0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- SIREN WAILS
0:00:04 > 0:00:06- HELICOPTER BLADES WHIR
0:00:08 > 0:00:10- A dodgy pub in Brixton.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- Home of - the British Beatbox Championships.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- People travelled - from all over London.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18- One Welshman came from Llanfrothen.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22- There he is, - Mr Phormula, or Ed Holden.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26- I'm Daniel Glyn.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- Everyone else had hip hop names. - Mr Phormula, Hobbit, Slizzer.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33- I wanted my own hip hop name - so that I'd fit in.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37- I looked for inspiration - - something to sum up my personality.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40- I fancied something Spanish - but lacked a muse.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43- I headed back - to interview Ed Holden.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- You're here - for the beatbox contest...
0:00:46 > 0:00:51- ..but why did you decide - to enter in the first place?
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- In terms of my national profile...
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- ..I'm obviously - the only beatboxer in Wales.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- I feel like - no-one else is going to represent...
0:01:03 > 0:01:05- ..so I'll do it.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- It's something - that'll help my business too.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- It raises the standard - and it's another notch on the belt.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- I know for definite I won't win...
0:01:17 > 0:01:22- ..but it doesn't matter, I've got - through to the top 40 in Britain.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- That in itself is - something that'll help my business.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- It looks good on my CV - and leads to other things.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- I've got a gig in London - out of it tonight.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- It's just a no-brainer, really...
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- ..for someone like me, - who runs his own business.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- I know that Londoners - think everyone from Wales is a hick.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- Coming from North Wales, - you're a double hick.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- What do - other beatboxers think of you?
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- When we started - the preliminary session earlier...
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- ..the compere said, "Who comes - from Scotland?" A couple of people.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- "Who comes from Ireland?" A couple.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- "Who comes from - the Midlands?" No-one.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08- "Who comes from...?" - I can't remember where. No-one.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- "Who comes from London?" Everyone!
0:02:11 > 0:02:16- I thought, come on, mate, - Wales is a country in its own right.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- I was about to shout out - but I didn't.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21- I should've, though.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- I'd have made my presence felt then.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- But I didn't.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- You call yourself a workhorse and - you obviously enjoy what you do...
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- ..but it's hard work.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- Are you the only - full-time beatboxer in Britain?
0:02:36 > 0:02:38- I'd say... The thing is...
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- ..there's beatboxing - and then there's someone with drive.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- Those are two different things.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- You need that mix - to make a success of your career.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- Personally, I may not be - as good as the other beatboxers...
0:02:55 > 0:02:57- ..but I've certainly got drive.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- Nothing holds me back.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- If I want to do something, - in terms of work, I do it.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05- I make sure - I get paid adequately too.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10- A lot of beatboxers - say this and that, and that's great.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12- They're much better than me too.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- But if you don't have the drive - to nurture your talent...
0:03:17 > 0:03:19- ..and you don't see - the bigger picture...
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- ..then - you're not going to get very far.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- Out of all the competitors...
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- ..I'd say I'm the only one - who makes a living from beatboxing.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- At the end of the day, there's - nothing else I can do with my life.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- I couldn't quit - and do something else.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42- I'd be mad to do that because I've - worked so hard from the age of 14...
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- ..to get where I am today, - the only way is up.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- I just feel I have to roll with it.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- It's the only thing in life - that I'm really good at.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- I do it - because I've nothing to lose.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- I make a living from beatboxing, - so I've nothing to prove.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- With only minutes to go - before Ed takes centre stage...
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- ..the audience - was focused on the competition.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- As the seconds ticked by, - everybody was busy rehearsing.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- There was plenty of spit. - They were all at it.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- MC Zani, - Stig of the Dump, Reeps One....
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- ..not forgetting El Pen Ol.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- RAPS / BEATBOXES
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- Better finish there because the - feedback's about to kill my mind.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- That scat's shit, - know what I'm saying?
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- That's it. That's me done.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- As Ed's accent shifts - from American to Northwalian...
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- ..it was time to shift from - Brixton to the National Eisteddfod.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- You can always measure the - language's strength and culture...
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- ..by visiting the Eisteddfod.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- Ed is a key figure in making Welsh - culture appeal to young people.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- Cage fighting with Mr Urdd, - workshops with Ed.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- I'd like to stress - that it says a 'rap' workshop.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- I went to fetch Mr Phormula - from Llandyrnog village hall.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- Ed was rehearsing a track...
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- ..tracing the history - of the Welsh music scene...
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- ..with guitarist Peredur ap Gwynedd.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- # Draenog Marw by Crysbas #
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- A few hours - before the performance...
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- ..Ed was happy to escape to - the countryside to be interviewed.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- HIP HOP MUSIC
0:06:25 > 0:06:30- I know that you regularly - hold workshops at the Eisteddfod.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- Did you compete - when you were younger?
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- No, never. I was completely - against the Welsh language.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- I didn't speak it.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45- There was nothing about the Welsh - language that sparked my interest.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- I was like, - "The Welsh language? Is that it?"
