60 New Acts + First Keynote Speaker Announced for FOCUS Wales 2018

Festival Crowd Header

60+ new acts announced today for FOCUS Wales 2018, including: hotly tipped alt-rockers Alpha Male Tea Party | HMS Morris return

...following the release of their new album Morbid Mind / Arth | Dutch band Canshaker Pi were the talk of the town amongst tastemakers at Eurosonic 2018 | the deservedly hyped indie pop trio Peaness | Cardiff’s Dan Bettridge who’s been building significant industry buzz on both sides of the Atlantic | Martin Carr of Britpoppers The Boo Radleys returns with his critically acclaimed solo work. Plus a host of incredible new artists from across the UK, joined by international acts from Estonia, Hungary, Korea, the Netherlands, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Sweden + more! 

The first keynote speaker for the FOCUS Wales 2018 conference has also been announced as Kliph Scurlock. Kliph became known for his dynamic and energetic drumming style during his long stint behind the kit for The Flaming Lips. In Wales he was perhaps just as well known for his ‘CYMRU’ tshirt, which he sported at most live shows. It is this distant yet passionate connection with the music of our tiny country, that eventually lured Kliph across the Atlantic to take up residence in Cardiff, and has since seen him perform alongside artists such as Gruff Rhys, Gulp, and Gwenno. Kliph will be discussing his life in music, and his love affair with Wales on Thursday 10th May at Wrexham’s brand new arts and markets centre Tŷ Pawb.    

Alongside this, more industry speakers have been announced for the FOCUS Wales interactive conference, including: Achal Dhillon (Killing Moon), Jad El Alam (Alternative Live Agency, France), Ffion Lewis (Sound Diplomacy), Lisa Whytock (Showcase Scotland Expo) and Hywel Wigley (Acapella) and lots more.   

 

Published on 27 January 2018 by UKFG

Recent News More news

  • Kings of Leon Announce 2026 UK Summer Shows

    Kings of Leon, the renowned alternative rock band, have revealed their UK summer tour dates for 2026. From Glasgow to Manchester to Leeds, fans can catch them live at various venues. Learn more about the announcement and their recent music releases.

  • Rock N Roll Circus Unveils Lineup for Norwich and Sheffield 2026

    Rock N Roll Circus announces a stellar lineup for its 2026 events in Norwich and Sheffield, featuring iconic performances of classic albums by The Kooks, The Vaccines, The Fratellis, and The Streets. Find out more about the exciting music festival!

  • Terminal V Festival Announces Initial Lineup for 2026

    Terminal V Festival reveals the initial lineup for its 2026 edition, set to take place on the Easter weekend. With artists like Robert Hood, Sara Landry, Klangkuenstler, and others, the festival promises a diverse and energetic experience.

  • Shrewsbury Folk Festival Announces First Artists for 2026 Line-Up

    Shrewsbury Folk Festival has revealed the first names on its 2026 bill, including Andy Fairweather Low, Ferocious Dog, Cara Dillon, and more. The festival, known for its eclectic mix of folk and roots music, promises a memorable four-day celebration from August 28th to August 31st.

Upcoming Festivals Browse all

  • Winterstorm

    27 November - 29 November 2025

    Join us at Winterstorm 2025, the ultimate rock and metal festival in the scenic seaside town of Troon from November 27-29. Experience an electrifying lineup of bands, breathtaking coastal views, and a...

  • January Blues Festival

    2 January - 31 January 2026

    January Blues Festival is a month-long celebration of live blues music at the iconic Forge venue in Camden, London.

  • Rockaway Beach Festival

    2 January - 04 January 2026

    Immerse yourself in the exhilarating vibes of Rockaway Beach Festival, the ultimate music celebration set from January 2 to January 4, 2026. Featuring an eclectic lineup of bands and artists, this fes...