Mellt have won this year’s Welsh Language Album of the Year for their album, Mae’n Hawdd Pan ti’n Ifanc.
This was announced at a special ceremony on the BBC Radio Cymru Llwyfan y Maes this afternoon.
It feels like ages since this band from Aberystwyth’s first EP was released,with only live performances to tease us of what to expect on their debut album.
Finally in the spring of 2018 ‘Mae’n Hawdd Pan Ti’n Ifanc’ was released, to much acclaim. The influence of producer Mei Gwynedd makes the album stand out in a limited market. With memorable songs like ‘Planhigion Gwyllt’ and ‘Rebel,’ the album is sure to transport you back to your adolescence.
Guto Brychan, one of the organisers of the Welsh Language Album of the Year said, “We had a very eclectic shortlist this year, with all sorts of musical genres represented. And it was great to be able to discuss the albums with such a wide-ranging panel, all interested in music.”
This is the fifth time for the Eisteddfod to organise the Welsh Language Album of the Year. Bendith won the competition last year, and Swnami two years ago, with Gwenno Saunders winning in 2015. The first award went to The Gentle Good in 2014.
This year’s shortlist comprised of:
- Band Pres Llareggub – Llareggub
- Blodau Gwylltion – Llifo fel Oed
- Bob Delyn a’r Ebillion – Dal i ‘Redig Dipyn Bach
- Gai Toms – Gwalia
- Gwyneth Glyn – Tro
- Mellt – Mae’n Hawdd Pan ti’n Ifanc
- Mr Phormula - Llais
- Serol Serol
- Y Cledrau – Peiriant Ateb
- Yr Eira - Toddi
Mellt will receive a specially commissioned trophy, made by blacksmith Ann Catrin Evans.
Today also saw the Sbardun Trophy presented for an original song in an acoustic style. The winner was Gwilym Bowen Rhys, who will be performing with Pendevig on the Pavilion stage this evening. Alun ‘Sbardun’ Huws was one of our most notable composers, and the aim is to mark his contribution to the Welsh language music and literature world.
The winner will receive the trophy, designed and created by artist, Carwyn Evans, to be kept for a year and £500. The trophy and the financial prize have been donated by Sbardun’s wife, Gwenno Huws.