Wales’ first distribution and label services company for Welsh language music has enabled its labels and artists to achieve well over 5 million streams across major digital platforms such as Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music, Deezer and others in the first twelve months of existence.
In September 2018, Welsh Government funding was awarded to PYST Cyfyngedig to create two new roles, the first bespoke digital distribution and advice service for music in Wales; it is a partnership project between the Creative Industries sector team and the Welsh Language Division. PYST has now accumulated over 5.2 million digital streams of their music catalogue via these platforms and others and is now the distributor of choice for over 30 Welsh record labels.
Llanrug based Blues Rock duo, Alffa, were not only the first Welsh language track to hit one million streams in early December 2018, but they swiftly broke their own record by hitting two million streams before the end of January 2019. The track in question, Gwenwyn, is currently running at over 2.5 million streams.
The PYST website is now live – www.pyst.cymru – The website includes news, a breakdown of the company services and a new playlist – PYST YN DY GLUST – which updates weekly and features all that week’s new releases. Over the coming weeks, PYST is planning to increase their digital media output, including regular original podcasts. Other new digital and media developments are currently in development.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport Lord Elis-Thomas said:
“Whether you’re into indie, rock, punk, funk, folk, electronica, hip hop or anything else, there’s incredible music being made in the Welsh language for you to discover. And better still, it’s never been more accessible thanks to the ground-breaking partnership between the Welsh Government and PYST.
“PYST are also working closely with festivals and have announced their curation of the Greenman “Settler’s Pass” stage this year, organising 3 nights of gigs in the run up to the event. They are also working in partnership with such organisations as the Mentrau Iaith, Yr Urdd, the Awen Trust, local venues and tens of local promoters to coordinate activity all over Wales and hope to announce several more exciting partnerships over the next few months. Stay tuned!”
PYST Chief Executive Alun Llwyd said:
“Welsh Government funding has allowed us to create two new jobs which has greatly increased our capability to start work on what needs to happen to help develop a long term, sustainable and community-based music scene in Wales. What we have achieved so far in partnership with labels, artists, promoters and others is a great start but over the next twelve months we need to step this up and show that partnerships, pooled resources and strategy – as well as public funding – can create a new landscape for artists and labels in Wales”
