Oscar Hartland, known to millions as Neil the Baby from the hit British sitcom "Gavin & Stacey," has embarked on a new career path, aiming for musical success with his band. Hartland, now 17, released a new single and expressed his ambition to become "the next 'Phonics," referencing the acclaimed Welsh rock band Stereophonics.
Hartland, from Machen in Caerphilly county, described his latest single, "Wild Bull," as a reflection of his experiences growing up in the South Wales valleys, characterized by youthful energy and the challenges of navigating adolescence. "Growing up, I was just a wild bull, I was just mental, you know, in school, just out and about, playing rugby, being wild, being crazy," he told BBC Radio Wales. "It's very hard as a young lad, especially Wales in the valleys, to keep yourself contained, because there is so much trouble to get up to."
The band, which includes Cayden Hughes on bass, Aiden Williams on drums, and Deacon Ball on electric guitar, is on a "mission to create a new modern sound for Wales." Hartland noted that while their music is often described as rocky, it has a distinct Welsh identity. He recently completed his first tour in 2025 and has been collaborating with his bandmates to refine their sound.
Hartland has also found support from his former "Gavin & Stacey" castmates. "A lot of people don't really know what it would be like to be in our boots, I suppose, sort of, with the size of it," he said, referring to the unexpected fame from the show. He also noted that fellow cast members are pursuing diverse endeavors, such as Melanie Walters, who played Gwen, recently participating in "Strictly Come Dancing."
Aspiring to follow in the footsteps of legendary musicians, Hartland has been recording at Rockfield studios in Monmouth, a historic venue that has hosted iconic artists like Oasis, Iggy Pop, and Queen. "I want to record there all the time, because I just love what the place is about and I want that to be behind me as well," Hartland stated. "It's spectacular, you feel all of the presence of the past bands there looking at you like 'is he going to make a good song?'"
