Meilyr Jones has been named as winner of the Welsh Music Prize 2016.
The former Race Horses band member join was awarded the trophy during a ceremony at The Depot in Cardiff.
He follows in the footsteps of previous winners including Gwenno, Gruff Rhys and Future of the Left in taking the prize.
This year’s nominated artists included the Anchoress, Skindred and Cate Le Bon.
Commenting, Meilyr said: ‘I made the record on my own, away from the industry with the help of my family and my good friends. It meant I got to really explore and experiment.
‘Winning was a big shock, I really had no idea - I am nervous but overall, it is great to have won.’
Organiser, John Rostron, said: ‘It's been a terrific year for Meilyr Jones, and it's great that what felt like many peoples' favourite to scoop the accolade did indeed manage to impress the 12 judges and claim the Welsh Music Prize.
‘It wasn't an easy win though - the strength of this year's shortlist made for a very long discussion and it could have been one of several records written inside the winner's envelope. A really tight contest of wonderful albums. Well done to Meilyr for making 2013 the album of 2016!’
The prize is now in its sixth year and was created by John and BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens to showcase the best in new Welsh talent.
Read our previous interview with Meilyr.
The former Race Horses band member join was awarded the trophy during a ceremony at The Depot in Cardiff.
He follows in the footsteps of previous winners including Gwenno, Gruff Rhys and Future of the Left in taking the prize.
This year’s nominated artists included the Anchoress, Skindred and Cate Le Bon.
Commenting, Meilyr said: ‘I made the record on my own, away from the industry with the help of my family and my good friends. It meant I got to really explore and experiment.
‘Winning was a big shock, I really had no idea - I am nervous but overall, it is great to have won.’
Organiser, John Rostron, said: ‘It's been a terrific year for Meilyr Jones, and it's great that what felt like many peoples' favourite to scoop the accolade did indeed manage to impress the 12 judges and claim the Welsh Music Prize.
‘It wasn't an easy win though - the strength of this year's shortlist made for a very long discussion and it could have been one of several records written inside the winner's envelope. A really tight contest of wonderful albums. Well done to Meilyr for making 2013 the album of 2016!’
The prize is now in its sixth year and was created by John and BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens to showcase the best in new Welsh talent.
Read our previous interview with Meilyr.
