“It’s so exciting to see this year’s Welsh Music Prize Shortlist.

It’s a brilliant collection of albums which demonstrate just how strong the Welsh Music scene is. Now I just hope the judges can find a way to pick a winner from such a strong shortlist.

Over the past year I’ve met with the organisers of other National Music Prizes – such as Canada, Scotland, Ireland and Australia – who have all kindly helped us build and shape the delivery of the Welsh Music Prize.

It was from encouragement by the Choice Meteor Music Prize in Ireland that we decided to add something new this year, with a concert on the eve of the Welsh Music Prize ceremony with as many of the shortlisted acts playing as possible.

That will be an almighty gig. It will be a great place to support your favourites and hear some of the bands who are new to you. I’m really looking forward to it.”

“The success of the Welsh Music Prize in 2011 meant we had strong foundations for this years prize. The shortlist is full of varied Welsh albums with rock, folk and experimental music all featuring, and we see the Prize as a celebration of the great talent committing to create memorable albums in Wales. The artists benefited from the Welsh Music Prize in 2011, and this year we hope to build on its success.”