Formed in Cardiff in 2015, the band is working as a three-piece since long-term drummer Ashley Green departed the band in 2024. The current lineup consists of vocalist Lucas Woodland, guitarist Scott Carey, and bassist Benjamin Elliott. After signing with Sharptone Records in 2017, the band released albums ‘Holding Absence’ in 2019, ‘The Greatest Mistake Of My Life’ in 2021, and ‘The Noble Art of Self Destruction’ in 2023.

Their general sound is a more modern, polished take on 2000s emo, taking a framework of contemporary post-hardcore and packing it with emotional lyrical depth and atmospheric moods. Woodland’s impressive vocal talents balance the heavy and soft sections equally, which made him a natural candidate when Welsh emo royalty Funeral For A Friend needed a stand-in vocalist in 2023. He has since split time playing live shows with both bands, with no new music appearing since he took on the role until this week.

The trio announced vague plans on New Year’s Eve 2025, with a simple Instagram post reading “Holding Absence will return in 2026”, before leaving a trail of breadcrumbs on social media throughout March. The hints culminated in the reveal on the 31st of March that the new single ‘Whisper Of A Dream’ would come out on the 2nd of April. The single came with the news of the change in label – American label Sumerian Records are best known for their endorsement of metal bands, but Holding Absence will be accompanied by their musical peers Bad Omens and Static Dress.

‘Whisper Of A Dream’ maintains the band’s classic emotional post-hardcore styling, while incorporating glitchy electronic stabs and robotic vocoder vocal cuts, providing the voice for their new mechanical mascot who stars in the video. Frontman Lucas Woodland states “Lyrically and conceptually, the song draws heavily from cyberpunk media. Contemplation, sentience and dreaming in an ever-evolving world. The music video also introduces our robot mascot Y4-BB0, a character you’ll be seeing more of in the coming years.” Speaking of where the song fits into the grand scheme of their return to the fray, Woodland also says ‘Whisper Of A Dream “felt like the perfect song to return with. In many ways, it represents everything Holding Absence has always been, while introducing new elements to our sound and opening the door to what comes next.”

This cyberpunk-inspired rebirth of Holding Absence ironically follows the dystopian news last year that an AI band trained on their music had overtaken them on Spotify streaming figures. Woodland spoke out on social media site X about the AI-generated music released by “Bleeding Verse”, which openly listed both Holding Absence and US group Dayseeker as its influences, and how it had surpassed his band’s listening statistics for the year in just two months. In the thread of his musings, Woodland commented “It’s shocking, it’s disheartening, it’s insulting – most importantly – it’s a wake up call. Oppose AI music, or bands like us stop existing.”

‘Whisper Of A Dream’ is available now on streaming platforms, with more music likely to arrive via Sumerian later in the year. Catch Holding Absence on Enter Shikari’s tour this November, as it hits the UK and Europe with The Callous Daoboys opening. Dates for the run are here:

NOVEMBER
• 3 – Sporthalle, Hamburg
• 4 – Zenith, Munich
• 5 – Haus Auensee, Leipzig
• 6 – Mitsubishi Electric Halle, Düsseldorf
• 7 – Columbiahalle, Berlin
• 10 – Forest National, Brussels
• 11 – 013 Poppodium, Tilburg
• 13 – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
• 14 0 Utilita Arena, Cardiff
• 15 – Connexin Live, Hull
• 18 – OVO Hydro, Hull
• 19 – Co-op Live, Manchester
• 20 – Alexandra Palace, London
• 21 – Alexandra Palace, London

Newport three-piece Skindred burst onto the scene with 2002’s ‘Babylon’, an album that married nu metal with rap and reggae to create something wholly their own. Due to their unique sonic fusions and their unmatched stage performances, the band have drawn fans from all manners of backgrounds and become one of the most in-demand alternative live acts in the country. Download Festival have booked them 9 times since 2006 as a foolproof way to guarantee a good party, and their raucous live shows have seen them receive awards and nominations from Kerrang, Metal Hammer, the Heavy Awards and the MOBOs.

