A MUSIC label set up to give some of Wrexham's top talents a voice is celebrating its first birthday.

Red Roach was formed this time last year by hip-hop inspired street poet, project manager and community advocate, Evrah Rose.

The label was developed in order to both engage with and offer local talent the opportunity to grow their careers, both domestically and internationally.

Evrah - a musician, poet and published author well known for her support and dedication to Wrexham - said it's been an 'incredible' first year for Red Roach.

She added: "We've learnt a lot, published some exceptional releases for our artists and built a strong, brilliant team.

"With our latest signings in Wrexham rappers, JP and Korrupted, along with producers, SIMVICIOUS and Beef the Dawg, we're confident the next 12 months is going to bring welcomed challenges, more successes and stealthy growth for our artists."

Evrah added: "It's humbling to work with and support such talented people from the area, we grow with our artists which we believe adds that extra layer of personality.

"Though there have been many, a personal highlight of mine is definitely Owen Davies (aka OD of Elm Studios) joining me as co-director in latter 2023. His production skillset and years of song writing experience were already an asset as resident producer, as director, he's been exceptional, we make a great duo.

"To have a co-director who's dedication and tenacity match my own is really exciting. We've made some big changes to reflect the ethos behind what we do and our evolution is clear."

The brand has also just recently been incorporated as a community interest company.

Red Roach is also developing workshops and community initiatives to inspire the next generation to pursue a career in music/song writing, management and production.

Evrah said: "We recently began working with music distribution and Welsh company, PYST, to further support the music industry in Wales and provide a more streamlined service to our artists. Big thanks to them for their support, they've quickly become an asset.

"Some of our aims going forward are to connect with the wider community by supporting more local organisations, provide wider label services, and open label submissions for artists.

"Artists of all genres will be free to send us their best music for an opportunity to sign with Red Roach."

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Owen Davies said: "It's been a great first year here at Red Roach, and I'm extremely excited to see what can be achieved in the future. We've got two brilliant new artists in Korrupted and JP, and the production team is going from strength to strength. Watch this space!'

Evrah and Owen will be representing Red Roach Records as delegates at this year's Focus Wales Festival in May.

JP is a songwriter and rapper from Caia Park, Wrexham. His debut single via the label ('Say Ya Won't') went straight to BBC Radio Wales featuring on Adam Waltons show.

He is set to launch his latest EP this week (April 19) at Club XS, with it set for release this May.

Korrupted, a songwriter and rapper from Wrexham, recently caught the attention of BBC Radio 1Xtras, Theo Johnson, who selected his track, 'Wannabe Rappers', to feature in his BBC introducing playlist and 1Xtra 'track of the week'.

His EP drops this summer and both artists will also be performing at Focus Wales festival.