0:06:49 > 0:06:51- All we saw were traditional things.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56- At school, it was the complete - opposite to what I was doing.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- I was listening to rap music, - DJ'ing with my friends...
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- ..and learning to beatbox.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- The Welsh language - offered nothing like that.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- For me and - the environment I'd grown up in...
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- ..speaking Welsh - wasn't the thing to do.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- I was totally against it.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- I went out of my way - not to speak it at school.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- It was really odd.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- As I got older, I left school...
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- ..and started college.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- It was there that I realized - the importance of being bilingual.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- I don't think - many people realize it.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38- It may be why I do what I do because - I see myself in a lot of youngsters.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- I can see that some young people - don't speak Welsh...
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- ..because it's not cool.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- But anything will sound cool - if you believe it sounds cool.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- If you think it's going to sound - crap, it's going to sound crap...
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- ..no matter what language it's in.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- You can watch someone rapping in - French and tell if they're good...
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- ..without understanding them.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- It's an important message - for the new generation.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- What happened to change your view?
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- Why am I now speaking Welsh to - the only beatboxer who can mutate?
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- Music saved the Welsh language - in me.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- That's one way of putting it.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- At school, I wasn't bothered - about speaking Welsh.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- Once I left school - and started college...
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- ..I met Aron Elias.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- That's when my relationship - with the Welsh language started.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- I clicked with Aron straightaway.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44- He was into rap and so on, he - played the guitar and was in a band.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- I was DJ'ing and beatboxing.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- I made a connection - right away with Aron.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- I remember him saying...
0:08:52 > 0:08:53- .."Take this tape.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- "It's a little project I'm in, - if you want to have a listen."
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- I said, "Yes, I'll have a scan" - in English. "I'll have a look."
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- I remember the tape. - It said Mwyafrif (Majority) on it.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12- I said, "I hope this isn't in Welsh. - I don't want to be in a Welsh band."
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- I remember - sitting in my parent's lounge...
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- ..and I'd set up the hi-fi - under the television at the time.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25- I'd hung speakers on the wall - in every corner of the lounge...
0:09:25 > 0:09:30- ..for Mam to watch films and for me - to listen to music when she was out.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- Sorry, Mam!
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- I remember putting the tape in - and the song started.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- I liked the beat and then - Aron started rapping in Welsh.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- I was like, whoa, hang on a minute, - I have to stop this.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- So I stopped it...
0:09:46 > 0:09:51- ..and I thought it was something - I could identify with...
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- ..but it was in Welsh.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- I thought, I've got to rewind that - and listen to that again.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- I rewound it, - and by the end of the night...
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- ..I thought, - I can do that, I can speak Welsh.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- I can do that, I can rap - in two languages if I want.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- From that point on...
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- ..I showed - far more interest in the language.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- Music got me into the language.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- Something modern - was happening in the language.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26- You've worked with Pep Le Pew, Genod - Droog, y Diwygiad, Llwybr Llaethog.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31- You've worked with lots of people - but you haven't lasted long...
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- ..in any band, so why's that?
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- Bands just naturally come to an end.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- It's not as if - I turn up with a whip and go...
0:10:39 > 0:10:45- .."Grow up, lads! If we don't finish - this, I'll kick your heads in!"
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- It's nothing like that.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- You know yourself - that in the Welsh music scene...
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- ..every band reaches a point...
0:10:53 > 0:10:59- ..where they're headlining - the major gigs, like Maes B...
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- ..Sesiwn Fawr, which I know - doesn't happen any more...
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- ..but once you've headlined - major events, you've done it all.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- You have to take a step back - and make a choice.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- You can either happily carry on - doing the same thing...
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- ..or you turn to English...
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- ..and make a go of it - outside of Wales.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- It's just so happens - every band I've been in...
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- ..we've reached that point - and then split up.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- That's the way it goes. - It's the nature of the game.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37- You use your mouth - to create the sounds, pedals...
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- ..and all the gadgets.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- I know you like working alone.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- Is it because you're a control freak - or because it makes life easier?
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- No, not really.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- I just love technology.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- I get frustrated sometimes - because I can only create...
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- Beatboxing is like a sketch.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- You create a beat with your mouth.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- It's not about how well - you can recreate that beat...
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- ..it's still going to be a sketch.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- I get frustrated because - I want to do more than a sketch.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- I want to create a song - where someone says...
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- .."That's coming out of his mouth!"
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- The only way - I can do that is with technology.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- Technology allows me to do that.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- I love using new gadgets...
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- ..and machines.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39- I love pushing my voice to - the absolute limit of what I can do.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- Even if that means - I'll need five pedals...
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- ..and every pedal has to be - on a different setting...
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- ..to make that noise, - then I'll write it down...
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- ..and remember it by heart.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- When I'm gigging, I think, - right, I'll drop that sound.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- Bang-bang-bang-bang, - cush-bwoarr-bwoarr!
