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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- My quest to discover Welsh links...
0:00:28 > 0:00:33- ..in the field of recorded music - has brought me to London.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- There's a major Welsh connection...
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- ..to one of the world's - earliest record labels...
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- ..established here - in the late 19th century.
0:00:47 > 0:00:52- In 1897, William Barry Owen - arrived in the city.
0:00:52 > 0:00:57- The American of Welsh descent - was Emile Berliner's representative.
0:00:57 > 0:01:03- Berliner made his fortune in the US - marketing a new and exciting device.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05- The gramophone.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- Berliner gave William Owen a brief.
0:01:12 > 0:01:18- He had to find an investor - to buy the European franchise.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- To impress potential investors...
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- ..Owen based himself here - on The Strand...
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- ..where London's - grandest hotels were situated.
0:01:34 > 0:01:39- He chose the newly-opened - Cecil Hotel.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46- Trevor Lloyd Williams came - to The Cecil to negotiate business.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51- The successful City solicitor - was originally from Merionethshire.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59- Trevor Lloyd Williams - was a rich man with rich friends.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04- When he came to The Cecil, - he had already formed a syndicate...
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- ..to invest 5,000 dollars - in the venture.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- That was a great deal of money - in those days.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- A contract was drawn up...
0:02:15 > 0:02:20- ..permitting the syndicate - to produce Berliner gramophones.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- They could use the pioneering - technology to produce records.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34- Today, 31 Maiden Lane - is a pizzeria.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39- In 1899, it was The Gramophone - Company's first headquarters.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- Britain's first recording studio - was established in the cellar.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- The studio and equipment were basic.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- To prevent the huge horn - from recording any vibrations...
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- ..the piano was placed on stilts.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- That's the recording studio.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11- The unofficial green room - was two doors down.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- Rules Restaurant - is London's oldest restaurant.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- It was more of a pub back then.
0:03:23 > 0:03:29- In 1899, it's likely - a Welsh singer enjoyed its ambiance.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- Her name was Madge Breese.
0:03:34 > 0:03:40- She was invited here by her cousin, - Trevor Lloyd Williams.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- The family link - between Trevor and Madge...
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- ..has never been established, - until now.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- There were no known pictures - of her either - until now.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- And this is Madge Breese.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02- We found one of her descendants - living in Morfa Bychan.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- So what did she accomplish?
0:04:06 > 0:04:11- Well, Madge is an important figure - in Welsh history...
0:04:11 > 0:04:16- ..because she was the first person - to be recorded in Welsh.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28- These recordings have survived, - and I am about to get to hear them.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33- The location of the archive - is so secret...
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- ..I can't tell you where it is!
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- In 1908, the archive - was a record producing factory.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- It was established by Trevor Lloyd - Williams's successful company.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54- Before that, prints - of the Maiden Lane recordings...
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- ..were sent to German factories - to be mass-produced.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04- From now on, - records could be made in Britain.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- Today, The Gramophone Company...
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- ..is a leading record publisher...
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- ..EMI.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23- The EMI archive houses thousands - of rare documents and records.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- I've come to see three records...
0:05:26 > 0:05:31- ..released after Madge Breese's - Maiden Lane recording session.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- She recorded Ar Hyd Y Nos, Clychau - Aberdyfi and Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- These are - the earliest Welsh language records.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- We've had special permission - from EMI to play them.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- I'd better be careful.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54- There aren't many left in the world - and I don't want to pay for them!
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- # Mae hen wlad fy nhadau - yn annwyl i mi
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- # Gwlad beirdd a chantorion
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- # Enwogion o fri
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- # Ei gwrol ryfelwyr
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- # Gwladgarwyr tra mad #
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- I should be standing up for this.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- # Tros ryddid collasant eu gwaed #
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- My quest began in London...
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- ..but the trail - leads me back to Wales.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- Craig y Nos is the impressive - castle near Swansea...
0:06:43 > 0:06:48- ..bought by the world-famous - singer Adelina Patti in 1878.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55- Patti made a lot of additions, - including a theatre.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01- It's one of Britain's most - important historic private theatres.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06- Patti entertained dignitaries here.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- Much of her life - is well documented...
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- ..but I'm after - a little known story...
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- ..of the earliest recording made - on Welsh soil, in December 1905.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- Patti had retired - from public performances.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- Now in her sixties...
0:07:25 > 0:07:30- ..she still had the voice - that had made her an opera star.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- To ensure that her voice - would never be forgotten...
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- ..Gramophone Company engineers...
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- ..came here - with their recording equipment.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- I'm here to listen to one of those - recordings with Hywel Wigley.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54- He's an engineer and owner - of Acapela Recording Studio.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- # Voi che sapete
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- # Che cosa e amor
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- # Donne, vedete
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- # S'io l'ho nel cor
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- # Donne, vedete
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- # S'io l'ho nel cor #
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- The old records have a unique sound.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- Singers tended to distrust - new technology.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- She didn't want to go to London - to record her voice.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- She kept the sound technicians drunk - for the week it took to record her!
