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0:00:23 > 0:00:26- The Swn Festival. 127 performers.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- 11 venues.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- Over three days in Wales' capital.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- It was established - by Huw Stephens and John Rostron.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- It's now a familiar platform - for new Welsh talent...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- ..with some global acts - part of its history.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55- It's a pioneering festival - and it was unique when it started.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- There were few city-based festivals.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03- Swn is great for giving new bands - a platform. Especially Welsh bands.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- It's a great platform - for contemporary music.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- It shows that it's become part - of the establishment...
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- ..when it's spoken about - in the same terms as the Eisteddfod.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23- An important part of the musical - calendar, in Wales and Cardiff.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- As we celebrate the 10th Swn, - you have an access all areas pass.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- The hard work needed - to organise a festival.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- Friday morning - and Spring King have cancelled.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36- Where did it all begin?
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- It was a time when you waited - for things to come to Cardiff.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- Unless you organise it, - it won't come.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49- Performances from new performers - and old favourites.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- It shows Cardiff at its best.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- Womanby Street is incredible.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- Seldom do you get everyone - from that community...
0:01:59 > 0:02:01- ..in the same place - at the same time.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- The freaks and weirdoes - all come out - it's a lot of fun.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- I invested a lot of money - in the first Swn.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- I was destroying relationships - obsessed with doing something good.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17- John puts so much - into everything he does.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- I've put on 10 Swn Festivals.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23- This I've never done before - in my life.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- He puts his time - and his life into it.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30- After Swn, he's knackered.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- More than anything, I think, - I enjoy the atmosphere in Cardiff.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- I enjoy seeing people - on the streets.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- Around the venues, - queuing to get into the venues.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- I think I look forward to - the atmosphere more than anything.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- That's what Swn creates.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- I'd never not want to be part of it.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- It's on my doorstep.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09- Everyone comes out.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- People you haven't seen for a while - make an appearance for Swn.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- It's Saturday morning - and John visits every venue...
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- ..checks out the bands and makes - sure everything's running smoothly.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- I worry. I'm worried - about the festival beforehand.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- I want it all to go well for John.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- I feel stressed for him.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- It's a bit of a panic - that tomorrow I'm playing drums...
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- ..and drummers bring their - breakables - cymbals and guitar.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- I don't own any - because I'm not a drummer.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- It'll keep me awake tonight.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56- In its tenth year, there are rumours - this could be the final festival.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- Organising a festival is hard work.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- I can understand - if the organisers have had enough.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- It would be a loss for Cardiff.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- What does the future hold for Swn?
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- We might call it a day.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- You know my heart dropped, - it honestly dropped.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19- If Swn didn't continue, - it wouldn't be a bad thing.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- John and I are ten years older now.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- It might be a good time - for someone younger...
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- ..to start something different.
0:04:32 > 0:04:39- In Carmarthen, Ysgol Sul are setting - out for tonight's gig in O'Neill's.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- I've enjoyed working with Ysgol Sul.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- They've worked so hard.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- That's what surprised me about them.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- They were ready - to perform and travel.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- They're not a showy band - and that's the band's charm.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01- They don't shout at you and push - the music down your throats...
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- ..in their performance style.
0:05:08 > 0:05:15- Now living in London, Casi's back in - Wales performing in Clwb Ifor Bach.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- I'm looking forward - to seeing my sister perform.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- It's great to see her - coming back here now.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- She's at a point in her career - where she's doing well.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- It's good to see Swn - supporting her...
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- ..and they've supported her - from the start.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- The Swn audience is a warm audience.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44- It's an audience which has - a keen interest in music.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- They're passionate - about the groups performing here.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- They're willing to listen - to new music.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- After the first Swn, - John and Huw were knackered.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- 20,000 in debt - and uncertain about the future.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- I had kind of written it off.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- I was like, I don't think I can keep - doing this. It was really stressful.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- I was close to having a breakdown.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- I had a call off Huw and he went...
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- Watch S4C. Bandit's on - and they filmed the Swn festival.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- A massive party with loads of gigs.
0:06:23 > 0:06:29- Welsh bands, foreign bands, American - bands, good things are happening.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- It's about time - we had this in Cardiff.
0:06:33 > 0:06:38- I can't believe how many people - are supporting the gigs.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- Cardiff really needed it.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- It's nice to do something different.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49- I love these smaller gigs - because you can be more intimate.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- That was an example of stepping back - and taking a look at the festival...