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- It's a great feeling because - you've made that noise come alive.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- You've taken it out of the studio...
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- ..and put it - into that performing element.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- That gives me a buzz. - It's the buzz that keeps me going.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- I noticed your laptop - and keyboards in the car.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- Are they for making music? - Do you write songs in the car?
0:13:21 > 0:13:22- Yes.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- Yes.- - Between gigs and between jobs?
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- Everywhere.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- I had an hour spare - this afternoon...
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- ..so I got in the van - and worked on an idea on my Mac.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- 60% of the tracks - on the latest album...
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- ..started life in the van.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- I worked in Aberaeron - a couple of weeks ago...
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- ..and I had three hours spare.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- The weather was fantastic, so I - parked up with a coffee and lunch...
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- ..got my Mac out...
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- ..and I'd created - the final track on my latest album.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- It just came to me in the van.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- Because I'm - on the road a lot with my work...
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- ..I need to find ways - of being creative.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- I love the fact - that I've found a way to do that...
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- ..by writing songs in the van.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- You've a different view every time, - which provides the inspiration.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- We've got views - of the Eisteddfod tonight...
0:14:20 > 0:14:25- ..and of the valleys, - and the weather's good.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- It's the perfect setting - to create an idea for a song.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- I like the idea of being - somewhere different every time.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- I've noticed that while - you're driving or walking around...
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- ..and no-one's saying anything, - you'll start beatboxing.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- Yes, the van is...
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- ..the best rehearsal studio.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- When I'm in the van, I beatbox.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- I'm sure - I look like an absolute idiot...
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- ..when people pass me on the road...
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- ..but that's where - I learn all my new sounds.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- I've two videos on YouTube, where - I'm beatboxing in a traffic jam.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- I'm stuck, with nothing to do, - so I make a video.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22- It's had something like 5,000 views - on YouTube - a traffic jam beatbox!
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Is it true - you beatbox in your sleep?
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- Yes, it's happened - a couple of times.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- My wife has woken me up - and told me to shut up.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- "Stop making weird noises."
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- When I was living in Garn - with Dyl Mei...
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- ..I was ill at the time, and my - wife, who was then my girlfriend...
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- ..came to the house - and I'd fallen asleep on her knee.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- I was KO'd. She hadn't really - heard me beatboxing before that.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- I remember making - a throaty bass noise in my sleep.
0:15:55 > 0:16:01- I was obviously having - colourful dreams because I was ill.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- I remember her waking me up, - saying, "What's wrong, Ed?"
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- I said, - "What? I'm sleeping. I'm ill."
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- "You were making a strange noise. - I thought something was wrong."
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- "No, I'm fine, I'm just ill. - What kind of noise was it?"
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- MAKES BASS SOUND
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- Don't take any notice, - that's just a beatbox sound.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- But I've done it more than once, - but I obviously can't remember!
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- Here's a taste - of what Ed did later that evening.
0:16:32 > 0:16:33- # Gwesty Cymru by Geraint Jarman #
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- # Gwesty Cymru by Geraint Jarman #- - HE BEATBOXES
0:16:37 > 0:16:37- .
0:16:44 > 0:16:44- *
0:16:44 > 0:16:49- Ed Holden was invited to perform - in the home of beatbox, New York.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54- He's performed here before, in the - first international beatbox contest.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- He created such an impact - that he was invited back...
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- ..to perform in Brooklyn and Harlem.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- I met Ed in the closest place to - Llanfrothen in NYC - Central Park...
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- ..how and why beatbox - originated here in the first place.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- One of the reasons it developed, - especially in New York...
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- ..during the early 1980s...
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- ..among the poorer classes...
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- ..was down to the ghetto blasters - that were coming out.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- They cost a bomb, - so many people couldn't afford them.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- So they beatboxed instead.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- They created sounds - with their voices.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40- From that, what developed afterwards - was what we call ciphering.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- A circle of rappers - with one or two beatboxers...
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- ..and they'd keep the beat going...
0:17:48 > 0:17:55- ..while every rapper took a turn - to rap for eight bars or 16 bars.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- They went around in a circle, - like a cipher.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- I found that interesting.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- That's how beatboxing developed.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- But it was really simple.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- You know, really simple.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- The rhythms that are used - in beatboxing these days...
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- ..are on another level, - unlike the old school beats.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- You can do that, can't you?
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- That's it. - That's how beatboxing started.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- Do you remember seeing someone - beatboxing for the first time?
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- Yes. I was six years old.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- I was sitting in my lounge, - at home in Llanerchymedd...
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- ..and we'd just had Sky Amstrad.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- Remember those? They were old.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46- We had MTV, and there were music - videos being played all the time.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- There was an advert - for the programme, Yo! MTV Raps.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- You saw a five-second clip - of this beatboxer.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- I was like, whoa!
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- Just hearing this guy.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- The guy's called Rahzel...
0:19:05 > 0:19:10- ..one of the most renowned - beatboxers in beatboxing history.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- That was the first time - I saw someone beatboxing...
