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0:00:28 > 0:00:31- Ffug, originally from Preseli, - have been busy touring...
0:00:31 > 0:00:36- ..and recording their debut album at - Strangetown studios, Cardiff Bay...- - strangetown records | Free Listening on SoundClouhttps://soundcloud.com/strangetown-records
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- ..with Dafydd Ieuan - from the Super Furry Animals.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42- This film - follows Iolo Selyf and the band...
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- ..in the days - leading up to the album launch.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- I'm very sick.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- Top lad.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- Ffug rehearsal before album launch - Cardiff Bay
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- Guys, are we going to have fags - and stuff for the raffle?
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- For the raffle tomorrow.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- The Ffug album launch.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12- Chroma and Mellt are involved too.- - Lansiad Albwm FFUG / FFUG Album Launch - Mellt - Chroma - https://www.facebook.com/event- 20/ -
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- We're going to do a couple - of run-throughs, though I'm ill.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19- I'll just be quiet.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21- I won't belt it as it's pointless.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- When I'm on stage - and I sing and stuff...
0:01:41 > 0:01:42- ..to do the frontman thing...
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- ..I have to almost believe - I'm the coolest person in the room.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- I don't normally feel like that.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- It's very rare I feel cool - in a roomful of people.
0:02:09 > 0:02:10- This is the reality!
0:02:12 > 0:02:13- The facade is broken.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- Any of you guys - want a cup of tea or coffee?
0:02:20 > 0:02:22- I'd love a coffee.
0:02:22 > 0:02:23- I'm alright.
0:02:23 > 0:02:24- Do you have any peppermint tea?
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- Do you have any peppermint tea?- - Chamomile.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- Where's my favourite mug?
0:02:39 > 0:02:45- Five of us live here - - Sam, Llywelyn, Rowan and Haran.- - Haran Guroonath - ffrind Facebook iddo - - Cardi- - dom
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- One's studying Physics...
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- ..two are studying History - and one's studying Business.
0:02:55 > 0:02:56- This is the kitchen.
0:02:57 > 0:02:58- Sorry it's not clean.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- Can I have a tug on your fag?
0:03:19 > 0:03:20- Thank you.
0:03:27 > 0:03:28- Chest freezer.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- It's good for freezing large stuff.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- Ffug started when I was in Year 9.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- We were more of a covers band first. - Me, Joey and Billy.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- We had a friend called Dan - who played bass.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- A lot of the time, - we'd make more money than we do now.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- We'd do weddings and charge 500 - for a three-hour set.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- I think the discipline - of doing covers first...
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- ..helped us to go on - and do our own stuff.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- The way we've used - the Welsh language in the band...
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- ..has been quite natural.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- No fuss or media statements - about it.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- We can all speak Welsh - in the band...
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- ..but I'm the only one who speaks it - as a first language at home.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- So I suppose there was pressure - within the band at the start...
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- ..to just do stuff in English - but I didn't want to.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- The truth is it's easier - to be a good Welsh-language band...
0:05:08 > 0:05:09- ..than an English one.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- I like to take photos - and go out filming.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- Just go out - and take photos of trees.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- It's a way for me to remember stuff.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- Just go back to stuff.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- I like to make frames and pictures.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- I want to be a photographer - some day.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- One of my friends...
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- ..said that every photographer - tends to be weird.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59- They have the ability to not quite - be in a room but be able to film it.
0:06:00 > 0:06:01- That's definitely me.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- Moving to Cardiff made me happier - than I was in Pembrokeshire.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- There's less turmoil in my head.
0:06:21 > 0:06:22- That sounds silly.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- In terms of what I want to do - and what's going on in my life.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- I feel more settled.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- The next record might be crap - as I'm so content.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36- I didn't get on with a lot of people - in Pembrokeshire.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- I didn't really fit in - with the whole rugby thing.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46- Drinking pints - and being a macho man.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- A lot of my school friends - were girls.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51- I don't know.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- It's the small town syndrome thing, - I suppose.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- I wasn't, you know...