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- ..to appreciate what it had become.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- That was the point we said - let's do it next year.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07- Ysgol Sul arrive in Cardiff - just in time for the gig.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- It's an opportunity to play - in front of a different audience.
0:07:15 > 0:07:21- It gives us scope to experiment - in front of a new audience.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52- Swn is great - for giving new bands a stage...
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- ..especially Welsh bands.
0:07:54 > 0:08:00- I work with a lot - of up-and-coming bands...
0:08:01 > 0:08:06- ..and this is their first taste - of performing with bands...
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- ..who are bigger than them - and more experienced.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- That's important in giving - Welsh bands the experience.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- The music scene never stands still.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- You're always looking for new music.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- You want to support good bands.
0:08:24 > 0:08:30- Seeing Ysgol Sul and Casi - breaking through is so important.
0:08:30 > 0:08:36- You think about those who need - an opportunity to show their talent.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- Swn gave birth to a band, - I always think of Eyelet.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01- John and I visited the Model Inn - and I remember Eyelet performing.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- It was packed and people were trying - to get in through every entrance.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- People had broken in - through a fire escape.
0:09:10 > 0:09:11- It was an incredible show.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13- The energy of that gig...
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- ..encapsulated the Cardiff - indie scene at the time.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- We got a spread in the NME - for a start.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- Two pages on Swn, they captured - the spirit of the festival.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- For somebody to come in and say this - is really great, it was amazing.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- It just makes you want to do more.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- Swn's final day. Adverse Camber - are doing their sound check.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- I feel awful. - I feel really, really awful.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- I'm so nervous. It's ridiculous.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- Let's just enjoy it. Half an hour. - Living in the moment.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- I don't know how to put this in. - They're setting the hi-hat up.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- Not a good time to be learning.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- Hours before their gig, let's hope - the pressure's not too much.
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0:10:29 > 0:10:29- Subtitles
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- Hungover on a Sunday morning...
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- ..Richard Chitty - from Bubblewrap Collective...
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- ..sets up his stage in Dempseys.
0:10:40 > 0:10:46- I'm going to hang a Bubblewrap - banner on the stage.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- I'm just tired.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- One or two coffees and - a couple of pints and I'll be fine.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- We wanted to show - that local music was important.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- Fortunately in Cardiff, - we have musicians and labels...
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- ..that release records every year.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- Yes, it's great for Bubblewrap.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- A lot of people attend the gigs...
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- ..who wouldn't - normally attend gigs in Cardiff.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- It's good to get - a different audience for the bands.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- I'm not sure if I should - hide the Swn banner with my own!
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- Don't show this to John Rostron.
0:11:31 > 0:11:32- Sorry, Swn.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- There is pressure - but the pressure's on the Swn guys.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- We're just putting the bands on.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- They call my job venue rep.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- You turn up at the venue...
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- ..for the day or the weekend, - early in the morning.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- Try and keep things running on time. - The schedule is tight.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- People are moving between venues.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00- It'll be very busy and it'll be fun - for the band changeover.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- That's quite tight. I can't wait!
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- At the beginning, - it was just me and John.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- There was a lot to learn. - Staging a gig is a lot of work.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- If you've done it, - you know how hard it is.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- When you're staging 150 bands - in three days...
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- ..your workload increases.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- We've brought in a lot of helpers - over the past 10 years.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- We're grateful - to all the volunteers.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- The atmosphere on Womanby Street - is incredible.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- The same - volunteers come back every year.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- I couldn't do it last year - so I was here as a punter.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- It wasn't the same.
0:12:39 > 0:12:44- With an hour to spare, Huw's - checking out some of the bands.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- I'm looking for bands - I haven't seen before.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- Bands I've heard are good.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- I'm looking for stuff - I can play on the radio...
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- ..to see what they're like.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- I can hear a rock'n'roll band - on the top floor.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- Wales' most important building, - Clwb Ifor Bach.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- Any band who performs - on Clwb Ifor Bach's top floor...
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- ..they deserve a medal - because there's no lift.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- You have to lug your amps - and guitars to the top.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- I'd heard Shame - on Steve Lamacq's 6 Music show.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- I thought they were great.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- You OK? How are you?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- Are you performing?
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- Someone pulled out from - a 10 Feet Tall gig this afternoon.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- I'm there first and then on - the Bubblewrap Stage at Dempseys.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- Three gigs this afternoon.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- Three gigs this afternoon.- - Three gigs in an afternoon!