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- ..and ever since then, - it's created an imprint on my mind.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- I started doing it all the time. - I couldn't stop.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- It's hard to believe - I've been invited back out here.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- It's the home of hip hop.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- This is where it all started.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40- The art form I fell in love with - at six years of age.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- Fast forward 23 years...
0:19:45 > 0:19:49- ..and I'm sitting - in the home of hip hop.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- I notice with your raps - that you use both Welsh and English.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- Do you do that on purpose?
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- Do you do that on purpose?- - No.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- I can't speak perfect Welsh...
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- ..but it doesn't bother me either.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- It's how - I put myself across on my songs.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- I don't try to polish my raps. - I rap as I see it.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- If I have to rhyme, and the only - word that'll work is in English...
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- ..then I'll use an English word.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- # Top of the game with the polo, - bringing you fresh beats like a polo
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- # Rappers see me coming, - they say, oh, no!
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- # I believe in the thread, - so I give a yo-yo #
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- You see? I don't care.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- Some people may say that it's - not correct Welsh or whatever...
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- ..but it makes no difference to me.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- I do what makes me happy - and that's what life's about.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- I don't go around pleasing people.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- I just do...
0:20:49 > 0:20:54- ..what I think - is a good reflection of myself.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- It's a double-edged sword...
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- ..because it may seem I'm trying - to alter the Welsh language...
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- ..but that's not the intention.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- The fact is, my Welsh isn't great...
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- ..but because I've created - the style that you mentioned...
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- ..I'm happy with that...
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- ..and that's why - I still use the same style.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- I rap like I speak. It's Wenglish.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- That's how I present - and speak in the real world.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- You're performing - in Brooklyn and Harlem.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- Where did the invitation come from?
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- What happened was, - I went to New York...
0:21:34 > 0:21:39- ..about two years ago to take part - in the Human Beatbox Convention.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44- I gave a brief performance - and I was representing Wales.
0:21:44 > 0:21:50- Beatboxers from all over the world - had come to this venue in Brooklyn.
0:21:50 > 0:21:56- It just so happens that I had - an incredible reaction from people.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01- Famous individuals in the industry - were all bigging me up.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- I found it hard to comprehend.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11- Since then, - I've kept in touch with this woman.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- She's part of the scene - here in New York.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- She organizes gigs and shows.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- She's in the thick of it.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27- She's the one who invited me - over here to do a couple of shows...
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- ..and a studio session.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- Did you expect to get - that kind of reception?
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- I saw your performance. Everyone - went quiet for five seconds.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- We all thought they - must've thought you were rubbish.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42- You thought the same too.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- You thought the same too.- - I was sweating, man. I was fretting.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- The whole place erupted, didn't it?
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- Why do you think - they reacted like that?
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- What did you do - that was different from the rest?
0:22:54 > 0:22:59- Not many of them looped. - I think I started with hip hop.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- I looped it - and put a rap on top of it.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- I sped it up, turned it into techno - and rapped on top of that.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- If I remember rightly, - it was a 10-minute performance.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- I remember finishing - and it went dead quiet.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- I remember thinking, - this could go either way.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24- As it happens, the place went crazy. - It was incredible.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30- People came up to me and were giving - me cards left, right and centre.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- It was interesting.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- I didn't expect that at all.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- You mentioned - being inspired by Rahzel on MTV...
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- ..but who are - your other musical influences?
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- Growing up, - I was constantly influenced.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- My family are musical anyway.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50- They were always singing.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- Singing in a choir - never interested me.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- Mam's a singer - and she was constantly gigging.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- What kind of music?
0:23:59 > 0:24:01- What kind of music?- - Mam's stuff is traditional.
0:24:01 > 0:24:06- She also plays - the piano, guitar, harp...
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- ..and bass.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- Mam plays all kinds of things.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- Dad used to listen to a lot of jazz. - Old jazz.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20- Not like Miles Davis...
0:24:20 > 0:24:22- ..but swingy jazz.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- Things like that.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- Jelly Roll Morton and others.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35- Dad would spend hours - working in his study...
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- ..and he'd always play - a jazz cassette or CD.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- I remember - going upstairs and hearing that.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- I'd think, that's interesting. - What rhythm is that?
0:24:46 > 0:24:51- That's a different rhythm from - what I normally hear. It's not 4/4.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54- I always - used to find it interesting...
0:24:54 > 0:24:58- ..trying to latch on - to that rhythm...
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- ..and trying to recreate the sound.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05- I was influenced by - lots of jazz music because of Dad...
0:25:05 > 0:25:09- ..and sounds I'd hear every day.
0:25:09 > 0:25:15- I'd be influenced - by wailing police sirens.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19- I'd copy the sound.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- A helicopter.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23- MIMICS WHIRRING
0:25:23 > 0:25:26- I'd be influenced...
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- ..just by sounds in general.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31- I'd lose myself sometimes.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33- I'd sit there and...
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- Say Mam was driving down the road...
