Meinir Gwilym

Born and raised in the small village of Llangristiolus in the heart of the Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn) off the North Wales coast, singer-songwriter Meinir Gwilym has established herself as one of the best selling Welsh language artists ever. Her first release Smôcs, Coffi a Fodca Rhad (Cigarrettes, Coffee and Cheap Vodka) in 2002 met with phenomenal response with her unique voice and punchy lyrics, Celtic/acoustic/folk-rock/pop (!) being hailed as one of the most original and inspired compilations to come out of Wales in years. The follow-up album Dim ond Clwydda (Nothing but Lies) sold thousands within the first few months of release in November 2003. Meinir Gwilym has appeared at all major festivals in Wales, including Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau, Maes B, The Royal Welsh Show and Bryn Terfel’s Faenol Festival, and performs either with her multicultural band in larger venues or on her own, acoustically at small events.

Having completed her degree in Welsh Literature and Philosophy in the summer of 2004, Meinir was able to focus purely on her music. With her no-gimmicks image, she gets inspiration from everyday life, locally and worldwide and composes all her own songs. In the past year she has also been making inroads to the European market with successful gigs in several European capitals.

On March the 3rd 2005, a special one hour ‘fly-on-the-wall’ documentary following Meinir for a year was broadcast on S4C, which included a behind the scenes visit to Yamaha by whom she is endorsed. Meinir describes her official endorsement by Yamaha as one of the pinnacles of her career so far.

Meinir’s third CD, an album called Sgandal Fain (skinny rumour) was released on 28th November 2005. She describes it as an album of two halves “the major and the minor”. During 2006 and 2007 Meinir concentrated on writing and composing between performances, appearances, presenting radio shows for BBC radio and Heart FM, presenting the music series ‘Noson Chis a Meinir’ on television and quite a few school tours too!

December 2008 was an exciting month for Welsh music. Meinir’s first material in three years, Tombola, was released. This 11 track album shows Meinir at her best so far and was made even more special by world famous baritone Bryn Terfel’s appearance on two tracks.

Between January 2009 and February 2012, Meinir presented on S4C (Channel 4 Wales)’s nightly magazine show, Wedi 7. She describes her time working on the show as “great fun and frolicking! As a roving reporter for the whole of North Wales, it’s an absolute pleasure to be able to tell so many of my people’s stories, to learn so much each day, be part of so many community events, and travel the country talking to folks! ‘Live’ TV is a challenge, but is also very rewarding”.

But, the music goes on. Meinir is currently working on a new album. Get the release date here FIRST!