We've been really loving Squeeze by Sasami. That album is incredible. It's heavy but poppy and everything in between. It's one of a kind.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
We're already working on Album 3 so there won't be another 4 year wait for an album! We promise..