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- I fitted in OK, I suppose.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- It wasn't like people hated me.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- But I didn't feel at home there.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- I was the odd boy listening to music - by myself in the park...
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- ..and writing stuff.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- I'm still angry - about a lot of things.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- I still have angst...
0:07:26 > 0:07:32- ..just it's angst that's expressed - in a more rational or mature way.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- Being angsty is quite easy.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- At the minute, I don't feel - much of a connection...
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- ..with the first EP, - Cofiwch Dryweryn.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- The song that did best on that - record was Llosgwch Y Ty I Lawr.
0:08:38 > 0:08:44- For us as a band, - it was more of a joke song.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- A sickly sweet, annoying song - which gets stuck in your head.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- It doesn't reflect us as a band - at all, really.
0:08:52 > 0:08:58- I was 15 at the time - so it's OK for me now.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- Llosgwch Y Ty I Lawr - and Lladd Eich Rhieni...
0:09:13 > 0:09:19- ..are, like many songs, about things - you're not supposed to do.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- Don't Sit Down - 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair.- - Arctic Monkeys -- Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair ... - https://www.youtube.- - YbHHhqYE
0:09:22 > 0:09:23- That kind of thing.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- Ours was done - by a couple of young lads.
0:09:27 > 0:09:33- At the time, - I had quite a high-pitched voice.
0:09:33 > 0:09:34- Almost soprano.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- Whingy.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- But it is what it is.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- Some people still like it - which is cool.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- But we don't play it in gigs - because we can't stand it.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57- Wish I had one of them.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- The new set - would that be - adding Llosgwch Y Ty I Lawr?
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- Can we go through this? - Do you want to run through this?
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- No idea - how much groovier that sounds.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- That's controlled.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- Shall we take ten and come back - and do it a bit calmer?
0:10:47 > 0:10:48- Back to do some more.
0:10:50 > 0:10:51- Oh, Daf!
0:10:52 > 0:10:53- Pussies.
0:10:54 > 0:10:54- .
0:10:57 > 0:10:58- Subtitles
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- Album launch gig, - The Moon Club, Cardiff
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- Ffug Album Launch. Free of charge
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- We're in The Moon Club - for the launch of Ffug's album.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- Chroma and Mellt are supporting us.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- It's nice to release it at last.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- Just excited.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Yes. I hope people come - to fill out the room.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- It should be OK, I think.
0:11:38 > 0:11:39- We've practised.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- We're fairly confident.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- Hope for the best.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- Almost two and a half years of work - and a lot of waiting around.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- It's really lovely - to have something hard in your hand.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- The record's a bit tamer - than our live sound.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32- We're a bit heavier - and a little shoutier live.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- It's a lot more car-friendly.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- I think the way Daf produces - has helped that a lot.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- In terms of lyrics, - they're quite personal.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- A lot of it's about relationships - I've had with friends and stuff...
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- ..and things I've heard people say.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09- Over the last three years, - we've got to where we want to go.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- We've done more gigs - and worked really hard.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- I'm never happy with anything we do.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- I was backstage at one of our gigs - saying...
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- .."It's only three-quarters full."
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- Just get over it, man.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- It's hard to be happy - with everything you do...
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- ..even it's all going well.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Just constantly on a mission.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- If you're not on a mission, there's - not much point doing anything.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- I think everyone enjoys attention.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- I'm aware of it.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- I know when I do get attention - it makes me feel odd!
0:13:47 > 0:13:48- Honestly.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- I don't think I'm a very good - frontman unless I'm on stage.
0:13:56 > 0:14:02- The rest of it feels fake to me.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- When I speak to people - I don't really know that well...
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- ..I'm really nice and polite - to them...
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- ..just because that's your job - if you're in a band...
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- ..and they say they liked you - or that you were alright.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- It's something - I'm still trying to improve.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- We started recording - around a year ago.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- I met Daf through Sarah, - our manager.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- Daf showed an interest.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- We just started - putting stuff down...
