A message from Huw: "Swn is the Welsh word for Sound, and is pronounced 'Soon'. I argue that it i could well be the worst name for a festival ever, John Rostron the festival co-driector argues it could be the best. It is Swn Festival's fifth year in 2011, and we're delighted to have made it this far, with so many great gigs, people and memories all rolled up along the way. We started Swn after visiting South by South West in Austin, Texas, overwhelmed by its energy and magnificence. We had such a good time, and knew we had to start something similar in Cardiff. When I was growing up in Cardiff, trips to Bristol were necessary if I wanted to see the hot new bands of the day. But Cardiff by the end of the 90's was brimming with venues. Some of them, like in many cities, have come and gone. The best music venue in the world, Clwb Ifor Bach, still there and going strong, and one of the 16 venues we use to put on Swn Festival.

"The line up this year features around 180 bands and artists, all picked to play by the co-hosts and us. This year, Steve Lamacq brings Jim Jones Revue and Newport band Town to Clwb, while NME are hosting gigs by DZ Deathrays and Y Niwl amongst others. Cardiff promoters Barely Regal, Bubblewrap and Nyth, and See Monkey Do Monkey records have showcases on too, just some of the brilliant people we've worked with to make Swn exciting again this year. It's going to be a brilliant weekend! See you Swn!

Huw Stephens Playlist for The Quietus by SWN Festival

Swn takes place between 20-23rd Oct. For more info visit="http://www.swnfest.com/" target="out">visit the SWN website