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- ..and she was - calling in on Auntie Chris...
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- ..she's put the indicator - on it'd go tttttttt...
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- In my head, - I'd try to give the click a beat.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50- If the indicator goes tttttt, - I'd add a beat.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- You're - going to be performing in Brooklyn.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59- There's going to be - a lot of hip hop and beatboxing.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- But the Harlem gig - is all about jazz.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- Yes, it's hardcore jazz too.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09- It's a different field - from what I'm used to.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12- I'm being taken - out of my comfort zone for that one.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- I'm going to be working - with people I've never met...
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- ..who are professionals - in their field...
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- ..and I'm going to be doing - odd sounds with my mouth.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26- I'm looking forward to it...
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- ..but it's so different - from what I'm used to.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32- It'll be a bit of an eye opener.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36- Ed had no reason - to worry about the rehearsal.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38- He was so comfy in the jazz world...
0:26:39 > 0:26:43- ..at one point, he started doing - air trombone and then air piano.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45- Walking the streets of Brooklyn...
0:26:46 > 0:26:49- ..I felt like - the coolest man in America.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51- Then a car backfired.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- I decided I needed to change - my attitude, and my trousers.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- I was going to be late - arriving at Putnam's...
0:27:15 > 0:27:19- ..the Brooklyn club - where Ed was performing that night.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23- Whilst walking through the club, - I could hear Ed beatboxing.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- It was an opportunity to contemplate - the future of beatboxing.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30- Everyone owns the instrument.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- With a vast array of tutorials - teaching beatboxing...
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- ..beatboxers predominantly claim...
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- ..that this will be the first global - music in the history of mankind...
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- ..that will provide - the soundtrack to the 21st century.
0:27:45 > 0:27:50- I took it for granted I'd find Ed - in the room with the best acoustics.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- HE BEATBOXES
0:28:05 > 0:28:08- Tonight, Ed Holden - won over Brooklyn...
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- ..but the big challenge - was yet to come.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13- Beatboxing in Harlem.
0:28:13 > 0:28:13- .
0:28:14 > 0:28:14- Subtitles
0:28:14 > 0:28:16- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:28:16 > 0:28:21- The time came to perform in one of - New York's most disadvantaged areas.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- I accompanied Ed - to his Harlem venue.
0:28:24 > 0:28:25- No, not there.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29- Ed was performing Take The A Train - by Duke Ellington...
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- ..which gives directions - on how to get there.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- We followed the song's instructions - but first found a comfy stoop.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40- Do you remember the first time - you beatboxed on stage?
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- Do you remember what it was like?
0:28:43 > 0:28:46- I don't remember that - but I remember my first gig.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49- I wasn't beatboxing at the time.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53- I was in a project - with two boys called Tom and Loz...
0:28:54 > 0:28:56- ..who are close friends of mine.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01- They live in Leeds now but I grew up - with them and Loz' brother, Joel.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05- They had a house in Cemaes Bay, - where we'd go to jam.
0:29:05 > 0:29:11- In the end, Tom and Loz asked me - to join their band, Project X.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13- We had our first gig...
0:29:13 > 0:29:16- ..supporting a great local band - called Valium.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- We were their support band - in Menai Bridge...
0:29:22 > 0:29:24- ..at The Vic.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26- I remember the set-up.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- Tom was on two keyboards - and Loz had a tower PC.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- We'd brought - the whole thing with us.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- I had a DJX keyboard - and a turntable.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39- That was my very first gig. - I remember that.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41- I was nervous, man.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46- It was my first live gig - and I was nervous.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- A year later I joined Pep Le Pew.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- I started gigging - more regularly after that.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- I was a DJ, so I never - went on the mic or anything.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- During that period, - the reason I started on the mic...
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- ..was because Dyl Mei and Aron - built my confidence.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- They were like, - "You should go on the mic."
0:30:07 > 0:30:09- But I wasn't sure about it.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- "You do it in the studio, - just do it on stage."
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- So I finally said OK.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20- I started doing - one feature for Pep Le Pew.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- I stood behind the decks - with the mic in front of me...
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- ..without having to go - to the front of the stage.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30- Aron was the frontman, - I was in the background.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35- I was a lot bigger then. I was - much heavier. I had no confidence.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- But Aron and Dyl - built my confidence.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- And the rest of the band, - to be fair.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46- The more I did, the more I realized - I was getting a buzz from it...
0:30:46 > 0:30:48- ..from performing.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51- I was getting a real buzz out of it.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53- I wasn't into...
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- I'd have a drink - but I wasn't into taking drugs.
0:30:57 > 0:31:02- I never went - in search of an artificial high.
0:31:03 > 0:31:08- I learnt early on that the way - to get that buzz was to perform.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13- I was - addicted to performing by the end.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17- I was like, 'Oh, yes, a gig!' - I'd get a real buzz out of it.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- That's one of the reasons - I continue to do what I do now...
