Community

Local artist of the week – Will Mills x Hijac

Published

8 years ago

April 12, 2016

AFTER growing up in Tenby, 21-year-old rapper Will Mills moved to the big city of London to study advertising, where he met his DJ, Hijac. The Herald spoke with the two musicians while they were visiting Pembrokeshire this week.

They’ve just been booked to play Secret Solstice in Iceland this Summer, where they will be joining names such as Action Bronson, Die Antwood, Radiohead and Lady Leshur.

Will has always loved telling stories, creating and performing and music has always been the easiest outlet for that.

However, he feels that rapping as a profession is so far away from who he is: “Sequential, seaside, town bound, country – I guess I like to break those kind of boundaries. I like to shock.”

Initially, when Will started creating music, he did not rap. He told us: “I made noises with my mouth that Niall, my twin brother, could spit to.

“The first ever line I heard of his was ‘Born, born 1995, it was a hard time kiddin’, beach side house by Tenby we were livin’. We didn’t produce anything for another few years. It was all videos at the start; mobile phone, three megapixel type stuff.”

Jac (Hijac) realised that he wanted to pursue music when he started to hate the idea of committing himself to a job he didn’t like.

“The dream was to pursue a career in a hobby,” he told us, “I became so obsessed with it – it became ridiculous. I’d be on the toilet, listening to new music on Soundcloud just to get my fix.”

Not long after, Jac created his first song ‘Feather-riots’.

“I’d paid a guy off Gumtree £20 an hour to teach me over Skype. I’d like to thank him for this, but I can’t remember his name. We never stayed in touch.”

When Will first started rapping he found that he sounds was very London based, after he’d been to see Wiley in Cardiff.

“Bringing a genre like that to Pembrokeshire is really difficult,” Will said, before stating that he hadn’t achieved the sound he’d been looking for until now.

“Only now can I listen to a track of ours and think, ‘I’d listen to this myself’. Since moving to London I’ve really had the chance to escape those beach-esque, laidback tones and create something I’m proud of – something that pops.”

Jac’s tastes are constantly changing, and his music follows that pattern as a result. Originally, the DJ only made Moombahton, a kind of slowed down version of Reggaeton, but he has since experimented with House, Trap, and testing BPMs.

“I enjoy merging different aspects of genres together,” he commented.

We asked the boys how they would describe their music, to which they replied: “You can definitely dance to it; it’s high energy stuff. I don’t think South Wales has been witness to it before. It’s very different and it’s been harder than it should have been to find a club that accepts it.”

During their live show, Will and Jac always try to project a mix of emotions.

“The goal is to make the audience laugh, dance and cry all in one night. There’s a beginning, middle and end to every show.”

“How does playing in west Wales differ from playing in London?” we asked.

“People tend stare a lot more in Wales, maybe they’re more awake. You can be in London and the audience will lose themselves. Sometimes playing in Wales can feel like you’re holding an assembly, but I like it. It’s attentive. I know they’re listening.”

Will then went on to discuss west Wales’ music scene, stating: “It’s definitely unique right now, but I wish it was easier to infiltrate.”

“It’s so much harder than it should be to get a voice. Maybe if some of the more popular clubs took locals in to play I’d like it. Don’t get me wrong, If you have a guitar, and you can attract a crowd by doing a few covers then you’ll be fine.

“The venues are all so afraid. That’s why I like West Coast Arts in Penally. They’re a celebration of music. Their success as a club takes a back seat. We need this.”

Both of the musicians would like to advise those thinking of creating their own music not to refine themselves.

“I’m as capable as the next guy. I just have to mould myself that way. Try everything. Just have a go,” they said.

We went on to ask: “What has been the most memorable response to your music?”

Will replied: “Probably Annie’s, my girlfriend. We played a local pub over Christmas. She knew every single word. Those gaps where I’d forget, she’d fill. That was amazing.”

“The face of disgust when I showed my friend the first song I created,” Jac said, “I didn’t tell him it was mine. That’s true judgement.”

Will told us that we should definitely be listening to local musician Rye Milligan.

“He’s been there since the start. He uses a loop to fuse so much together. His guts and his presence on stage is undeniable. I caught up with him in London a few months back. We’re the same age, so I guess we’ve had the same experience. We’ve seen improvements in each other and always been honest.”

Community

Cardigan Radio launches daily live broadcasts

Published

27 mins ago

April 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Cardigan Radio/Radio Aberteifi says it is excited to announce a new line up of daily live broadcasts starting every evening from 7 PM at www.cardiganinternetradio.wales. Live shows will be hosted
by founder and presenter Bobby Kelly and other dedicated volunteer members.

The Cardigan Radio stream is constantly alive with great music that spans various genres, providing something for everyone. Listeners are encouraged to tune in and experience the quality and diversity of
Cardigan Radio’s programming for themselves.

You can listen 24/7 not only through their website www.cardiganinternetradio.wales but also on platforms such as Online

Radio Box and Radio Garden.

Online Radio Box: https://onlineradiobox.com/uk/cardiganinternet/
Radio Garden: https://radio.garden/visit/cardigan/DyV8OcNC

Interested in getting more involved? Cardigan Radio is always looking
for passionate volunteers to join our team. Whether you’re keen on
presenting, handling tech, or engaging with the community, we’d love to
hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or call
01239 543025.

