The Green Man Podcast Archiv

In this final episode of the Green Man Podcast 2025, we're joined by the award-winning Welsh comedian, Anna Thomas, in conversation with Cassandra Jenkins, ahead of her set at the Far Out stage. We're also joined by Jacob Alon and John Grant backstage at the Walled Garden. "Anna Thomas is an award-winning comedian, originally hailing from Carmarthenshire, South Wales. She wrote and starred in ‘Lady Bigfoot’, a short film that premiered on BBC One Wales at 10:40pm on 4th July, and became the most watched comedy short on BBC iPlayer in 2023. ‘Lady Bigfoot is a tender and utterly charming portrait of an outsider’s yearning. And it’s very funny too with little jokes squeezed in where they have no right to be’ Chortle. Anna also wrote and starred in the radio sitcom ‘Gulls’ which is currently available on BBC Sounds." Hailing from a musical family in New York, Cassandra Jenkins learnt to play the guitar from a young age. She's released 4 studio albums, with her most recent - My Light, My Passage receiving critical acclaim. While making her third album, My Light My Destroyer, Cassandra Jenkins set up a soundcloud page for unfinished songs called "Valley of Despair". Loneliness and its corresponding shades and images - blue orbits, delphinium blue, dawn— feature heavily on the new album. But just as on the New York songwriter's previous record, An Overview on Phenomenal Nature, her superpower is in celebrating the poetry of the everyday. Life-affirming stuff, and about as far away from the valley of despair as you could get. Jacob Alon is a Scottish poet, musician and singer, who blends the worlds of ethereal storytelling with music. Initially, they started studying medicine at university, but only found joy through creating music - and how lucky we are. They joined the Green Man family at the Walled Garden on Friday aftenoon. The absurdity of the world on the outside juxtaposed with the world taking place on the inside,* says John Grant of his latest album, The Art of the Lie. "That fascinates me, the ability to capture what it really feels like to be a human." It could apply to much of his output since 2010: inducing comfort in the candid, and expressing that via handsome baritone, lubricated grooves, slightly sordid stickiness. and everything from opulent electronica to folk strum. The Art of the Lie borrows - or rather amends - a title of a book by Trump, and owes much to funk, vocoder, the Bladerunner soundtrack, Dead Can Dance, and Devo.

We're backstage at the podcast tent as Taff Rapids, and comedian Jarred Christmas talk about music and comedy. We then meander through Einstein's Garden to Chai Wallahs to hear Adwaith and Derya Yildrim chat about the magic of Green Man festival. Taff Rapids, Cardiff’s bluegrass sensation, is taking the international stage by storm with a unique blend of original bluegrass compositions and their own take on traditional American and Welsh tunes. Comprised of seasoned musicians Darren Eedens, Siôn Russell Jones, David Grubb, and Clem Saynor, the band infuses their music with Welsh-language elements, bringing a fresh perspective to the bluegrass genre that resonates worldwide. Jarred Christmas, in his own words: Comedian. Joker. Storyteller. Professional idiot. Word clown. We couldn't have said it better ourselves! Adwaith hail from Camarthen, Wales, and formed in 2015. Their first album Melyn won the Welsh Music Prize in 2018, and Bato Mato in 2022. It's a joy to have them back at Green Man Festival. Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek refer to themselves as “outernational” over international as they say it suggests a sound that’s more inclusive or “beyond borders.” Derya, who sings and plays the bağlama, is German born to Turkish parents. Drummer Helen Wells is Berlin-based by way of South Africa while keyboard player Graham Mushnik and guitar/bass player Antonin Voyant are both French. The collective influences they bring to Anatolian music make for a completely unique and fresh sound that both pushes the genre forward and champions its rich heritage.

JOHN HARRIS has a weekly column in The Guardian, hosts its Politics Weekly UK podcast, and co-created its BAFTA-nominated video series Anywhere But Westminster. He also writes regularly for Mojo, and is the author of the acclaimed pop-cultural history of the 1990s The Last Party, as well as the definitive work on Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of The Moon. His latest book, Maybe I'm Amazed, tells the story of how music profoundly connected him to his autistic son James, and explores the hidden history of creativity and neurodivergence.   - Richard King is the author of the Gordon Burn Prize shortlisted Original Rockers, a Rough Trade, Times and Uncut Book of the Year; How Soon Is Now?, a Sunday Times Music Book of the Year; the Penderyn Prize shortlisted The Lark Ascending, a Rough Trade, MOJO and Evening Standard Book of the Year; Brittle with Relics and the Penderyn Prize shortlisted Travels Over Feeling, all published by Faber. His recent appointments include Visiting Simon Industrial and Professional Fellow, University of Manchester and Royal Literary Fellow at Cardiff University School of Journalism, Media & Culture.

