Cerys Matthews Biography

Cerys Matthews joined BBC 6Music as a presenter in 2008. She has released three critically acclaimed albums in two years, Don't Look Down, Explorer and TIR, each one very individual in style and content but tied together by that unique voice. A book, her first published, Tales From The Deep released earlier this year, is now being followed up by second, to be released early 2012.

She has made Radio 4 documentaries, including one on the Mississippi Blues, Pippi Longstocking, pick of the week Hook LIne and Singer, a Great Lives programme on Hildegard von Bingen, and is planning documentaries on Mahalia Jackson and legendary UK blues label Blue Horizon Records in 2012.

Her recent TV documentary on Cuba has seen her take up the occasional cigar, whilst she eats through the sacks of new music sent to her each week as submissions to be played on her Sunday morning BBC 6Music show (between 10am and midday). Her mix of the best of the new, Delta Blues, Jazz from the 20's to the present day, Reggae, progressive music, poetry and just great songs that defy categorisation from all ages, is unique on daytime radio.

She is Vice- President for Shelter Wales, Arts Ambassador for Linden Lodge - A Specialist Sensory and Physical College and is a regular contributor for Songlines Magazine.

We asked 6Music messageboard users to come up with some questions for Cerys - and then we put a few to her...

How would you describe yourself?
Contrary, but generally very happy. Passionate about good/bad music and good/bad food. Chronically curious.

Who did you grow up listening to on the radio, and do you have a favourite DJ?
I love Johnny Walker and Steve Lamacq. Also NPR in the US and Radio4 generally. Mike Reid and DLT were DJs when I was growing up but they were a little too mainstream for my tastes, especially as it was eighties production all the way at that point. I was more inclined towards Howlin Wolf, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Donnie Elbert, Sugar Pie de Santo, Baaba Maal.

I loved John Peel of course, because he could play anything. Not that I loved everything he played but the idea of no format, no rhyme, no reason still makes me insanely happy. I still can't fathom music having any boundaries.

What do you miss most about the UK when you're abroad?
Easy - the BBC, the sea and eccentricity. Otherwise not much because I love the adventure of being abroad, good weather (if applicable), brilliant food (Mexican, French, Spanish) and languages - I speak fluent Spanish and French, a little Italian and Catalan (as well as Welsh). And of course all the cultural differences in the way people handle themselves, plus the geological differences and the history you get to learn. And then the music!

Given the current trend for reforming bands, would you ever consider reforming Catatonia?
Ha ha, seems that every single one of the other 90's bands have reformed. But don't see us reforming as I'm enjoying moving forward, (It's been over 10 years since the band).There's much more to life now, I still write songs, play regularly and collaborate with great musicians, but I also enjoy making documentaries, writing columns, books, dj'ing.

How do you relax after a long week?
Great food, wine and company, a huge sofa,diving into my fat record collection and a little space for dancing.

Do you have a favourite out of all the songs you've performed?
The Good In Goodbye off Cockahoop, and back from Catatonia days, Do You Believe In Me.

Do you have a favourite book?
I enjoyed Big Bangs by Howard Goodall - the story of five things that changed musical history. I just read The Catcher In The Rye, which is OK until it peters out 3/4 of the way through. Im reading Great Gatsby now and enjoy Hemingway's books too. Am reading Tom Sawyer again. Could do with more time though.

How do you feel about having your own radio show?
My own show on 6Music? Woah... getting to play songs old and new in the company of a load of other music fans? It is the ultimate for me - apart from performing that is, but I guess they complement each other anyways. And my favourite thing? The interaction with 6Music listeners. Finding ace songs and sharing them is ace. In fact I'm on twitter so if you want to suggest any gems, always feel welcome to do so @cerysmatthews.