Connect with us on Facebook for updates and more information:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofcardiganradio
https://www.facebook.com/RadioCardigan

Tune in to Cardigan Radio and discover your new favourite sound!

If you’re interested in being a guest on our station, whether remotely
or in one of our member’s studios, we’d love to hear from you!

Community

Pembrokeshire’s ‘Pure West Radio’ celebrates sixth birthday

Published

2 days ago

April 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THERE ain’t no birthday like a Pure West birthday!

Pure West Radio – Pembrokeshire’s multi-award-winning radio station is celebrating its sixth birthday this month – and is ready to move up a gear when it starts broadcasting on DAB later this summer.

Pure West, which now has a staff of 12, and a team of over 90 volunteers bringing news, sport, entertainment and information to the airwaves of Pembrokeshire, celebrated its sixth anniversary on April 4 – and decided to share its celebrations with its loyal listeners – giving no fewer than 1,100 of them free tickets to some top local events.

For the Pure West Team the birthday was marked with a staff party at Seven Spice in Haverfordwest – but for listeners the treats were more varied.

Pure West Radio joined forces with Ocky White Travel – itself celebrating a 60th anniversary – to give away a cruise holiday to one lucky winner. On April 3 nurse Ffion Thomas, from Johnston, was announced as the winner of the seven-day P&O cruise to the Norwegian Fjords. She is taking her mum along with her as a 60th birthday treat when the Iona sets sail from Southampton on May 18.

And the giveaways didn’t stop there… Mark Edwards kindly shared 100 free tickets for a celebratory Silent Disco at Eddie Rocks, in Haverfordwest, that were snapped up within an hour – so a hundred more were released; Pure West Radio also teamed up with Hangar 5, also in Haverfordwest, and offered two one-hour free bounces for listeners, but again demand far outweighed expectations, so another hour’s bounce was provided.

In addition, Pure West Radio joined forces with The Palace Cinema, in Haverfordwest, for a free showing of Shrek – the Movie – but, yet again, a second showing had to be booked to accommodate all those who wanted tickets.

And sports fans haven’t been left out of the party – Haverfordwest County AFC, media partners of Pure West, have supplied 100 free tickets for the Bluebrids final home game of the season against Colwyn Bay to the broadcaster’s listeners.

“Our birthday celebrations were immense,” said Toby Ellis, Station Manager, “We gave away 1,100 free tickets to local events to make sure our dedicated listeners and followers were able to join in the party… putting a smile on the faces of more than a thousand Pembrokeshire people.

“And while the birthday celebrations are winding down – Pure West Radio – the only radio station based in Pembrokeshire – is gearing up for the next phase in our story.

“The licence for DAB broadcasting is in place – and we hope to go live within the next few months.

“We’ve expanded our staff and are currently looking for a full-time show producer – so anyone interested should email [email protected] to find out more, and we have some new sponsors – Ocky White Travel is now the official sponsor of Pure West’s daytime show and Folly Farm sponsors the breakfast show.

“And we’ve teamed up with yet more Pembrokeshire businesses who are taking advantage of our huge reach to spread their message across the county.

“There really is something for everyone on Pure West Radio – tune in via app, smart speaker and check out our website for the latest going on in Pembrokeshire, he added.”

Community

The Harbourmaster: Special rail excursion draws crowds to Milford Haven

Published

2 days ago

April 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN witnessed an extraordinary event yesterday as a special charter train, operated by UK Railtours, made a unique visit to the town, drawing in 500 railway enthusiasts. Departing from London Paddington, the 13-carriage train, which included both first class and standard accommodations, travelled off the usual passenger routes to provide a scenic journey along the south Wales coast.

Starting the day with pick-ups from various locations including Slough, Reading, Swindon, and Bristol Parkway, the train ventured through the Severn Tunnel into Wales, showcasing a series of rarely used freight tracks. Notably, the locomotive switched at Newport to a pair of GBRf Class 66 freight engines, enhancing the experience for those on board by traversing tracks seldom seen by passenger services.

The journey took passengers through Cardiff, Bridgend, and Port Talbot Parkway, deviating at Court Sart Junction to follow the diversionary Swansea District line. The train paused at various locations including Llanelli and Haverfordwest, where passengers enjoyed a 90-minute break while the train was serviced.

A major highlight of the trip was the exploration of the seldom-visited Robeston branch, a treat for the rail enthusiasts who filled the train to capacity, necessitating a waiting list for hopeful travellers. The venture concluded at Milford Haven, where passengers disembarked for a photo session before the train commenced its return journey to London, including a final scenic pass via the Swansea Avoiding line and the Bishton flyover.

Local Councillor Nicola Harteveld of Milford Haven Town Council expressed delight at the influx of visitors, noting, “What an incredible sight at Milford Waterfront today with passengers enjoying our local scenery. It’s a testament to the unique charm and appeal of special rail tours.”

First class passengers were treated to The Great British Breakfast and a four-course dinner, while a buffet car served those in standard class, ensuring all passengers enjoyed their journey with comfort and style.

This tour, fully booked in all classes, underscores the continuing enthusiasm for unique rail experiences in the UK, combining a love for heritage rail with the exploration of less-travelled tracks. As the train made its way back to London Paddington, the participants reflected on a day filled with adventure and picturesque landscapes, leaving them with memories of a rare rail journey along the historic and scenic routes of Wales.