Gruff Rhys Talks New Welsh-Language Album and the Evolution of Welsh Pop Music

Gruff Rhys, frontman of Super Furry Animals, is releasing his ninth solo album, *Dim Probs*, entirely in Welsh. Rhys, who has been a key figure in Welsh-language music for decades, discusses the challenges and joys of creating pop music in his native language. He reflects on how Welsh remains a developing pop language, with fewer clichés and more opportunities for creative expression compared to English. Despite the language’s decline in daily use, Rhys is committed to its preservation and has been actively involved in Welsh-language music since his teenage years. He also shares personal anecdotes, including his first band, Ffa Coffi Pawb, and his experiences writing and performing in Welsh. Rhys emphasizes the importance of performing in rural Welsh-speaking areas, where his music connects deeply with local audiences. In addition to his solo work, Rhys has had a diverse career, collaborating with artists like Mogwai and Gorillaz, and fronting the experimental Super Furry Animals. His upcoming UK tour will bring him to village halls across Wales, a nod to his passion for playing in authentic, intimate spaces. Rhys also discusses the wider cultural and political importance of the Welsh language, touching on the resurgence of Welsh-language activism and the impact of the 1993 Welsh Language Act.