Dylan Jenkins is head honcho at production company Dilys, which produces radio, podcasts and digital content.
His recent podcast series for Lŵp and S4C, Hyfryd Iawn, featured Pys Melyn, Sister Wives, Ogof, Bandicoot, audiobooks‘ David Wrench, Cerys Hafana and many more.Are you doing anything for Welsh Language Music Day 2022?
His recent podcast series for Lŵp and S4C, Hyfryd Iawn, featured Pys Melyn, Sister Wives, Ogof, Bandicoot, audiobooks‘ David Wrench, Cerys Hafana and many more.Are you doing anything for Welsh Language Music Day 2022?
I’m going to be doing some bits and bobs for BBC Horizons, which you’ll be able to see across their social accounts. I’m also going to be DJing in Clwb, who are showcasing a load of Welsh language bands on the day.
What is the first song in the Welsh language you remember, and what does it mean to you?
This is really tough, but I definitely have a really old memory of hearing Ethiopia Newydd by Geraint Jarman. I feel like “DAL DY DIR” must be one of the lyrics most deeply ingrained in my brain. It still stands as one of my favorite songs of all time. It’s stirring, emotive and danceable – a go-to at any DJ set I’m playing.
Why do you think the day is important, both inside and outside Wales?
I think any opportunity to celebrate music from Wales is a positive thing, although I think it’s important to remember that we should be listening to Welsh language music all year round as well. I’d like to hope that the day is an opportunity to reach some new ears and create lifelong listeners of people who might not come across a lot of Welsh language music in their daytoday life.
What is the best venue welcoming Welsh music, and why?
Clwb Ifor Bach is, and probably always will be, the number 1 spot for Welsh bands. I love DJing at their Twrw gigs, which have hugely grown in popularity over the years. It’s great seeing non-Welsh-speakers coming to Welsh language gigs as well, proving that Welsh language music is for everyone.
What are your top three Welsh Language songs, and why?
Race Horses / Radio Luxembourg – Marged Wedi Blino is one of my favorite songs of all time. The band was in my school and one of their founding members is my best mate’s brother in law. I got to play this song as the last song of their wedding, which was super cool.
Breichiau Hir – Ei Phen. One of the most cathartic Welsh language songs out there. I love everything about Breichiau Hir and their album is one of my favorites of all time, but this song has been on repeat for years.
I think my favorite Sen Segur song changes on a regular basis. They used to stay with us when I was in uni and they’d be playing in Cardiff and I have so many great memories of seeing them live and hanging out with them all over Wales. Gwreiddyn is a great track off their album Films. I wish they’d just get back together and write some new songs. Which Welsh albums are you most looking forward to hearing this year?
I can’t wait for Mellt’s new album, honestly, that’s number 1 on my list. Oooh, and Bandicoot. I can’t wait for their debut. Also looking forward to new music from HMS Morris, 3 Hwr Doeth, Pys Melyn and Adwaith. I also hope to see more Welsh hiphop surfacing this year! Marino’s new record southsidestories included some Welsh language drill and I’d love to see more of this.
What do you have coming up in 2022?
I’ll be continuing to DJ at gigs and festivals around Wales and hopefully have some exciting sets in Cardiff coming up soon! I’m hoping to release another series of the Hyfryd Iawn podcast and will be filming some stuff for BBC Horizons throughout the year.