The frontman of Super Furry Animals has just released his fourth solo album, ‘American Interior’.

However, this is not a regular release. In fact, it’s an entire project, consisting of a record, a film, a book and even an app.  

'American Interior' is based on the story of John Evans.  Gruff explains that Evans was a distant relative, whose story was often discussed in his family.  He was a 22-year-old farmhand from Snowdonia in Wales who travelled to America in 1792 to see if there was, as believed, a Welsh-speaking Native American tribe called The Madogwys living there.

Gruff explained the story to Tom, and also played some of his favourite music.  

You can listen to the interview here and check out Gruff's musical choices below.

Gruff's Back to Mine Music Choices

Meic Stevens - Y Brawd Houdini

Gruff says 'This is probably one of the first records I ever heard.  It was a big Welsh language single from the year I was born, 1970.  It's been with me all my life, I've always had this record around.'

 A Tribe Called Quest - Luck of Lucien

 Gruff says 'I chose this because the name of the band - it seemed to suit the occasion. It's just a song I really enjoy listening to.'

 John Cale - Cleo

Gruff says 'John Cale is a big inspiration for me, his stuff used to blow my mind as a teenager.  I was obsessed with The Velvet Underground, partly because John Cale was in the band and was a Welsh speaker.  It was completely unimaginable how that had happened.  I loved his solo records aswell.  He's always ahead of the curve.'

Back to Mine on The Tom Dunne Show - Tuesdays from 10pm