Since eighth album ‘Smile’ hit Number 2 in the Official UK Album Chart and Number 1 in the Rock and Metal Chart, the band went on a massive nationwide tour in 2023. They then did even more impressive numbers on their three-night arena run in 2024 – sold out dates at Manchester Academy and O2 Academy Birmingham, and a massive gig at the Wembley OVO Arena. 2025 saw them trade huge crowds for smaller, more intimate venues for a UK tour, followed by one of Germany with Alien Ant Farm.

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The ‘You Got This’ Tour was announced today to tear across the UK and Ireland in October and November, including a massive night at London’s Alexandra Palace on Halloween. Drummer Arya Goggin is clearly already excited, saying “Halloween is always such a special night, for both us and our fans, so this year our annual ‘Night of the Living Dred’ show will be its biggest-ever at London’s Alexandra Palace! Along with Alien Ant Farm we have Spineshank and Orgy joining us. It’s going to be a really special night with loads of surprises.” The three support bands are each popping up on different nights of the tour – here’s the full list of where and when you can catch Skindred this Autumn:

• 24 October – Rock City, Nottingham w/ Spineshank
• 30 October – O2 Academy, Birmingham w/ Alien Ant Farm, Spineshank and Orgy
• 31 October – Alexandra Palace, London w/ Alien Ant Farm, Spineshank and Orgy
• 6 November – 3Olympia, Dublin w/ Alien Ant Farm
• 7 November – Telegraph Building w/ Alien Ant Farm
• 13 November – Barrowlands, Glasgow (no support confirmed for this date)

So far Skindred have released two singles from ninth album ‘You Got This’, including the groovy title track and the super-fun jam ‘Can I Get A’, which came out at the start of March. The album releases on the 17th of April on Earache Records, with pre-order links here. The full track listing looks like this:

1. You Got This
2. Can I Get A
3. Born Fe Dis
4. This Is The Sound
5. Broke
6. Glass
7. Big ‘Em Up
8. Do It Like This
9. My People
10. Give Thanks

Following a five year hiatus, in a statement which Duffy posted to her website in February 2020, she opened the curtain for fans who had long since awaited her return. She detailed a harrowing experience in which she was “raped and drugged and held captive over some days”. Further explaining her absence, she told fans “The recovery took time” but “trust me I am OK and safe now”.

This is not the first time that Disney+ has forayed into documentaries. Featured on the subscription service, fans of all types of artists are able to see well made and produced retellings/behind the scenes introspectives of some of the world’s biggest stars. Musical documentaries on Disney+ include ‘The Beatles: Get Back’, ‘Music by John Williams’ and arguably most popularly the concert film of ‘Taylor Swift, The Era’s Tour (Taylor’s Version’). Fans of Duffy will hope that her documentary will handle the subject material respectfully and delicately while allowing for an honest and raw retelling of events in connection with Sean Doyle, Disney+ Vice President assurance that “This film will give Duffy the chance to tell her story in her own words.”

Born Aimée Anne Duffy, the Welsh singer signed with A&M records in November 2007. Duffy’s debut album ’Rockferry’ was released in March 2008 and subsequently became the UK’s best selling album of the year. It’s most popular single ‘Mercy’ paired with Duffy’s raw and soulful vocal propelled the album to a Grammy Award in 2009, three Brit awards as well as three MOJO award nominations. Her second album ‘Endlessly’ was released in November 2010. Over the years which followed, Duffy cancelled festival and tour performances before featuring in the 2015 crime thriller ‘Legend’ to which she provided three songs for the soundtrack. In the years that followed, Duffy vanished from the public eye for the aforementioned reasons.

Disney+ have not yet released a date for Duffy’s documentary but fans can expect a “really powerful project” according to Disney+’s head of content Angela Jain.

The headliners for the festival include Scottish post-rock band Mogwai, American rockers Wilco, electronic producer Four Tet, and the 2026 BRIT Award Winners Wolf Alice. The full line up is detailed in Green Man’s post below.

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Mogwai will open the festivities on Friday the 20^th, in their third Green Man appearance. Their music known for its distinctive lack of lyrics and immersive soundscapes have carried the band through a nearly 30 year career.

