Amy Wadge – Cardiff-based singer/songwriter, orig. from Bristol area. EP Saddest Eyes and mini-LP The Famous Hour rel. by FFvinyl. Single Just in Time and full-length LP Woj rel. Spring04 to critical acclaim. Records and tours with band feat. Dave Bronze (b), Aled Richards (d, ex-Catatonia) and Robbie MacIntosh (g). By 2014 Amy was a backing singer for Ed Sheeran (website)
Ward Robe And The Tallboys – (1973 – 1990) Penarth 50s style pub rock band
Warpath – Metal band from Swansea, released a CD called ‘Damnation’ (spotify)
Wasted – Powys based band, feat; Gavin Meddins, Phil Davies (all later of Crash .45) (see also FBH, Dream in Colour, Hot Buttered Soul, Wedding Singers, Junkhead, Nameless).
Watershed – Cardiff band, feat; Ben (voc). Rel single Mayfair. Played In The City, Manchester 2002. More info req’d
Anthony Watkins – electronic music artist and DJ primarily associated with the deep house and techno genres, who is based in the Swansea area. He grew up in a semi-rural Swansea valleys town, where he was exposed to the fading rave scene and electronic music in the ’90s. Began DJing with vinyl at the age of 13. He has held multiple residencies in the Welsh club scene, including at Swansea’s club Escape, as well as Dogruff, System 909, Rehab, and J.N.K. Has released music under his own name and under the aliases Cymbol (a live duo) and Dimer Ynni (an electronica solo project). Selected discography includes: ‘Satellite EP’ (Punch Up Records, 2021), ‘Internal Universe’ (Capiroto Records, 2020), and ‘Connections’ (Progrezzo Records, 2014). (bandcamp)
Waxface – Newport punk fanzine. (website)
Weapons – new shortened name for Weapons of Mass Belief as of 2006
Weapons of Mass Belief – Penarth nu-punk band, like Senser, relocated to London, feat; JG (Justin) and Georgia G (who are Jem‘s younger siblings), Mo-laudi (from S.Africa), Blair Macann (from NZ), Pete Cherry (from London), Tasha Bayliss (from Scotland). Rel 3 singles on (NYC) American Blood Recs; Terrorist Youth, Black Line Ninja, Death of A Nation. Had a live set broadcast on Adam Walton’s BBC Radio Wales Show (20.02.05). Their 4th gig was at Glastonbury Festival then to SXSW in Texas.
We Are Trees – Caerphilly band, (c2006), feat; Richard Jones (voc), Gareth Barnes (drms), Baz (keys,voc), James Wise (bass), Steve George (gtr). Rel single See You Later on own label (Apr06). (website)
Tony Webb – Swansea-based singer/songwriter, leader of Sparrow Lane. Also plays solo and as a duo with Andy Morse. 2 demo CDs rec early 2004 – Castle Flynn Demos EP and Totally Tony. Own material somewhat in style of acoustic Neil Young, but with distinctive touches.
Wedding Singers – Powys based band, feat; Mark Woosnam, Gavin Meddins, Phil Davies (all later of Crash .45) (see also FBH, Wasted, Hot Buttered Soul, MMAS, UHT, This Bizarre Myth, Junkhead, Nameless, Dream in Colour).
Weekend – Cardiff band formed by Alison Statton after the demise of Young Marble Giants in 1980, with Simon Booth & Spike Reptile . Rec 3 singles, LP (La Variete), & live 12″ – all of which spotlighted light, jazzy textures. Vinyl Japan has reissued La Variete with 4 demo tracks from 1981. Phil Moxham (YMG) also appeared on some recordings. Split in 1984. Booth later joined the similarly-minded band Working Week & Alison returned to Cardiff & became a chiropractor and tai-chi instructor before returning to music under the guise of See also Alison Statton & Spike, Bomb And Dagger, Table Table
The Weird – Cardiff punk band (mid80s?) feat; Jason “Pipeman” Stickler (Effigies, Some Weird Sin, Sewer Youth). More info req’d
Weird Fish Is – band (c2006?) feat; Neil Fisher (voc), Bob Watkins (bass) Steve Evans (gtr) and Dave Watkins (drms)
Welsh Music Foundation – (WMF) was a key organization in Wales that worked to support and develop the country’s popular and commercial music industry. Co-founded around the mid-1990s music “explosion” in Wales, with a key figure being Hue Williams (frontman of The Pooh Sticks). It was incorporated as a private limited company in 2003. The WMF is credited with improving the economic reach of the creative industries and changing the perception that Welsh music was “rubbish,” fostering a much healthier and more visible music scene. The WMF is credited with improving the economic reach of the creative industries and changing the perception that Welsh music was “rubbish,” fostering a much healthier and more visible music scene. It was dissolved in October 2016.
