9Bach

Formed in 2005 in Bethesda, in north Wales, 9Bach coalesced around singer-pianist Lisa Jên and guitarist Martin Hoyland. The band initially worked from the traditional Welsh repertoire, sung in Welsh, before gradually expanding into a darker, more atmospheric form of alternative folk that blends psychedelic folk, contemporary arrangements and influences from other traditions. 9Bach released a self-titled debut in 2009, followed by Tincian in 2014 on Real World Records and Anian in 2016. Tincian won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Album of the Year in 2015, a significant milestone for the group. Over time 9Bach evolved into an expanded ensemble including Lisa Jên, Martin Hoyland, Esyllt Glyn Jones, Mirain Roberts, Dan Swain and Andy Gangadeen. The title track of Anian was written by Rhys Ifans, which also situates 9Bach in dialogue with other Welsh artists. Between vocal harmonies, a smouldering tension and careful attention to atmosphere, 9Bach operates at the intersection of the British folk and world scenes.