British DJ, Four Tet, will also be making a return to Green Man in 2026, but for his fourth appearance. Once called by critics ‘the definitive indie electronic artist,’ Four Tet will bring his ‘experimental yet highly accesible’ sound back to Bannau Brycheiniog.

American rock band, Wilco, is set to make their second appearance at Green Man this August, with their first being in 2009. The Independent described their 2009 performance as ‘masterful’ and that they ‘played the best of their vast catalog.’

And to close out the festivities, Wolf Alice is set to headline on the 23^rd. Just off their 2026 BRIT Award win for Group of the Year, they are set to be headliners at Green Man for the first time.  Widely celebrated for their blend of indie rock, dream-pop, shoe gaze and grunge, the band won the Mercury Prize in 2018 and received their historic fourth nomination in 2025 for their fourth studio album, ‘The Clearing.’

Elsewhere on the bill, Green Man stays true to its commitment to celebrate local Welsh talent with showings for Charlotte Church’s Pop Dungeon and songwriter Cate Le Bon. Cardiff-hailing newcomers, Panic Shack as well as Welsh-native songwriter Neve Caraid are seen on the bill as well, showcasing festival organisers’ dedication ‘to booking and platforming the future of live music talent.’

Headliners Wolf Alice remarked on their own beginnings as a band in their acceptance speech for their Group of the Year BRIT Award. Lead vocalist Ellie Rowsell said, ‘starting a band can be the hardest part and we couldn’t have done it without all the people who lent us money, drove us around the country, let us sleep on their floors, bought tickets to our early shows and even bought a piece of our atrocious merch.’ Rowsell went on to thank all the ‘pubs and clubs and grassroots venues across the country’ and then thanked ‘those who continually fight to keep them open.’ Rowsell turned to a call to action, citing recent closings of independent live venues versus the ‘billions of pounds live entertainment contributes to our economy.’ She said surviving as a band and an artist ‘shouldn’t be a battle.’

This echoes a sentiment shared by the Green Man Rising competition, as festival organisers say the contest in which a panel of judges selects an emerging act to open the Mountain Stage ‘offers grassroots artists an opportunity to submit music for a chance to receive essential insight from music professionals who are actively working within the industry.’

Though Green Man 2026 has sold out, with no future ticket sales coming in 2026, official resale tickets can be purchase exclusively through Tixel. More information on that can be found here.

Radio 1 presenter Sam MacGregor told BBC: “There has been a history of people who, when they have done a UK tour or European tour, have missed off Wales. But it’s exciting to see artists are starting to change that perception. And if people like Taylor Swift, the biggest artist in the world right now, can come to Cardiff, they why can’t some of the smaller or medium scale artists come?”

Fans had been eagerly awaiting information regarding Swift’s upcoming tour, and when the 34-year-old announced what cities she, along with support from American rock band Paramore, would be visiting, many were ecstatic to discover the singer would be hitting Cardiff this summer. The “Anti-Hero” singer will be playing Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on June 18, her only Welsh date for the entire tour.

Really can’t contain my excitement because… we’re adding 14 new shows to The Eras Tour. And I get to travel the world doing shows with @paramore!! Hayley and I have been friends since we were teens in Nashville and now we get to frolic around the UK/Europe next summer??? I’m… pic.twitter.com/kl1aijxR2o

— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 5, 2023

Taylor Swift isn’t the only superstar to be performing in Cardiff this summer, as the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Billy Joel, and Pink will be performing at the Principality Stadium, giving Wales an unforgettable summer of live music.

Emily Cotterill from FOR Cardiff, a group representing businesses in the city centre, believes each event is a big opportunity. She said: “We want people who have maybe come to Cardiff once for a gig to think ‘we want to go back and spend a weekend’. Lots of the time, especially with these big names, they are a reason to come here for the first time and then it’s up to us to help those people come back for a second, third or fourth time.”

For more information on Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour, click here.