0:31:21 > 0:31:23- ..whereas others have given up.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28- I still think I'll carry on - into my eighties.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32- I doubt I'll ever slow down. - Life's too short, really.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- What's been the worst experience - of your professional life?
0:31:39 > 0:31:44- There have always been - lots of ups and downs in my career.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46- But I think the worst one...
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- ..was the Radio 1 MOBO Awards thing.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- Basically, this is what happened.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59- Radio 1 was doing a documentary - called Rap Britannia.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- The whole purpose - of the documentary...
0:32:06 > 0:32:10- ..was a Radio 1 collaboration - of artists from all over Britain...
0:32:10 > 0:32:14- ..rather than simply concentrating - on the London scene.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19- They covered the Manchester scene, - Sheffield...
0:32:19 > 0:32:21- ..Wales, Ireland, Scotland.
0:32:21 > 0:32:26- The idea was that the artists - represented their countries...
0:32:26 > 0:32:30- ..and that we all came together - in one documentary.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- I thought it was a great idea - and that it'd open doors for me.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36- There was no money involved.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- I knew something was up.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- I pushed the issue - because I wanted to get paid.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- But they said there was no budget.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49- Then again, you see the main man - turning up in a huge Merc.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51- You tell me there's no budget? - Come on.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- Anyway, I did it with Hoax Emcee.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- I did the interview - and wrapped it up.
0:33:00 > 0:33:05- The guy emailed me afterwards - about the UK Rap Anthem...
0:33:06 > 0:33:10- ..which involved all the artists - in the documentary on one song.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- The documentary - would finish with that song.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18- I thought, yeah, OK, cool.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20- I'll ask Hoax if he can do it.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24- I asked him straightaway - how much we were getting paid.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27- He told me there was no money.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31- I was like, where are we - going to record it? In London.
0:33:31 > 0:33:36- I told Hoax about it. - I wanted to know how he felt.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- He said, "I don't want anything - to do with it. It stinks."
0:33:40 > 0:33:45- I should've done the same thing - but I was sucked into this wave.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48- I agreed to it.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51- I was going to represent - North Wales by myself.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- I went down, recorded the tracks, - it was all fine.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- That night, I arrived home...
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- ..or it might've been - a couple of nights afterwards...
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- ..and they'd uploaded the track - on YouTube.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- It had - almost 400,000 views in two hours.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11- They texted everyone - who was on the track.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- I got this random text - from the Radio 1 guy.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17- "The MOBOS want you to do this song.
0:34:17 > 0:34:22- "They want you at the MOBOs - to do the track live on TV...
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- "..on this date, so keep it clear.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- "It's vital that you do this. - It's a huge opportunity."
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- In my head, I was like, oh, my gosh!
0:34:33 > 0:34:35- This is nuts.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39- I'm one of - the first Welsh rappers...
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- ..to represent Wales in the MOBOs.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44- It was a big deal.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- It sent me into another world.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50- I was thinking about things - in a different way.
0:34:50 > 0:34:56- Anyway, me being me, I thought - I couldn't pass up this opportunity.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00- I started hammering the press - and telling everyone.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- Check this out. - I'm representing on the MOBOs.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- A few days before the MOBOs, - I hadn't heard a thing about it.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10- I started worrying - that no-one had told me a thing.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14- I'd been labouring the point - but heard nothing.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20- The day before the MOBOs, one of - the guys on the track emailed me.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26- He said, "It's really bad news - but I've just seen this."
0:35:26 > 0:35:30- I clicked on the link and - it was a blanket tweet from Radio 1.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- "Unfortunately, the UK Rap Anthem - won't be performed...
0:35:35 > 0:35:37- "..in this year's MOBOs."
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- And that was it. - It hadn't been directed at anyone.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45- It just so happened the guy - had seen it and had sent it to me.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48- No-one had sent anything to anyone.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52- There were no messages, - no texts, no apologies.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- There was nothing at all.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57- Ties were literally severed.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- I remember - sitting in front of my computer...
0:36:01 > 0:36:05- ..and having that feeling - in the pit of my stomach.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09- How are you meant to bounce back - from something like that?
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- I don't know, but fortunately I did.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16- That really messed with my mind. - I lost sleep over it.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- I felt like such an idiot...
0:36:18 > 0:36:22- ..for putting so much effort - into creating a buzz for myself.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28- The buzz was there, but they - severed the link out of my control.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- I was angry at myself because - I know what the industry's like.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- But I was sucked into this void.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39- It was an odd time.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45- But it was - a very valuable experience for me.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50- That was your worst experience, - but what's been your highlight?
0:36:50 > 0:36:52- The best experience?
0:36:54 > 0:36:58- Again, there have been - just as many, really.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03- One of my best experiences - was working with the WJEC...
0:37:04 > 0:37:06- ..to create a GCSE in beatboxing.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08- That was a big thing for me.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13- I'd rather do something like that - than the MOBOs any day of the week.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16- When I was at school...
0:37:16 > 0:37:20- ..GCSE Music - meant broken glockenspiels...
