Singer Gwenno has revealed that her teenage years as a principal dancer in the touring production of "Lord of the Dance" in America were marked by excess, including "drink, drugs, eating disorders." The Welsh artist described the period, which occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as "heady years" and a stark contrast to the perceived wholesome image of Irish dancing.
Gwenno, whose latest album "Utopia" features songs primarily in English, drew inspiration for the record from her experiences during her time with the dance show. She explained that the environment of living with approximately 40 unsupervised teenagers in Las Vegas contributed to the chaotic atmosphere.
"It's difficult for it to be that wholesome if you stick a group of 40 teens in an apartment complex unchaperoned in Las Vegas," Gwenno stated. She characterized the culture in the U.S. at the time as "very plastic and superficial," influenced by boy bands and shows like MTV Cribs.
During this period, Gwenno found solace in a techno club off the Las Vegas strip called Utopia, which she and other female dancers frequented. She described dancing there as a "real epiphany" that helped her cope and feel connected to others, ultimately leading her to name her album after the club.
Gwenno began her dancing career at a young age, influenced by her father, an Irish speaker. She started attending Irish dancing classes in Cardiff, initially drawn by the low cost. However, by her teenage years, she grew bored with the competitive aspect. At 16, she auditioned for "Lord of the Dance" and secured a place in the troupe, touring Australia and Europe before taking a lead role in Las Vegas at 17.
Following her departure from the world of Irish dancing, Gwenno transitioned to a music career, achieving success with The Pipettes before embarking on a solo path. Her current solo tour in Ireland, which includes dates at the Earagail Arts Festival, sees her taking on the roles of both artist and tour manager, a task she embraces due to her "massive control freak" tendencies and desire to be more connected to the events.
While Gwenno is fluent in Welsh, Cornish, and English, her latest album marks her first solo record to predominantly feature English lyrics. She explained this decision by noting that the album's inspiration primarily occurred in English, facilitating a deeper connection to the themes and emotions she wanted to explore.
Gwenno also drew parallels between the growth of the Irish language in urban centers and the Welsh language's resurgence, particularly among younger generations in South Wales. She noted the historical connection of the Welsh language to working-class and counterculture movements, suggesting it has always maintained a certain cultural "coolness."