Tour dates:

07/06/2024 – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – Edinburgh
08/06 – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – Edinburgh
09/06 – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – Edinburgh
13/06 – Anfield Stadium – Liverpool
14/06 – Anfield Stadium – Liverpool
15/06 – Anfield Stadium – Liverpool
18/06 – Principality Stadium – Cardiff
21/06 – Wembley Stadium – London
22/06 – Wembley Stadium – London
23/06 – Wembley Stadium – London
28/06 – Aviva Stadium – Dublin
29/06 – Aviva Stadium – Dublin
30/06 – Aviva Stadium – Dublin
15/08 – Wembley Stadium – London
16/08 – Wembley Stadium – London
17/08 – Wembley Stadium – London
19/08 – Wembley Stadium – London
20/08 – Wembley Stadium – London

Dame Shirley told PA News, “Receiving the Order of the Companions of Honour is just one of the most wonderful feelings. Music has always been a constant companion throughout my life. As a young girl growing up in Tiger Bay, I would dream of exploring the world, never imagining that my voice would lead me to where I am today. Every step of my career has been about taking risks, believing in myself, and seizing opportunities.” She further added, “Singing is my passion, and performing brings me immense joy. Entertaining audiences for over 70 years has been an absolute privilege. My heart is filled with emotions, and I am truly humbled.”

Born as the youngest of seven children in Tiger Bay, Cardiff, Dame Shirley initially worked in a factory’s wrapping and packing department while performing at working men’s clubs on weekends. After touring the UK in various revues and variety shows, she achieved her first major success in 1957 with the calypso-style hit, “Banana Boat Song.” In January 1959, she became the first Welsh singer to top the charts with her single “As I Love You” from the album ‘The Bewitching Miss Bassey.’

Throughout her career, she has achieved numerous milestones, including being the first recipient of the Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist in 1977 and receiving the Freedom of the City of Cardiff. Her success has been unparalleled, with her records spending more time in the UK charts than any other British female artist. Between 1961 and 1991, she had an impressive 29 albums registered as best sellers. In 1964, she gained international fame with the iconic James Bond theme song, “Goldfinger,” and went on to record the theme songs for “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Moonraker.” In 1997, she achieved another notable hit with the Propellerheads and “History Repeating.”

She became the first female music artist to receive a dedicated stamp issue, marking a significant milestone in her career. The stamps showcased various iconic moments in her musical journey, including her performances at renowned venues and events. These included her captivating performance at the Pigalle nightclub in 1965, her memorable appearance in Bournemouth in 1974, and her electrifying presence at the BBC Electric Proms in 2009. Additionally, the stamps highlighted her powerful rendition of “World In Union” alongside Bryn Terfel during the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup in 1999, as well as her enchanting performance at the Oscars in 2013.

Furthermore, this powerful and sultry performer paid tribute to her extraordinary talent by releasing a limited-edition series of coins. These coins featured a design that showcased her name and silhouette, capturing her iconic arms-outstretched pose. The coin also honoured her connection to her roots with a depiction of the Welsh dragon, while the names of her three James Bond theme tunes were elegantly embossed on the coin’s surface. This commemorative coin serves as a timeless tribute to her remarkable contributions to the world of music.

The band went on to add, “Thank you for your patience; we’re aware it’s been a long time since our last headline shows in January, and we’re excited to be able to play some additional cities this time out. Along with our headline shows, we’re thrilled to be joining the Impericon Festivals this year. We can’t wait to celebrate the upcoming album with you at these shows!”

The band will begin the tour in Islington in London before heading onto the continent and ending full circle with a performance in Glasgow, Scotland. In between, some of the European dates include appearances at the Impericon Festivals tour which will run through Germany, Austria and Switzerland in early Spring.

Almost exactly to the day, one month ago, Casey dropped their first single off of what will become their third album, “Puncture Wounds To Heaven.” Speaking about the meaning behind the song, frontman Tom Weaver said that the song “centres around the themes of apathy and the guilt that can arise as a result. The ‘coming up for air’ sensation as you briefly snap out of a depressive episode, and survey how life has progressed around you.”