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- Once she recorded it...
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- ..she announced to the world...
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- ..that she knew why - she was such a big star.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- It was a turning point - for the industry.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- The needle was almost - like da Vinci's finger...
0:09:08 > 0:09:13- ..bringing science and art together.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- Furthermore...
0:09:16 > 0:09:21- ..it served as a boost - for these major singers' egos.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- How far advanced - was recording technology?
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- Edison had invented - the phonograph cylinder.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- The cylinder - could record and reproduce sounds.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- Adelina Patti recorded on something - like this, but on a larger scale.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- This is the studio!
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- You'd be disappointed if you came - to my studio and saw this!
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- It looks like magic to me!
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- The voice - would cause this to vibrate.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59- The vibrations came down the needle - and left a groove.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- The information is in the groove.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- You mentioned original recordings.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- This was the early form - of storing data...
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- ..and it doesn't lie!
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- Nowadays, it's possible - to make anyone sing in tune.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- We'll see now!
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- Ready?
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- I'll recite a poem.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- # When is your birthday
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- # Endless acres of marshland?
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- # You, with the rain
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- # And sun in your arms?
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- # When the wind swept over
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- # Arianrhod's cheeks
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- # That's when I was born
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- # From the storm - into the brave acres #
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- That's recorded now. - Can you see the grooves?
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- Let's see if it worked.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- # When is your birthday
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- # Endless acres of marshland?
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- # You, with the rain - and sun in your arms? #
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- The recording technology works.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- I sounded like a hilltop farmer.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- You could fool Americans with that.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36- Coming up, a famous Monmouthshire - studio celebrates its 50th birthday.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- And I interview an icon - of the Welsh rock scene.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47- .
0:11:49 > 0:11:49- Subtitles
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- I'm retracing - the history of recorded music.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- I've found a strong Welsh link - in the industry's early days.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- Classical music - has dominated the story so far.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- I think it's time for a key change.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- # Whole Lotta Love # - Led Zeppelin
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- # You need coolin', - baby, I'm not foolin' #
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- Yes, rock music - made Rockfield world-famous.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- There are many stories - about this place.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- But are they true, - or a part of Rockfield folklore?
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- Here are some of the best.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- This is where Liam Gallagher - threw a rubbish bin...
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- ..at his brother Noel's car - after a ballistic fall out.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- F***k off Noel, you c***!
0:12:57 > 0:13:02- The Coach House is where The Stone - Roses recorded the classic...
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- ..I Am The Resurrection - from their first album.
0:13:09 > 0:13:15- Freddie Mercury composed - the anthemic Bohemian Rhapsody here.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- That weathervane...
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- ..with the horse on it inspired - "anywhere the wind blows."
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- This dining room - has seen a few food fights.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- The most famous involved - Simple Minds, and a trifle.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- Needless to say, most of the trifle - ended up on the walls and the band.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- # Way down inside #
0:13:43 > 0:13:49- Long before The Stone Roses, Oasis - and Catatonia came to Rockfield...
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- ..the singer Heather Jones - recorded here.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- # Hey, hey, hey, hey, - where is the sun?
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- # Where is the sun? #
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- She came here in 1971 to record - Ble'r Aeth Yr Haul with Huw Jones...
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- ..the iconic Colli Iaith...
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- ..and, in 1973, her first album.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- She hasn't been back to Rockfield - until today.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- Where have you been for 40 years, - you bugger?!
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- You haven't aged at all!
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- After reminiscing - with the owner Kingsley Ward...
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- ..I asked her about those times.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- What was it like here in 1973?
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- It hasn't changed that much.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- I remember this place.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- Mind you, it's a long time ago!
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- I remember being cold - - and it's still cold!
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- It was an amazing experience. - We worked hard.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- We mixed and listened - to the songs...
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- ..with Kingsley Ward, - who's still here.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- It was lovely.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- I was a young girl in a man's world.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18- I was shy and afraid to say - if I didn't like something.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- I didn't like to ask to do it again.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- I was very young, remember!
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- You were here - in the formative years.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- Not many big bands had been here.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35- I know!
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- I know!- - You were one of the first.
0:15:37 > 0:15:43- It's amazing to think that Queen - recorded Bohemian Rhapsody here.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- How long did it take - to record an album?
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- An LP took a long time.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- We took three weeks - to record Mae'r Olwyn Yn Troi.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- There are 20 songs altogether.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- I remember musicians - actually playing instruments...
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- ..and the arrangements.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- Do you remember any new innovations?
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- I remember the echo, - which I thought was fantastic.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- My high voice suited the echo.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- Are you going back - into the studio?
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- I'm always thinking - of doing something.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- I'm still writing songs.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- There's one CD left in me!
