Coleg y Cymoedd Graduate Band ‘The Unknown’ Shines with New Song ‘Heart of the Valleys

Four Coleg y Cymoedd graduates, who form the promising band ‘The Unknown,’ have captured the spotlight with their latest track, “Heart of the Valleys.”

Abbie Carter, Bree Evans, Ebboney Rees-Lewis, and Jake Cook caught the interest of John Geraint, Creative Director of the Rhondda Heritage Project, during a masterclass he was delivering at the college. Their talent and deep connection to their hometown deeply impressed him.

Backed by a generous grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Rhondda Heritage Project seeks to honour the rich industrial legacy of the Rhondda Valley while also looking towards its future.

After their initial meeting, John was captivated by the band’s understanding and passion for what the Rhondda Heritage Project represented. He was convinced that they could channel their deep affection for their hometown and the vibrant spirit of the Rhondda valleys into music. This led to the creation of their enchanting new anthem, “Heart of the Valleys.”

With lyrics, “These hills carry stories made day by day”, the song’s impact grew even stronger when the famous Treorchy Male Choir heard it. They joined forces with the band at the Bethelm Chapel in Treorchy to re-record the track, infusing it with a profound emotional resonance that elevated the piece even further.

The collaboration’s music video has been used to promote the brand-new Rhondda Heritage Trail and in just a few weeks has gained significant attention, amassing thousands of views.

Abbie, Bree, Ebboney, and Jake initially came together naturally during their time on the Level 3 Music course. Collaborating on various performance projects and assignments, they discovered shared musical interests and complementary skill sets, leading to the organic formation of the group. 

Over time, the band went through several changes in membership, but as they progressed to the Level 4 Creative Practitioners course, the current lineup was solidified, and the group began to hone their identity, developing a unique sound and a cohesive vision for their music.

The music courses at Coleg y Cymoedd, particularly the performance units, provide learners with the creative freedom to form bands and collaborate on projects that align with their personal goals and musical interests. 

Tutors then play a crucial role in nurturing the development of these bands, refining their talents, building their confidence, and preparing them for a career in music.

One of the major benefits for Level 4 students at Coleg y Cymoedd is access to state-of-the-art recording studios. These studios are equipped with industry-standard technology, allowing the band to record high-quality tracks that are ready for commercial release. 

The use of professional recording equipment, sound engineering tools, and software gives students hands-on experience that mirrors the conditions of the wider music industry.

Elis Widgery, Music Lecturer at Coleg y Cymoedd, spoke of the band’s success: “I’ve had the privilege of guiding them through both the technical and creative aspects of their musical journey. 

“From helping them record and mix their songs to mentoring them through the process of preparing their tracks for commercial release, it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch their growth. The band has made great strides, particularly in their confidence and skill, which is reflected in the professional quality of their work. 

“Currently, I’m working with them on mixing their upcoming EP, which is set for release later this year. It has been an exciting process, and I believe this project will be a key stepping stone in their career.”

Listen to ‘Heart of the Valleys’, here: https://youtu.be/RURwYscfwT0?si=al_TkQo4vahC7jf_

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