Welsh Artists Eve Goodman and Taff Rapids Set to Make Waves at Folk Alliance International
In partnership with Wales Arts International, two artists from the Welsh Nation will be showcasing at Folk Alliance International. Bilingual Welsh singer and songwriter Eve Goodman from the North of Wales brings her honest lyricism and mesmerising musical hooks, and Cardiff “Blŵgras” band Taff Rapids features a roots-forward take on bluegrass for a transatlantic collaboration between Welsh, Scottish, English and Canadian musicians Siôn Russell Jones, David Grubb, Clem Saynor and Darren Eedens.
“It’s my first time at FAI and I am looking forward to jumping in with both feet and soaking in the buzz,'“ says Eve." Influenced by the artistry and the expression of intuitive solo voices like Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake and Adrienne Lenker, Eve combines honest lyricism with mesmerising musical hooks and patterns.
In Montréal, Eve looks forward to expanding her growing listenership. “Being given the opportunity to showcase internationally is a great honour to me”, she reflects. “The internet has connected me with fans from all over the world, and opportunities like these are wonderful for creating the connections and fostering the relationships that will help me to share my music more widely. I feel the magic of folk music coming alive when the line between the performer and the audience blurs, when everyone in the room is held inside the pocket of a song; a space that’s co-created, by deep listening and relating to one another”.
Eve has just released her first album, Summer Sun, Winter Trees. “This is a very personal collection of songs about losing my father. The songs are a meditation on loss, and explore the healing journey that grief took me on, with its many twists and turns”.
For Taff Rapids, showcasing at Folk Alliance International is an opportunity to share their roots through song. “Our Welsh heritage, culture, and environment are at the heart of everything we do”, the band share. “Wales has a rich tradition of storytelling, harmony, and folk music, which deeply influences our approach to bluegrass”.
This year, the band lead up to their debut album release titled Blŵgras, which drops on March 1st, 2025. “By incorporating Welsh-language songs and traditional Welsh melodies into our music, we create a unique fusion we’ve dubbed "Blŵgras," blending the soulful essence of bluegrass with the lyrical beauty of our homeland’s culture,” Taff Rapids say. “The stunning landscapes of Wales, from its rolling hills to its vibrant communities, also inspire our songwriting, adding depth and authenticity to our sound. Our music is both a celebration of our roots and an effort to share Welsh culture with the world”.
Both Eve Goodman and Taff Rapids are proudly supported by Wales Arts International, Welsh Government and Arts Council of Wales. “These artists represent the layers of historic links and contemporary collaborations between Cymru and Canada,” says Eluned Hâf, from Wales Arts International. “The recent spotlight on Turtle Island at Mawr y Rhai Bychain Indigenous Languages festival featured FAI showcasing artist Siibi who is based in Tiohtià:ke/ Montreal made a lasting impression on us. We thank Welsh Government for their continued support and British Underground for this opportunity”.
British Underground’s programme at Folk Alliance International is supported by Arts Council England and Wales Arts International, with additional support from the Welsh Government and Arts Council of Wales.