Wenallt Star – music project led by Cardiff-born, Lincolnshire-based writer and musician David Lambert. Blends literature and music, with Lambert’s sound being described as experimental, eclectic, sophisticated, and charming. The musical project stems from Lambert’s novel, and the central process involves research and the use of a cut-up technique, where he links thematic elements from 14 novels to his own. The resulting texts were then set to music in collaboration with other musicians, such as Bridgend based Stephen Hudson. Debut album is titled ‘… all her geese are swans,’ and was released in 2025. (YTMusic)
Westgate Street – Cardiff band formed 1996, feat; Christopher Ryman (voc,gtr,piano), Julia Kelly (voc,bass,gtr), Ben Harris (drms), James Stafford (gtr), Paul Formosa (gtr). Began as a 3-pc up until Sep 01. Feat on the Dockrad Recs ‘Dim Apathi’ CD. (website)
Whack Turkey – band feat; Lee Howells (voc) (later Bovine), Wesly Packer (drms), Dai Morris (gtr) (later Bovine, Ceramic Ant) and Gatch (bass). More info req’d.
When Reason Sleeps – energetic dual fronted six-piece post-hardcore band from Merthyr Tydfil/Abertillery, feat; Sean Smith (voc) , Alex Wiltshire (voc), Tom Coburn (bass), Ryan Westwood (drms), Antony Partridge (gtr), Gareth Hopes (gtr). Feat on Pop Factory comp LP, gigged with Lost Prophets. Rel EP “This Bullet Makes Us Equal”
White Apple – band, More info req’d.
(A Fanzine Called) White Lemonade – zine from 1990-92, published by Darren Jones. Ran for 3 issues, covering underground Welsh based music. (Great archive here)
White Noise Sound – Swansea band (c2006), feat; Gavin Wilkins (voc), Paul Griffiths (gtr), Adam Tovey (gtr), Ric Lolla (gtr), Chris O’Keefe (bass), Dan Henley (keys), Phil Stanton (drms). Released debut LP ‘White Noise Sound’ (Sep10) followed by ‘Like A Pyramid Of Fire’ (Apr15) (website)
White Rabbit – Cowbridge band (formed late03). Changed name to Automatic Feb05.
Who Are The Monsters – psyche band from Cardiff (c2021) , feat; Alun Davies (drms) (ex Target:Ohio, Hunters, TJWB), Stuart Michael (ex Nameless, Vito, Secret Show, Shhh… Apes!, Quodega, Little Deaths) and Gavin (ex The Cull, George Annihilation, Smiler, Four Letter Word). Alun says, ‘We’re just three mates with a common love of making a shit tonne of noise. And as long as the love continues, we’ll keep doing so.’ Rel album ‘Go Satan!’ (14.05.21) (bandcamp)
Whoregasm – rock covers band formed in 1997 feat. David RP (voc) (Racheal Stamp, Sack Trick), Crispin Gray (gtr) (Queen Adreena, ex Daisy Chainsaw), Hellen Storer (bass) (thee Heavenly Music Association, ex Fluffy, Jack of Jill, Fireball Ministry), Trevor Sharpe (drms) (Miranda Sex Garden). Played only one gig which was awarded 5 K’s Kerrang.
Wicket – Cardiff based post-rock/instrumental band (c2013), feat; Raurie Allen (gtr,smpls), Danny Jaques (bass,images) and Michael Nash (drms), who says, ‘Our live performances include music accompanied by triggered visuals (a taster can be seen here) which allows our shows unique and explosive. We also use a similar home-made pedalboard to trigger soundbeds (essentially, our fourth band member) (fb)
Wild Pussy – band of late 80s, rec Mechanarchy EP (1988) which rec’d good reviews in Kerrang and other mags. Rec LP never rel. Changed name to Religion in early 90s. Lyndon Price (gtr) opened his own studio. Orig drummer is still in south Wales but no one has seen him for years. Tony (voc) works in advertisment other guitarist Rob Webber is now a driving instructor. (website)
Wildsmith Street – 3 piece rock band (formed summer 83) feat; David Maclean (bass,voc), Alun Goodman (drms.keys) and Julian Lovell (gtr). Rec demo in Gwyn Jones’ (Cantinas) Studio in Tonypandy.Won the South Wales Battle of the Bands at Tonypandy Naval Club and rec single ‘Oh No Not Again’ (B side, Please Don’t Phone) Much gigging in and around Newport and Cardiff., T.J.s or El Seicos as it was known then, Chapter Arts Centre and a mini tour Diesel Pig, ‘ The Wild Pig Tour ‘. More demos ‘ What’s Going On ?’ and more gigs. Split in summer of 86. David Maclean went on to become orig vocalist in Munroe. Jules went on the form the Charlie Balsdon Band. Alun disappeared without a trace. (Al. If you get to read this get in touch you tosser, Jules)
Graham Hedley Williams – Guitarist, started with Strawberry Dust in the late 60’s early 70’s. Picked up bass player of Jethro Tull to play guitar in Wild Turkey; Formed Racing Cars and recorded ‘They Shoot Horses Don’t They’ which became a hit, rec 4 albums, the most successful being ‘Downtown Tonight’. Also played with the Cadillacs; The Vipers; The Boogiemen; The Demads, Faded Glory.
