Sain, a revered independent label in Britain, has embarked on an ambitious journey to explore its rich past, vibrant present, and promising future. Established in 1969, this unique label is nestled near the coast of Wales, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. With over 50 years of history, Sain is now digitizing its vast archive of Welsh-language music and launching innovative projects to showcase emerging talent. The label’s new anthology series, Stafell Sbâr Sain, invites up-and-coming artists to record in its vintage studio, while Tyrchu Sain, a remix album by producer Aly Jamal, reimagines classic tracks from the label’s extensive catalog.
The Quirky Heartbeat of Welsh Music
Located in Gwynedd, just outside the village of Llandwrog, Sain’s headquarters is a place where creativity thrives. The building, once an RAF site, now houses a modernist studio that blends stone and wood, creating a unique atmosphere for musicians. Kev Tame, a former member of electronic and rock bands, guides visitors through the facility, highlighting the label’s commitment to preserving Welsh music history. The walls are adorned with artwork inspired by Sain’s early DIY aesthetic, showcasing the label’s playful and hands-on approach to music production.
The studio’s evolution reflects the label’s growth. From its humble beginnings in a Cardiff front room to its current state-of-the-art facility, Sain has always prioritized quality and innovation. Today, the studio hosts a diverse range of artists, including Martha, a bilingual country artist, who is recording her debut single under the guidance of Aled Wyn Hughes, one of the studio’s managers. The space also supports research into Welsh music, with Gwenan Gibbard working on the digitization project funded by Arfor, a partnership aimed at promoting the Welsh language.
A Political Birth and Cultural Renaissance
Sain’s origins are deeply rooted in the political climate of the late 1960s. Co-founded by Dafydd Iwan and Huw Jones, the label emerged during a time of civil rights movements and anti-war protests. Frustrated by the lack of professional recording facilities in Wales, Iwan and Jones sought to create a platform for Welsh-language music. Their mission was not only to produce music but to promote the Welsh language as a modern and versatile medium of expression. This vision was driven by the desire to make Welsh a fully functional language in all aspects of life, from theater to film and, of course, music.
Iwan’s involvement with Sain has spanned decades, and his influence remains significant. At 81, he continues to contribute to the label’s legacy, collaborating on projects like Aly Jamal’s Tyrchu Sain remix album. The album, which features a mix of contemporary and archival tracks, pays homage to Sain’s history while pushing the boundaries of Welsh music. For Jamal, the project was a personal journey, reconnecting him with his Welsh identity and exploring the cultural significance of the language. Tracks like Diolch a Nos Da (Thank You and Good Night) emphasize unity and creativity, reflecting the collaborative spirit that has defined Sain since its inception.