As far as what fans can expect from the band on their third release, Weaver added, “This is a core theme that carries throughout the new record, and musically the dichotomy between the smooth verses and the chaotic middle 8 really demonstrated that in a visceral way for us.”

After releasing two studio albums, Casey decided to call it quits in 2019, with various members of the band going off to begin new projects. But, much to their fans delighted surprise, the band announced in 2022 that they would be reforming and quickly set about touring and recording a new album.

Tickets for the Casey UK and European tour can be purchased here.

Casey UK and Europe Tour:

26/03/2024 – O2 Academy – London
28/03 – Sporthalle – Hamburg, Germany
30/03 – Messe – Leipzig, Germany
31/03 – Turbinenhalle – Oberhausen, Germany
02/04 – TivoliVredenburg – Utrecht, Netherlands
03/04 – Trix – Antwerp, Belgium
05/03 – X-tra – Zurich, Switzerland
06/04 – Zenith – Munich, Germany
07/04 – Wien Arena – Vienna, Austria
09/04 – Petit Bain – Paris, France
11/04 – Rescue Rooms – Nottingham
12/04 – SWX – Brsitol
13/04 – Academy II – Manchester
14/04 – Garage – Glasgow

Tom Jones questions decision to ban Delilah at rugby games https://t.co/PFHXSd9xRn

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) July 22, 2023

Back in February, the WRU announced its decision that “Delilah” would no longer be sung at matches by the choir at the Municipality Stadium in Cardiff. In a move that has undoubtedly sought to deflect any controversy or offence to those attending rugby matches at the stadium, the WRU have defended their position by stating that they do not condone violence of any kind.

The song was written by Barry Mason in 1968 and contains a lyric that describes a woman’s murder at the hands of her boyfriend after she is found with another man. The decision by the WRU to stop singing the song has been criticised by one of Wales’ most famous sons and original singer of “Delilah”-Tom Jones. Jones, who is well known globally for hit songs such as, “It’s Not Unusual” and “She’s A Lady,” stated frankly that he simply will just keep on singing the song.

During his gig in Cardiff on Saturday 22, July, Jones allegedly told the crowd, “you can’t stop us singing ‘Delilah.’ Can you imagine? Who was the man who didn’t want us to sing ‘Delilah?’ They may stop the choir from singing it, but they haven’t stopped the crowd. Keep on singing it-and I’ll keep on singing it too.”

Jones’ personal fight for the song is not new either-the singer leaped to the ballad’s defence in 2014 when calls for its banning first appeared. Speaking at the time about the song, Jones said, “it makes me very proud to be Welsh. I think if they’re looking into the lyric about a man killing a woman, it’s not a political statement. It’s just something that happens in life that [a] woman was unfaithful to him and he just loses it.”

Politicians have weighed in and defended the banning as well, citing that often times during rugby or football matches, incidences of domestic violence tend to increase. The WRU have further stated that their decision to ban the song is based around the belief that some supporters will find the subject matter upsetting.

The song was censored earlier this year due to its connotations to domestic violence https://t.co/RQgwZYStcN

— NME (@NME) July 24, 2023

The song was a significant hit for Jones when the singer released the single in February of 1968. The song reached number 1 in several European countries and found success in Great Britain where it reached number 2. The WRU’s decision is sure to divide some sections of supporters while furthering the debate on censorship and public interest. Tom Jones is on tour now and tickets can be purchased here.

Tom Jones Tour:

24/07/2023 – Cardiff Castle – Cardiff
26/07 – Sandown Park Racecourse – Esher
27/07 – Dreamland – Margate
28/07 – Dreamland – Margate
30/07 – Tio Pepe Festival – Jerez De La Frontera, Spain
01/08 – Plaza de Toros – Alicante, Spain
03/08 – Festival de Terramar – Catalunya, Spain
05/08 – Cardiff Castle – Cardiff
06/08 – Audley End House and Gardens – Saffron Waldon

The Hay Festival of Literature and Arts is an annual literature festival held in Wales. Described by Bill Clinton as “The Woodstock of the mind,” the festival allows its guests to “engage with the world’s great writers, poets, philosophers, scientists, comedians and musicians.”

