AS THEY celebrate being on the cover of the latest issue of Y Seler, and being nominated for the music magazine’s upcoming awards ceremony, we spoke to Carmarthenshire-based rising stars Bromas about life on the Welsh music scene.

Comprising Owain Huw (lead singer and guitarist), Llewelyn Hopwood (keyboards/guitar), Steffan Cennydd (bassist) and Cellan Wyn (drummer), the band hail from Carmarthen, Pontaman and Neath.

Meaning ‘jokes’ in Spanish, Bromas don’t take themselves too seriously, and have been willing to adapt their style to get the gigs – moving from instrumental jazz covers to Welsh-language pop and rock.

Influenced by everything from Vampire Weekend and Haim to The Beatles and Gruff Rhys, the band also takes inspiration from poets and writers such as Waldo Williams, T.H.Parry Williams and Jack Kerouac.

Despite still being in school, they’ve gigged relentlessly across Wales in the last three years, and gained radio play from two-track single ‘Byth 'Di Bod i Japan’ and their debut album ‘Byr Dymor’, released in December.

“With Welsh music, playing live is how you earn your bread and butter,” said Llewelyn.

“For us, what makes a great gig great is if the audience do anything except remaining stationary and if we need to sit down outside after playing.”

Despite being a smaller scene, Llewelyn said there are some benefits to performing in Welsh, and that the decision was the natural choice for them.

“There are more chances to play at big events and meet your idols and I do believe it has given us more opportunities than if we sang in English. Additionally, it gives you an edge at bilingual and English events in my opinion because at those festivals and concerts, where less people would understand the lyrics, the music itself - melodies, harmonies and feel - is given greater emphasis.”

He added: “We live our lives through Welsh and are surrounded by a great deal of Welsh music and therefore that was the most prominent route for us to take when we started the band.”

To vote for Bromas in the Y Selar awards, which will be holding a presentation ceremony and concert on February 15 at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, go to Y Selar's facebook page www.facebook.com/cylchgrawnyselar or an email yselar@live.co.uk.