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- # The blood of the warriors
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- # That stained the ground
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- # Was washed away by the rain - a long time ago #
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- Sain's earliest material was - recorded in Rockfield and London.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- In 1975, the company opened - its first studio near Caernarfon.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- Dafydd Iwan, one of the founders, - tells us the story.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- Dewi Prysor. Welcome!
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- Let's go to Studio 2.
0:17:09 > 0:17:14- Forming Sain was a pioneering move.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- I suppose so, looking back.
0:17:18 > 0:17:19- At the time...
0:17:19 > 0:17:24- ..I wasn't aware we were - ground-breaking or pioneering.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- I did what I felt was needed.
0:17:28 > 0:17:33- In Wales, we used to gather around - a table, singing into one mic.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- Huw and I suggested to our label, - Welsh Teldisc...
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- ..that it was time - to enter the multi-track world.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- They weren't interested, - but told us to carry on.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- We rented a studio in London, - to record Dwr...
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- ..with the help of Meic Stevens.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- The record sales - paid for Myn Duw, Mi A Wn Y Daw!
0:17:57 > 0:18:02- Huw wrote Paid Digalonni - when I was in prison.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- Sain and the early records...
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- ..stem from the activities - of the Welsh Language Society...
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- ..and the language campaigns.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- It was a political company, - and it was seen that way.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- But we were also a Welsh company.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- Why did you move the company here?
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- As a Welsh company...
0:18:25 > 0:18:30- ..we felt we needed - to be closer to our audience.
0:18:30 > 0:18:36- Rockfield proved to us that a barn - could become a modern studio.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- We followed their example.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46- We turned the Gwernafalau stables - into an 8-track studio.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- We spent weeks - soundproofing the stables.
0:18:52 > 0:18:58- We put tons of sand in the ceiling - to absorb the sound.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- When the drums were loud...
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- ..grains of sand - fell down from the roof!
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- We settled in the old RAF station - in Llandwrog...
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- ..in 1980.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- Does the growth - of independent labels...
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- ..reflect the strength - of the Welsh scene?
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- In a way, - it's a strength and a weakness.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- It's great that modern technology...
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- ..is in the hands - of the musicians and the bands.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- They can record at home.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40- Many feel they don't have - to come through Sain.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- We have to find a way...
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- ..of working together - for the future.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- The digital revolution - has transformed the musical world.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- It's up there in the cloud.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- It can be accessed - without any payment being made.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- We need to find a way - of controlling that.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- The digital revolution - has moved the goalposts.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- Is that a threat to Sain?
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- It's no secret - that the company is for sale.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20- Sain isn't for sale because of the - digital threat and those changes.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- The directors - have reached a certain age!
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- We want to hand over the company - to new shareholders.
0:20:30 > 0:20:31- That's one factor.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- The music industry - is under threat from all directions.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- The big shops have closed, - the big companies are disappearing.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- It's a time to think...
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- ..to see how to adapt - and look ahead to the future.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- It is a threat, - but it's also an opportunity.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- The Internet is worldwide.
0:20:56 > 0:21:02- Welsh music can reach - all four corners of the world.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- Work has to be done...
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- ..to promote the digital output.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- More musicians - are recording their own stuff.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- However, this isn't the route - Yr Ods have taken.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27- When I visited Sain in April, they - were recording their second album.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- I asked Griff Lynch - and Osian Howells...
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- ..how the studio experience - enhances the creative process.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- Recording - is a collaborative process.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- Coming to a studio - enables everyone to have their say.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- It suits our style of music.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- We can get the sound right - in a studio.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- Something more electronic - can be done at home.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- Sain is brilliant. They've invested - in the studio over the years.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- The full-time engineers - do this every day.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- They'll get better results.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- They nail it straight away.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- What about the future, Griff?
0:22:17 > 0:22:23- People are making music - on laptops in their bedrooms.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- If someone's prepared - to pay a band to go to a studio...
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- ..or you have the funds, - it's worth it.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- It's more of an experience...
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- ..than wearing headphones - and doing it yourself.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40- It's more fun too.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- In the same way - that Trevor Lloyd Williams...
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- ..and his Gramophone Company - pioneered in 1897...
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- ..the digital revolution has - transformed recording techniques.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03- It can be seen as a threat to - the industry and commercial music.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- On the other hand, - anyone who has the right software...
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- ..a laptop or mobile phone - can make their own music.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- As a result, the music business - has become less elitist.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- Radical changes are taking place.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Despite the increase - in DIY studios...
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- ..there will always be a demand...
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- ..for the facilities and expertise - a studio can offer.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- As this pioneering company...
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- ..hands over - to the younger generation...
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- ..we shouldn't see the glass - as half empty.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- We need to embrace the changes - and move with the times.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52- It's vital, not only - for the Welsh recording industry...
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- ..but to the future of the language.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:24:14 > 0:24:14- .