Bethan Nia is a harpist and singer who transforms traditional folk music into immersive, contemporary sound. Weaving ethereal loops of harp and voice she creates warm, hypnotic soundscapes that feel both ancient and modern. Her music is haunting, dynamic, and deeply captivating.

Bethan grew up in the village of Cefn Cribwr, in the Borough of Bridgend, but has lived for many years with her partner and daughter in Pontypridd. A Welsh speaker, she grew up emersed in Welsh language culture and Folk music. She originally trained and worked as an actor, before switching to a music career.

Bethan is a winner of the coveted Danny Kyle Award at Celtic Connections, has played at Lorient Interceltique Festival and Glastonbury festival twice, after meeting Michael Eavis on a train! Her debut album Ffiniau (Borders) was well received and gained much radio play.

More recently, she has been involved with numerous theatrical projects and has been successful in gaining an Arts Council Research and Development grant, under the title ‘Brethyn’.

  • “This is a superb mixture of the traditional and contemporary, her harp-playing perfectly matching a gorgeous voice.”

    — Frank Hennessey, Radio Wales

  • "A touch of Celtic magic... Hauntingly beautiful"

    — The Western Mail

  • “There is something of Kate Bush’s ‘Aerial’ in this… the beauty of Bethan Nia’s writing and performances on this album [Ffinau] is undeniable”

    — Buzz Magazine

  • "What Bethan Nia is doing with Welsh music is similar to the impact Moya Brennan had on Gaelic song in the 1980s…mesmerising"

    — Irish Music Magazine

  • “Her English lyrics have a timelessness about them…and her finest music is of an exquisitely personal nature. ‘Ffiniau’ is a remarkably clear debut”

    — R&R Magazine

  • “Just listen to those arrangements… truly magical in its fragile femininity”

    — Folk Wales