Williams Syndrome – Pontypridd based project (c2005). Rel ‘The See EP’ on own Southerndown label (Aug05) and collaborated with North Wales based Downbeat Sinatra on the track Atlanta. Changed name to Syndrome (Jan07) (website)
Terry Williams – Swansea session drummer, played with Dire Straits, Everly Bros & Meat Loaf
Winger Records – label based in Carmarthen, founded by PoGriff, who is the leader and one of the MCs of the Culture Vultures collective. It’s the home for Culture Vultures and other related artists, showcasing their distinct style of local Welsh hip hop. Releases include the Culture Vultures album ‘Squawktown’ and solo EPs and albums from PoGriff, such as the ‘Brown Dragon EP’.
Wishing Hour – 5-pc (essentially) metal band from Cardiff. Formed 1999 feat; CiCi (voc), Samantha Thompson (bass), Aaron Fegan (drms), Bethan Reese (gtr), James Brown(gtr). Prev members (Sarah Clarke 2001 and Mike Cloke 2002 ex Midasuno) left to pursue other ventures. Orig drummer was Max Kenna (ex 20 Something Neanderthals). Rec 3 demos so far, two of which represent the changes in sound the band went through in the first year and a half. The third is a final representation of the sound they’re after. Band split Aug04. (live clip)
The Witches Drum – heavy-psyche stoner band from Cardiff (c2012), feat; Matt Fry (voc), Joel McCauley (gtr), Stevo Jones (drms), Owen Griffleson (bass) and Mike (gtr), who was replaced by Matt ‘Doc’ Warren. Released EP ‘Future Kings of An Empty Throne’ (07.07.12), with ‘Adjust Your Receiver’ LP (12.05.17) being their final farewell before emerging as Lacertilia (website)
The Woodsman – punk band from the valleys, feat; Luke Davies (gtr), Ross Morton (drms), Jody Davies (voc). Rel ‘The Cliff Amendment EP’ (Apr19) followed by ‘Castle Of Unrest EP’ (Feb20) (bandcamp)
Words of Warning – Newport based indie label began in mid-80s & started putting out singles (often split 7″) and the later LPs by the likes of Oi Polloi , Terminus , Hex , Shrapnel, Toxic Epphex, Four Sons and Cowboy Killers & seen as giving Anhrefn their 1st widespread vinyl exposure to the English with the release of a compilation EP.
Sophie Wozencraft – drummer from Trefeglwys who plays in Manchester band The Deep Blue (c2025)
Wrach – Metal band from Llandaff, released a CD called ‘Quae Infra Volo Videre’ (spotify)
Wrong Artery – fanzine from Cardiff (c1993), ran for at least one issue, which feat Jesus Lizard & Didjits. More info req’d.
Why Horses? – Cardiff post-punk grit, post-disco rhythm, and dance-punk urgency band. Their music is often described as “loud, weird, and wired with poetic energy,” pulsing with tension and release. One description even mentions “Cramps-like psychobilly mixed in with the skeletal post-disco of mutant pioneers like Delta 5.” Formed by long-time collaborators; Gabriel Lester (gtr,voc), Les Davies (bass), Hadi Checri (drms). Since expanded to a five-piece with the addition of William Dadswell (violin) and Dilibe Aneke (gtr). Their debut single, Far Away So Close, was released in 2025. EP, ‘Yeah, Hi?’, released 08.10.25 is via the grassroots label BWGIBWGAN (Welsh for ‘Ghost Disco’). (bandcamp)
Wylderness – Cardiff based shoegaze band, feat; Ian (gtr,voc), Jim (bass), Ben (drms), Dan (gtr,voc) and Harri (clarinet/keys). Released eponymous debut album 2018. Their second album, Big Plans For A Blue World (2022) was no.28 in Far Out magazine’s Best Albums of 2022 and charted in the North American College & Community Radio Chart. New ‘Safe Mode’ EP recorded with producers Andrew Sanders and long time collaborator Rory Attwell was released 02.06.25 (bandcamp)