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- You're up there - with Sweet Baboo and Rhodri Viney.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- I've performed at Swn three times. - Not as much as Baboo and Viney.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- I'm doubling up today, - trying to catch up with them.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- What I didn't want was headliners.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- There are no major acts, - for different reasons.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- Everyone's playing different slots.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- A band playing at 2.00pm...
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- ..could have headlined - in Bristol the night before.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- We're off to Four Bars in Dempseys.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- Rhain are performing.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- I've not heard her before - but she's meant to be great.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- That girl was incredible.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- I don't know anything about her. - Her name's Rhain.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- That's why I love Swn.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- At 2.15pm on a Sunday afternoon...
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- ..she was great so I'll be playing - her music on the radio.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- About 50 people - were there watching her.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10- A great start to the day.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- After Rhain's set, - Dempseys is packed.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- Today has been great.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- I watched Rhain, - they were really good.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- Ivan Moult, Quiet Marauder, MANDY.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- What a start. It's 5.15pm - so I'm going up to watch them.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- Gareth Bonello, aka The Gentle Good, - is about to take to the stage.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- He was here for the first Swn.
0:15:49 > 0:15:55- I performed in 2007 in Cafe Europa - just around the corner from here.
0:15:55 > 0:15:56- It's not there now.
0:16:04 > 0:16:10- There were 50-60 people - inside this tiny cafe.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- We were all performing like this.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- 2007 was a success...
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- ..but how did Gareth fare tonight?
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- I was meant to play - with a larger band...
0:16:22 > 0:16:27- ..with a bass guitar, another voice, - some percussion and a violin.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- The bass guitarist pulled out - because he was in panto.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- I lost my bass to a panto!
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- My wife, Jen, - pulled out with a cold.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39- She couldn't sing.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- After losing half the band, - I did the gig solo.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- Bubblewrap are a great company, - they work closely with Swn.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- They're a local label - and they support local musicians.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- Having a Bubblewrap Stage at Swn - is very fitting.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- One of Swn's highlights was - a nomination for the NME award...
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- ..for the 2014 Best Small Festival.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- I looked at the schedule - for the night.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30- There was a list of what's gonna - happen and our award wasn't there.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35- Just as I was realising that, - one of the writers from NME said...
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- ..we don't announce your award - tonight - you've won by the way.
0:18:41 > 0:18:42- What?!
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- Winning anything is exciting.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- Winning any award like that - helps you in the future.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54- The reaction from Wales, and Cardiff - in particular, was phenomenal.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- Important moment for us.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- Here's the moment - John has been stressing about.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- Adverse Camber - are about to play live.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- John's father - plays with a folk band.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- John's wanted to play - like his father since forever.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- I am all of the emotions.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- I am so happy, - I am so tired, I was crying.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- I'm just everything.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- I was scared of coming here.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- I didn't know if anyone would be - here. I didn't know how it would be.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- Seeing Lisa was weird. I wasn't - sure if she was going to come.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- I saw her - and I was pleased she was here.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- I started crying - because she was here.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- I hadn't seen them perform before.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- I saw John on stage - and started crying.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- As the final day draws to a close...
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- ..the performances continue - and the fans keep on dancing.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- It's been a terrific weekend.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- It's been everything - that's good about Swn...
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- ..full of people and amazing bands.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- Everybody's really excited, - positive and warm.
0:20:59 > 0:21:00- It feels great.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- The fact that it's continued - is testament to the organisers.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- With music, - trends change so quickly.
0:21:13 > 0:21:19- I feel lucky to have had - the opportunity to perform.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- I hope it continues - for another decade.
0:21:27 > 0:21:34- I think he'd miss it, John would - miss Swn if it didn't happen again.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- Sometimes, you have to think - about what comes next.
0:21:38 > 0:21:39- That's important.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- I'm not sure, I really don't know - what's best for Swn.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- It's really hard - to think about stopping it...
0:21:47 > 0:21:53- ..because, you know, everybody's - so excited about it happening.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- You can see the effect it has.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- This could be the last Swn.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Oh, dear.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01- Well. Oh, no.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- Swn is good for Cardiff.
0:22:04 > 0:22:10- If it stops, I hope enough people - join forces to keep it going.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- If Swn ended, - it would be on our terms.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- That's not always a bad thing.
0:22:34 > 0:22:40- If you told me five years ago it was - ending, I would have been gutted.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45- After 10 years, it's a nice rounded - figure, to round something off.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- Yes, we'll see what happens - this time next year.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:27 > 0:23:27- .