The University of South Wales (USW) has announced an industry partnership with award-winning record label Libertino, offering Music students access to masterclasses, bespoke business briefs and a graduate award for excellence.
CEO of Libertino Records, Gruff Owen, will bring his considerable experience to the University’s MA Songwriting and Production course, having helped the label grow considerably in recent years to boast more than 20 internationally-renowned artists who create and perform through the medium of Welsh and English.
Libertino is home to the mighty Adwaith, who won the Welsh Music Prize in 2019, along with Keys, N’famady Kouyate, Sister Wives and Kidsmoke, plus a growing number of exciting new and emerging artists. Lead singer of Adwaith, Hollie Singer, graduated from USW with a BA in Popular and Commercial Music in 2020.
The partnership was launched with a lively Libertino showcase at USW’s Cardiff Campus this week, with talks and music from Bandicoot, Adwaith and Clwb Fuzz. The event was a sell-out, with many more tuning in online to a digital stream thanks to BSc Sound and Live Event Production students.
Matthew Evans, course leader for MA Songwriting and Production at USW, said: “Gruff personifies the social-entrepreneur spirit. Libertino Records plays a considerable role in terms of social impact for Welsh musicians and musicians living in Wales. I am looking forward to working with Gruff to further develop our academic provision in line with industry practice.”
Gruff Owen added: “The MA Songwriting and Production course at USW not only enhances students’ talent and skills, it provides a full understanding of the nuances of the music industry. This wider context, alongside a progressive and exciting curriculum, is creating artists who are bold in their creativity, industry aware and forging sustainable careers. As a forward-thinking and community-focused label, Libertino is excited to be part of this journey.”
