Sŵn Connect Masterclasses
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As the ways we discover and debate music continue to evolve, freelancers Rishi Shah and Rachelle Cox discuss what it takes to build a voice and career in music media today, and how the role of the journalist is changing, moderated by Teresa Delfino.
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With practical insight for aspiring young musicians, join Matt Maltese as he shares lessons from his singular journey as an artist, songwriter (Rosalía, Jamie T, Joy Crookes), theatre composer and independent label owner, interviewed by Sophie Williams.
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With more music being released than ever, how do emerging names cut through and build a fanbase? BBC 6 Music’s Emily Pilbeam, joined by producer Sara Tabar, explore contemporary radio’s role in discovery and tastemaking.
Sŵn Connect Panels
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What needs to happen next to support artists, venues, organisations and the wider music industry in Wales? Join Roger Wilson, the newly-appointed Head of Music at Arts Council of Wales, David Ball (Creative Wales), Sophie Asquith (MVT), Jen Burke (Cabinet Member for Culture & Vice Chair of Cardiff Music Board) and Kev Tame (Sain Records) for an open forum exploring the opportunities and priorities for the sector, moderated by Tori Sillman (Creative Cardiff) .
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Ireland is taking bold steps to support artists, while a new generation of homegrown acts is enjoying international success. Moderator Estelle Wilkinson, Catherine Martin (The Ivors Academy), Finn Manning (Cardinals) and manager Sam McGlynn discuss the nation’s Artist Basic Income initiative and how meaningful support can help artists build sustainable careers.
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12:15 - 13:00 | Wales’ Gamechanging Cultural Crossover: The Ties Between Football, Fashion and Music
How is football helping put Welsh music on a bigger stage? Ibby Abdi (IBY World), Elan Evans (Freelance Project & Artist Manager & Grwndi Records), James Webb (Adidas) and Connor Cupples (Cwmbran Celtic FC) explore how music, fashion and football culture intersect, and how artists and creative communities are finding new audiences through the game, moderated by Ryan March (Alternative Wales).
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Inspired by the landmark 1995 record, the Mercury Prize-nominated Help(2) brought together artists including Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and Fontaines D.C. to make a new album in support of War Child. Hear how the record came together at Abbey Road in one extraordinary week, and the impact the album is having in supporting the charity’s work with children affected by conflict.
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Throughout a breakout 2026 that’s seen them light up Green Man Festival, release their second album Massive Champion and land a Harry Styles stadium tour support slot, Getdown Services have gone from cult favourite to a band firmly on the rise. Huw Stephens joins the duo for a candid conversation about the whirlwind of the past year and what comes next.