0:14:39 > 0:14:44- ..without too much of a mandate that - it was going to be a serious album.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- I grew up listening - to the Furries and Ffa Coffi Pawb...
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- ..so I'm very happy that Daf's sound - and the way he mixes and produces...
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- ..has come through on the record.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- It's a record - made in a studio in Butetown.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- All the energy that went into it...
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- ..from us, Daf and the backing - vocalists has come through.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- Mandala is about the type of sex - you have with someone...
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- ..when you're in a relationship.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- It's different...
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- ..to what you're like - with someone off the street.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Not off the street! - Can I say that again please?!
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- I was sitting in the studio - with Daf and Sarah.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- I was talking about a lyric - I used in a demo.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- "This is practically - a Jesus and Mary Chain rip-off."- - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jesus_and_Mary_Chain - - -
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- I wasn't happy - that it was so similar.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- The rest were like, - "Fuck it, go for it.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- "It's like stealing in a good way."
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- They said I needn't be scared - if it sounds good.
0:16:36 > 0:16:37- The chorus...
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- ..is about enjoying sex - in a relationship, I suppose!
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- I'm here tonight - because I've heard a lot about Ffug.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- Seen a lot of them.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- A lot of people have been - talking about them for a while.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- It feels like the album - has been coming for a while.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- I'm looking forward - to hearing the songs.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- I'm also looking forward - to see Chroma.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- I've heard good things about them.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- We're playing with Ffug tonight.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- I'm really looking forward to it.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- I'm really looking forward to it.- - Ffug are awesome.
0:18:34 > 0:18:40- Ffug were the Welsh-language band - who inspired us to write in Welsh.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- So it's a huge honour - to be playing with them tonight.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- I started listening to Ffug - and then passed it on to the boys.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- We were all like, "Wow!"
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- We heard the album probably...
0:18:55 > 0:18:56- Two weeks ago?
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- Two weeks ago?- - Two or three weeks ago.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- It's a really good album.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- I work with Iolo, so he was like, - "Listen to the album!" "OK!"
0:19:04 > 0:19:10- We want to be, not the same as Ffug, - but to have some of their spice.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- They're amazing.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17- I'm Sarah. I'm Ffug's manager.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- This has been a brilliant year for - Ffug as they finished their album.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23- The album launch is tonight.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- They went on tour with Super - Furry Animals, which was amazing.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- It was - a fantastic experience for them.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- I think - they've grown so much this year.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- They've learned so much.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- I'm super proud of them.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- I'd like to do bigger tours - and then maybe back to recording.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- I think we're looking to do a - Welsh-language album in the future.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49- I also have to say - a massive big thank you to Daf...
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- ..from me and the band.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- They don't say it to him enough - but he's worked so hard.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- Without him, I don't think the album - would've happened like this.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- The recording didn't take long.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- I was busy touring - with the Furries...
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- ..so I'd go back and work on it - when I had the time.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- That's why it took a while, really.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- We waited for a release date - which suited...
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- ..so here we are tonight.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- They're the first Strangetown band - outside the bubble...
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- ..in that they don't have - anything to do with me or Cian.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30- It'll be interesting.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35- It's nice to work with someone whose - music is nothing to do with me.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- I just help, - well, hopefully I've helped.
0:20:38 > 0:20:39- I really like them.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- A lot of people whose views I trust - said I should check them out.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- I went to see them once...
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- ..and asked them if they wanted - to do an album...
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- ..in my studio in Cardiff Bay.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- I just liked them and thought - they had something to offer.
0:20:58 > 0:20:59- They do.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- When I'm on the stage singing, - that's real.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- A lot of it depends on me psyching - myself up to believe I'm cool.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- I don't often know what I'm doing - when I'm doing it.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- That self-belief - that you're really cool...
0:22:21 > 0:22:22- ..whatever.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- Every gig is a massive effort - for us to perfect our craft...
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- ..and put on a live show.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- It's fun. It's a fun learning curve.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- Doing any gig, be it in a pub - or with a big PA and 1,000 people...
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- ..is the same for us at the minute.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:18 > 0:23:18- .