In this two part episode, we're backstage at the legendary Chai Wallahs, where we hear from Aziza Jaye, Amy True & Madly as they discuss their new project Conn3ct three - a project born out of a desire to connect souls, connect musical heritage, connect powerful female spirit, connect audiences, and collectively share the energy that each of these unique performers bring in one monumental show. We’re also joined by the icon that is Asha Puthli, in conversation with Big Special - the collaboration we never knew we needed. Together they take us on a journey through their musical styles, the magic of Green Man, life on tour, and Asha’s mission to inspire older generations to chase their dreams.

A journalist since 1988, Keith Cameron is currently a contributing editor at MOJO. He previously worked for Sounds and New Musical Express, and his writing has appeared in The Guardian, The Times, Scotland On Sunday, Kerrang! and Q. His many and varied interviewees include AC/DC, Arctic Monkeys, Kate Bush, Nick Cave, Paul McCartney, Nirvana, Oasis, R.E.M., Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and The Velvet Underground. He is author of Mudhoney: The Sound And The Fury From Seattle, acclaimed by Mark Lanegan as “the definitive book on ’90s Seattle music”. His second book, 168 Songs Of Hatred And Failure: A History Of Manic Street Preachers, is published by White Rabbit in September 2025.

The Magic of Sain Records - Don Leisure in conversation with Andy Votel Respected producer and DJ Don Leisure brings to life his recent Tyrchu Sain album, a favourite on BBC Radio 6 Music and an album with history and tales to tell. It's a beat tape, a mix tape and a respectful homage and reimagining of the Sain Records back catalogue - Wales’ oldest and most influential record label.

With the tickets sold out for Green Man 2026, we look back at this year's festival. First up, we hear from Just Mustard and Caroline backstage at the Far Out stage. They talk about preparing for their shows, producing their albums, and where the best place is to record their music. We then take a wander across to Cinedrome, for another wonderful conversation with film critic Jason Solomons. This time, he chats to Director Kim Hopkins about the 2025 movie Still Pushing Pineapples (remember Agadoo doo doo push pineapple shake the tree?!), about an ageing pop star trying to revive and keep alive his past triumph.

Founded in 2024 by Kathryn Tann and Robert Harries, two editors determined to help put Wales and Welsh writing on the UK map – and far beyond – Folding Rock publishes the best new creative prose: fiction, non-fiction, and everything in between. The magazine showcases exciting work from writers of all kinds and stages. With a combination of special commissions and open submissions, it brings together established names with first-time sharers, and in every case publishes only the highest quality creative writing – the kind we should all pay close attention to.

In this next episode of the Green Man podcast, we're a fly on the wall to a conversation between Nadia Reid and Tom Sharkett from the band W.H.Lung, but now a member of Nadia's band. Together, they reflect on some of their favourite performances at Green Man over the years. In the second half of this episode, we're joined by Jason Solomons from the Cinedrome, as he talks to Emilíana Torrini and Zoe Flower, about the film based on her mother - The Extraordinary Miss Flower, a 2024 documentary about Geraldine Flower, a woman whose collection of 1960s and 70s love letters inspired a film. “Ten years of documenting my life in song,” says Nadia Reid of her career so far. The New Zealand artist captured hearts immediately with early albums such as 2014’s Listen To Formation, Look For The Signs and 2017’s Preservation. All change for her new album Enter Now Brightness, made in the throes of morning sickness before moving across the world to Manchester and giving birth to a second child. Circumstances change, but the timeless poise of her music remains unaltered. W.H. Lung So-named after a Chinese wholesale supermarket in their home city of Manchester, W.H. Lung have cultivated a steadfast live reputation over the last few years, their sound growing increasingly urgent with each new album. Latest offering Every Inch Of Earth Pulsates does indeed pulsate, with driving, expansive indie and synth pop, and shades of New Order and Sea Power. The Extraordinary Miss Flower is a film about the life of Geraldine Flower, whose discovered suitcase of letters inspired Icelandic singer/songwriter Emiliana Torrini to compose, and star in the movie. Directed by Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, with Geraldine's daughter, Zoe Flower co-producing.

Delve into the mystical world of Charlotte Church, like you've never seen her before. In this part meditation, part interview with Huw Stephens at the Talking Shop on Friday afternoon at Green Man 2025, Charlotte takes us on a journey of reconnection to our breath, with nature, and with her healing retreat centre - The Dreaming - in the depths of the Elan Valley, Wales. Charlotte Church is an award-winning singer, composer and activist. She is also the founder and lead practitioner at Welsh wellness retreat The Dreaming and, for many years, has used her platform for activism, passionate about environmental issues and human rights. In 2019 she set up 'The Awen Project', a charity that helps establish free-to-attend democratic learning communities for children. Join Charlotte at Green Man for an interactive introduction to The Dreaming, including a conversation with broadcaster Huw Stephens and a taster of the retreat’s programme, led by Charlotte.