Held in Haye-on-Wye, Powys, Wales, the festival is set to run from 25th May to 4th June this year.

Dua Lipa will be hosting a live recording of her podcast “At Your Service” at the festival, with this being one of the 30 early bird exclusive events this year.

In a press release announcing her attendance, Lipa said, “I have wanted to explore the bookshops of Hay and experience the literary atmosphere of the Hay Festival for such a long time. So I’m thrilled that I will be there next year to share stories on stage and off with some of my favourite authors, and to soak up the inspiration alongside my fellow book lovers. I can’t wait to see you there!”

Lipa’s podcast has just wrapped its second season and has received critical acclaim since its inception in 2022. Lipa assumes the role of interviewer in the podcast, attracting some of the biggest names of the moment including Elton John, Greta Gerwig and Mo Farah.

Stormzy, meanwhile, will be attending the festival as the figurehead for his publishing imprint #Merky Books. Founded in 2018, this imprint of Penguin Random House UK was developed to help give a platform to young writers.

Before deleting his social media accounts, Stormzy took to Instagram to say, “I know too many talented writers that don’t always have an outlet or a means to get their work seen and hopefully #Merky Books can now be a reference point for them to say ‘I can be an author’ and for that to be a realistic and achievable goal.”

Speaking on his upcoming appearance at Hay Festival, Stormzy said, “It all started with books for me. As a kid in school, I fell in love with literature and it sparked a life-long journey with words and writing, which led into my career as a songwriter and a musician.”

He continued, “I’m really excited to pass on this passion at Hay Festival, celebrate our incredible #Merky Books writers, and inspire the next generation of storytellers. Can’t wait to see you guys there!”

Dua Lipa and Stormzy’s appearances are but a few of the exciting and innovative events taking place throughout the festival. The full programme can be found here.

Tickets are available to purchase here.

Stream Dua Lipa’s podcast “At Your Service” here.

 “DIOLCH YN FAWR!!!!” screams Bagillt born Owens as she takes to Twitter after her win. “I am absolutely over the moon to have won the 2021 Welsh Music Prize! Being recognised by my homeland in this way is so so special!”, she continues, “Wales has shaped me as an artist & continues to be a place of inspiration to me. My nana Jeannette would be so proud.”.” Diolch yn fawr” means “Thank you very much” by the way.

DIOLCH YN FAWR!!!! I am absolutely over the moon to have won the 2021 @welshmusicprize ! Being recognised by my homeland in this way is so so special! Wales has shaped me as an artist & continues to be a place of inspiration to me. My nana Jeannette would be so proud pic.twitter.com/2rtkoo7uHd

— Kelly Lee Owens (@kellyleeowens) November 23, 2021

2020’s Inner Song is an incredible piece of art from front to back, allowing for some moments of her Welsh heritage to shine, like on single “Corner of My Sky” featuring John Cale, has passages sung in Welsh by Cale himself. Sections of thumping techno beats blend into sweet effervescent instrumentals that feel no way out of place. The LP even opens with a cover of Radiohead’s 2007 classic “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” from In Rainbows. As if there wasn’t already enough going on.

“Inner Song” has been described as: “a tribute to the loner in everyone. Through a batch of loop-heavy tracks, Owens conveys an overarching sense of solitude and allows the listener to explore that feeling in each song. She guides the listener through each song with ease, throwing out the conventions of electronic music in favour of a cerebral journey through a computerized stew of glitchy, elegant beats”. You can read the full review of the album here.

As the winner of the prize, Owens is also awarded £10,000, some of which she has pledged to donate to welsh charities.

Owens is also currently touring the UK. After already completing dates in Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, and Birmingham; you can still get tickets to a few of the remaining shows here. There were a host of European tour dates also set for 2021 that have all been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions in Europe.

See below the remaining dates on Owens UK Tour.

 25/11/2021 – Y Plas – Cardiff
27/11 – Patterns – Brighton
30/11 – The Ritz – Manchester
02/12 – Earth – London