FOCUS Wales 2022
Sometimes you just know when you meet one of the good guys and my introduction to, Focus Wales co-founder, Andy Jones at a PRS panel we were both on was one of those times. Now in its 12th years it’s Wales’ biggest music showcase featuring over 250 artists across 19 venues. All in 3 days. All in Wrexham (well done on the city status btw). Andy very kindly invited SWND up for the event and not really knowing what to expect we were blown away by the talent, scale of the whole event and the support both internationally and locally that Focus Wales gets. Not only were there artists from Wales (obviously) but also from Canada, Catalonia, Spain, Mongolia, Malta….the list was endless. Put that together with the daily conferences and networking events and you start to get a glimpse of why this is such a highly regarded and much loved weekend.
One thing you need to know if you’re planning on going - early bird tickets are on sale now - is that you won’t see everyone that you want to. The team have developed an easy to use app and planner that we found invaluable but even with that we still missed out on a whole lot of artists simply because there’s so much going on across the whole of the town…sorry, city !
With our tickets for 2023 already booked I thought I’d share my Top 5 from 2022.
In no particular order…
1) Jodie Marie
St Giles was probably my favourite venue and to see Jodie Marie performing songs from her latest album, The Answer, was sublime. She’s got a fantastic rapport with any audience and a truly beautiful voice.
2) Igloo Hearts
Another set from St Giles, and this husband and wife duo (keys & guitar with vocals) are my favourite find of 2022. Understated, beautifully delivered original songs and surprising covers made for a fantastic set.
3) Eve Goodman
Possibly the most enchanting voice I’ve ever heard and certainly a major highlight for me at HWB Cymru where Eve was accompanied by a lady ‘signing’ her lyrics for people with hearing issues. Just magical.
4) Lunar Bird
I’m a long time fan of this Sicilian/Welsh band but the first time I’ve seen them live in front of an audience. Consummate professionals who draw the audience in with ethereal vocals and some seriously great playing - special mention to Francis George on bass.
5) Peaness
Honestly, these guys (girls) just blew me away with their infectious, feel good indie pop and had a jam packed Ty Pawb jumping up and down to tracks from their debut album - which the following week entered the Top 20 UK album charts.
These are my personal favourites from 2022 but everyone on the SWND team that went came up with different names which just goes to show what an all encompassing showcase this is across all genres. I’m impressed.
Mike Kennedy