After their Friday afternoon performance on the Mountain Stage, which saw members of the crowd giving their best shot at gospel, Annie and daughter Anjessica reflect on their show - and which wannabe gospel singer they liked the best. We're also joined by Last Laugh comedians Daman Bamrah + Gavin Osborn. Daman gives an insight into MCing to a festival crowd, while Gavin talks about 'playing the hits'. A flamboyantly-dressed family affair — frontwoman Annie with her daughters singing backup, her husband on guitar, and sons on bass and drums — Annie & The Caldwells hail from the Deep South and harness the power of live gospel music like nobody can. They recorded their debut album Can’t Lose My (Soul) in a Mississippi church, a mere forty years after they started performing. Stand out British-Sikh comedian, Daman Bamrah uses his instant likability, wry humour and a lot of heart to captivate audiences, and is best known for his cultural observations on his Indian heritage, topical writing and imaginative storytelling. Gavin Osborn is a 47 year old singer-songwriter with six solo albums under his belt, having spent over 20 years touring the UK, Europe and Australia with his brand of witty storytelling folk songs. Familiar to listeners of BBC 6Music and Radio 4, Gavin’s tours and shows include support slots for the likes of Belle & Sebastian and Frank Turner.

In the final instalment of the Green Man 2025 preview, we're joined by Jimmy Watkins from Running Punks, who invites you to swap the cider, put on your trainers and head for a brisk morning jog around the Glanusk Estate. We're also joined by festival director Fiona Stewart and Welsh comedian Anna Thomas, who talk about the Green Man Trust, the charitable arm of the event. It runs a year-round operation to bring arts opportunities, science engagement, training and positive change to the people and communities who need them most. Jimmy Watkins founded Running Punks in 2019. Having broken the Welsh 800m indoor record in 2006, he made the final at the World Indoor Championships in Moscow. His life was very different a year later, when he started a band and followed a very different lifestyle – the life of athletics was behind him. However, just like in 2006, he couldn't outrun the runner! He needed to make his way back – the rock and roll lifestyle wasn't for him. Fast forward to 2025 and we have our very own music-come-running club! Don't forget to pack your trainers! Fiona Stewart is the owner of Green Man Festival. Since 2006, she has been bringing the industry's best musicians and performers to the valleys of Bannau Brycheiniog. She is a legend in her game. But what she also focuses on is the Green Man Trust, which ensures the values of the festival have a far-reaching impact beyond the weekend in August. Anna Thomas is an award-winning comedian, originally hailing from Carmarthenshire, South Wales. She wrote and starred in Lady Bigfoot, a short film that premiered on BBC One Wales and became the most-watched comedy short on BBC iPlayer in 2023.

In this episode we hear from Welsh band Melin Melyn, talking to Green Man stalwart Pictish Trail about their first times at the festival, camping next to Kneecap at Glastonbury, the bubble machine...and exactly how to pronounce Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). We're also joined by The Beatles Dub Club, who played their first show at Chai Wallahs here at Green Man in 2021, and has since taken it as far a field as New Zealand, Australia and Bali. The brains behind it - DJ Chris Arnold -highlights some of his favourite areas of the festival, and this year he's bringing his baby - so he'll be exploring a whole new side of it as well. “Croeso! Welcome, one and all to the magical world of the Mill On The Hill. The yellow mill that sits on top of a hill, looking down on Melin Village and all of its wonderful occupants. Everyone is welcome here.” So begins the longed-for debut album from Wales’ beloved Melin Melyn (Welsh for Yellow Mill). The group are regular friendly faces at Green Man and consummate live entertainers, who sing psychedelic surf-rock and country songs in Welsh and English about falling in love with computer characters and eating “existential crises-inducing spicy foods”. In Melin Village, the townsfolk “bask in the beauty of song” — with Melin Melyn around, Green Man merrymakers are bound to do just the same. Quite possibly Green Man’s most frequent performer — in fact he hasn’t missed a single year of the festival — Scottish musician Johnny Lynch will once again make the voyage (another kind of ancient kingdom-linking Pictish Trail) down from the Isle of Eigg to the Welsh mountains. He’s just made a new EP called Follow Footsteps, continuing to furrow his own path within the Lost Map Records family. DJ Chris Arnold takes us on a mystery tour through his collection of covers, remixes and cuts that sampled arguably the greatest band to have ever lived, The Beatles. Get ready to dance as Chris bounces from track to track to the backdrop of a mish-mash of Beatles related film, this time with a supporting horn section.

Not long now ‘til we’ll be together in the mountains. In this final preview episode ahead of Green Man 2024, N’famady Kouyaté shares some Green Man stories and Ella from PVA picks her favourite After Dark offerings. See you all soon. With balafon — wooden xylophone — in hand, N’famady Kouyaté returns to Green Man with his modern interpretations of West African mandingue songs. The Guinean artist relocated to Cardiff in 2019 and has already played among our mountains as well as supporting Gruff Rhys on tour. Expect to see a djembe, kora, doundoun, or calabash or two alongside brass, drums, and guitars, as he inflects traditional sounds with pop, funk, and jazz. Key players in south London's fervent indie scene, PVA are purveyors of good times and beating pulses. Come witness their blistering late-night DJ set on Saturday in the Walled Garden.