0:37:20 > 0:37:24- ..barely-functioning keyboards - and no computers.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27- So I never took music.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31- That's all I did at school but I - never took music as a GCSE subject.
0:37:31 > 0:37:37- I preferred to play rugby, so I took - the Physical Education GCSE instead.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- Fast forward to the future...
0:37:42 > 0:37:46- ..and to think I've created a GCSE - in beatboxing with the WJEC...
0:37:47 > 0:37:51- ..that's on the syllabus in - every secondary school in Wales...
0:37:51 > 0:37:55- ..that's... that's incredible.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- That's been - one of my biggest achievements.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- The fact - I've been able to be part of that.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- If children - do take the Beatbox GCSE...
0:38:05 > 0:38:09- ..when it comes to - sitting the exam itself...
0:38:09 > 0:38:13- ..I'll be joining the examiner - to mark their performances.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- That's better than any MOBOs.
0:38:17 > 0:38:17- .
0:38:23 > 0:38:23- Subtitles
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:38:25 > 0:38:30- Harlem was getting its first taste - of beatboxing and rapping in Welsh.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- RAPPING
0:38:33 > 0:38:38- # You must take the A train
0:38:39 > 0:38:43- # To go to Sugar Hill - way up in Harlem #
0:38:45 > 0:38:47- ED RAPS IN WELSH
0:39:01 > 0:39:03- So, Ed, how was the gig?
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- The gig went better than expected.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12- I was expecting the gig to be great - but it exceeded that.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14- It was brilliant.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19- We had a jam on the Friday night...
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- ..to rehearse - what we were going to do and so on.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27- This afternoon I met up - with the group beforehand.
0:39:27 > 0:39:33- We sat down, had a cuppa - and discussed the tracks in detail.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37- But we did the complete opposite - of what we'd rehearsed.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39- It was jazz.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- That's what it's like.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- You go with the flow - and the feeling.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50- I sat back - with all the gear in front of me.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52- I knew in my head...
0:39:53 > 0:39:56- ..what my role was within the group.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- I knew what I needed to do.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02- I just sat back - and went with the flow.
0:40:03 > 0:40:04- It was superb.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- When we came off stage, - everyone loved us.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10- All my CDs have sold.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- All my cards have gone. - I've none left.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17- There were - a couple of people there...
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- ..who arrange gigs - in New York and so on.
0:40:21 > 0:40:27- They asked if I wanted to perform - in two other gigs before going home.
0:40:27 > 0:40:32- One's tonight - and perhaps another tomorrow night.
0:40:32 > 0:40:37- Out of an afternoon's work creating - jazz with talented musicians.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41- Your mouth - is an instrument in itself.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45- How do you prepare? - Can things go wrong with it too?
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- The mouth thing - is a pain in the butt sometimes.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- It doesn't matter sometimes, - you're fine.
0:40:53 > 0:40:58- Other times, I don't know - how it happens either...
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- ..but sometimes I drop a beat...
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- ..and it goes fine, but then - I may bite down my tongue.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11- The pain is severe, but because - I'm in the middle of performing...
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- ..I have to hide the pain.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- There's nothing worse - than biting your tongue.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20- There's no blood or anything...
0:41:20 > 0:41:23- ..but the tongue feels as if it...
0:41:23 > 0:41:27- I can't explain it, but there's - a pain in the centre of the tongue.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- Sometimes I do it right there.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- I look in the mirror - and there's a red line...
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- ..where I've obviously bit into it.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39- Spit can be a problem, can't it?
0:41:41 > 0:41:45- Yes, it can. - I've a gross story for you.
0:41:46 > 0:41:47- Do you want to hear it?
0:41:47 > 0:41:48- Do you want to hear it?- - Yes, of course.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- Viewers at home, - this'll make you feel queasy.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- I'll never forget it.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59- I was doing a gig - at a festival called Bayfest...
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- ..on Anglesey.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05- Bands were playing all day.
0:42:05 > 0:42:10- Most of them - were grunge and metal bands.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- Duh! Ruh! Whoaaa!
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- Rarrrrr!
0:42:15 > 0:42:18- It was totally hardcore, you know?
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- Beatboxing was something - completely different.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- Because I'm from Anglesey...
0:42:24 > 0:42:28- ..the organisers - asked if I fancied doing a set.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32- I was performing - at about 10 o'clock at night.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38- Keep in mind that these grunge bands - had been playing...
0:42:38 > 0:42:41- ..from midday to 10 o'clock.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45- They were obviously using - the same microphones.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49- I didn't use any machines in my set, - just a microphone.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52- It was a 15-minute set, easy enough.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54- I could let my hair down - after it was over.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59- I started beatboxing - and the crowd was loving it.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02- I was getting a buzz out of it too.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06- Halfway through, I thought - I'd do some inward sounds.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08- Sounds like that.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- I put the mic - in front of my mouth, did it...
0:43:12 > 0:43:17- ..and sucked in a mouthful of spit - that was in the microphone.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21- It makes me feel sick - thinking about it.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23- Arrrgh!
