Focus Wales has become a place where both Welsh artists and those from around the globe can perform and have the spotlight placed on the art they produce.
The festival takes place every year in Wrexham, now made famous not only by Focus Wales but a football team owned by two Hollywood stars.
The festival is back and bigger than ever in its 14th year, with 20,000 people about to descend on Wrexham for music, conferences and much more!
If you’re heading to Focus Wales this year or are still on the fence about whether to go, this guide will give you a heads-up on who to check out.
1. Antony Szmierek
When he isn’t teaching or writing novels, Antony Szmierek performs his unique blend of poetry and dance music is delighting his ever-growing fanbase.
Having appeared on Jools Holland and performed at the legendary Maida Vale studios, Antony is no stranger to engrossing live performances.
He blends poetry, and the dancefloor feels perfect, with lyrics that feel equal parts John Cooper Clarke and Mike Skinner. The specifics of his lyrics paint a picture that you can see in front of you.
He’s set to perform in The Rockin’ Chair, an intimate venue that perfectly fits his creative vibe.
This is a must-see for anyone at Focus Wales.
2. The Mysterines
Fresh from a new album release and supporting Arctic Monkeys on their UK tour, The Mysterines are bound to bring the house down on Friday night.
Combining fierce riffs and brutally honest lyricism, the band led by Lia Metcalfe creates rock that is on par with Queens of The Stone Age and the Arctic Monkeys at their height.
If you love rock and roll in its purest, unfiltered form, this is the band for you.
You just know they’re going to bring the house down.
3. The Royston Club
The Wrexham natives return home, and with a top twenty album under their belt, they will headline the first night of FOCUS Wales.
With influences ranging from The Smiths to Green Day, the band have an eclectic pallet that they draw from.
The indie band will be playing the town’s largest-ever headline gig, with 1400 people expected to attend on Thursday.
If you love fun, indie music with plenty of personality, this one is for you.
4. Islet
You may already know of Islet.
The band originated in Cardiff in 2009, and the one rule was that anything is possible. This has led to the genre-defying sounds they produce to this day.
Across four studio albums and EPs, the band has explored everything from psych-pop, experimental rock and even no-wave.
They have fans ranging from John Robb to Stewart Lee and are known for their explosive live performances.
After going through personnel changes and changes in sound, the band is back at its best and is ready to take Focus Wales by storm.
5. Home Counties
Do you like synthesiser music? Do you enjoy post-punk? Well, do I have the band for you.
Home Counties is a band that has been absent since their 2022 effort ‘In a Middle English Town’ and they’ve returned in 2023 with the single ‘Bethnal Green’ with a pop influence in tow.
Synths have always been a part of the bands sound. Their new material touches on influences such as Kraftwerk, amongst others. They also explore themes of the ordinary and the mundane parts of life, which they
do with humour and insight aplenty.
Look out for Home Counties at Focus Wales.
Other Recommendations
Hazmat, Kidsmoke, CVC, Deerhoof, Rum Jungle,
Don’t miss out – grab your tickets now and catch some unforgettable performances!
