Heddlu is the new musical project by Rhodri Daniel. The Ceredigion native was a founding member of renowned Welsh band Estrons who had a major impact on the industry having gained rave reviews from the likes of NME, Vice, DIY and Clash to BBC Radio, Radio X, Ultimate Guitar, The Guardian and Independent.
Q: Hey, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
A: I’m Welsh, from Wales (the land of song) so it’s not so much what first got me into music, more – what got music into me, which for us, is blood basically. Corny as it sounds, it’s annoyingly true.
Q: What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
A: All sorts, to subsidise my music addiction, I have worked presenting science shows to kids, wore costumes on Welsh language kids TV shows, pulled pints and delivered food all over the country, delivered baby lambs on farms, done every horrific admin office job you can imagine. Then again, being in a band involves a depressingly large amount of admin….
Q: Congrats on the release of ‘Cantref’, the album sounds great. How was the recording process – any studio meltdowns or unexpected dramas?
A: Diolch! Thank-you! This was the first record I have written entirely myself, sang myself, with my own voice, and mixed myself, so that whole process was a near continuous meltdown. I am excited to write another album, because now I know it’s possible, but I’m dreading the inevitable doom and gloom that is trying to finish a stupid bloody album.
Q: What do you dislike about the art world?
A: How most people who consume and enjoy art, have no idea just how much incredible wealth, and incredible luck, can influence things. I forget that myself sometimes though…. But hey I’m not bitter or anything..
Q: Describe a real-life situation that inspired you
A: Three years ago after I finished touring with my rock band ‘Estrons’, I was diagnosed with permanent hearing damage. I spiralled out of control and I eventually embarked on a 900 mile hike around my countries’ entire coastline. The places I visited and the things I saw, inspired this entire album. That’s a good example no?
Q: What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
A: If I can somehow keep music in my life, improve my hearing damage, and release a few more records that I’m proud of and aren’t embarrassed by… I’ll be amazed and happy.
Q: What’s your scariest experience?
A: When I was 21, whilst rock climbing, I fell 100ft off a cliff and severely broke my back, and almost died from blood loss. The doctors were amazed I recovered and could walk again.
That was scary, but nowhere near as scary as hearing damage, severe tinnitus and sensitivity to noise. We all need to be extremely careful with our hearing, we are evolved from tiny shrews and are not designed to be able to withshtand the pummeling noises we expose ourselves to…. Be careful.
Q: How would you describe the music that you typically create?
A: Typically, alternative rock. The new album…. Electronic rock…? This new album is weird…. but it’s been a weird time eh?
Q: Have you ever taught or mentored another artist?
A: Kids used to come up to me and ask about my guitar tone… But most of the advice I give is about the music industry, being in a band, expectations, and of course these days – hearing health.
Q: What the first album you remember owning?
A: Too embarrassing sorry.
Q: And finally, what are your plans for the future?
A: Try to improve my hearing to the point where I can perform live, write some new records, and maybe try to take all this music stuff a little bit less seriously…