0:43:23 > 0:43:27- I had to stop - and spit it back out...
0:43:27 > 0:43:30- ..without the audience noticing.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33- I still had - the taste in my mouth afterwards.
0:43:33 > 0:43:38- It was a disgusting taste. - I'll never ever forget it.
0:43:38 > 0:43:43- Since then, I use my own mic - for every gig I do.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46- I've got antibacterial wipes now.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49- It makes me feel sick - thinking about it.
0:43:49 > 0:43:51- Next question, Dan.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54- Honestly, I don't want to - talk about it any more.
0:43:59 > 0:44:04- We've been here a couple of days, - you understand the beatbox art form.
0:44:04 > 0:44:05- Try it.
0:44:06 > 0:44:08- HE BEATBOXES
0:44:08 > 0:44:09- OK.
0:44:10 > 0:44:12- MAKES RHYTHMIC FART SOUNDS
0:44:26 > 0:44:30- It's a long journey from the - birthplace of beatbox in America...
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- ..to the home of beatboxing in Wales - - Llanfrothen.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37- Both places have been - twinned with the spirit of hip hop.
0:44:38 > 0:44:42- Llanfrothen is where Ed has set up - his own studio, Stiwdio Panad.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48- While he was in - his own surroundings...
0:44:48 > 0:44:53- ..I thought I'd quiz Ed Holden - about the secret of his success.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58- These aren't the hats of beatboxers - Ed's beaten - well, not all of them.
0:44:58 > 0:45:02- One thing I've learnt - from doing these programmes...
0:45:02 > 0:45:06- ..is that parental support - from age 16-24 has been vital...
0:45:06 > 0:45:09- ..in their offspring's success.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12- Is that true of you?
0:45:12 > 0:45:17- Yes. If it weren't for my parents - helping me in the early days...
0:45:17 > 0:45:21- ..I wouldn't be sitting here today, - doing the interview.
0:45:21 > 0:45:26- Fair play to my parents, - they took me everywhere.
0:45:26 > 0:45:28- I didn't drive.
0:45:28 > 0:45:32- I joined Pep Le Pew when I was... - How old was I?
0:45:32 > 0:45:37- I was 17, so obviously - I didn't drive or anything.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40- I didn't start driving - until I was 20.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43- Mam and Dad - drove me back and forth to gigs.
0:45:43 > 0:45:46- They helped me buy equipment.
0:45:46 > 0:45:50- They literally - bought the equipment for me.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54- They helped - nurture the talent in me.
0:45:54 > 0:45:58- It was incredible, really, - because I knew in my head...
0:45:58 > 0:46:02- ..that deep down they wanted me - to get a proper job and so on.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07- But I didn't want to. I had - no desire to get a job and so on.
0:46:07 > 0:46:10- I know that sounds spoilt.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14- I'm sure I was at the time...
0:46:14 > 0:46:18- ..but without my parents' drive - to carry on doing what I do...
0:46:18 > 0:46:20- ..I wouldn't be where I am today.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23- I wouldn't have made - a career out of it.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26- Lots of people - want to play instruments.
0:46:26 > 0:46:30- Your parents must've loved the fact - you wanted to be a beatboxer.
0:46:30 > 0:46:35- Not really because - I wanted to do much more than that.
0:46:35 > 0:46:39- I wanted to beatbox...
0:46:39 > 0:46:41- ..but I didn't - just want to do that.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44- I had many more interests besides.
0:46:44 > 0:46:46- DJ'ing was the major thing.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49- I always wanted to buy vinyl.
0:46:49 > 0:46:53- I wasn't earning money so I had - to get Mam and Dad to buy me vinyl.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56- I'd go to school, come home...
0:46:56 > 0:47:00- ..and give my mother - a list of vinyl I wanted to buy.
0:47:00 > 0:47:03- She'd go to Bangor - and buy vinyl for me.
0:47:03 > 0:47:07- It's incredible - how much they did for me growing up.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09- But it was worth every second.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12- Hopefully I make them proud now.
0:47:12 > 0:47:18- I can travel the world, - an expert in my field.
0:47:18 > 0:47:23- What advice would Ed Holden - give his 18-year-old self?
0:47:28 > 0:47:30- To be honest, I wouldn't say much...
0:47:31 > 0:47:35- ..because I've already been there - and I know I have the drive.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37- That's what kept me going.
0:47:37 > 0:47:41- There wouldn't - be much more I could add.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44- Eat less, perhaps...
0:47:44 > 0:47:46- ..and work out more!
0:47:46 > 0:47:51- Apart from that, I don't think - I could give any more advice.
0:47:52 > 0:47:57- I was in Llanfrothen, the spiritual - home of beatboxing in Wales.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00- I'd always wanted to be - a hip hop artist.
0:48:01 > 0:48:05- After saying goodbye to Ed, - I went in search of inspiration.
0:48:25 > 0:48:27- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:48:27 > 0:48:28- .