Oscar Hartland, who played Neil the Baby in the 2024 sitcom finale, stated that his band is aiming to be the next ‘Phonics, or something like that.
Oscar Hartland talks about his musical upbringing
The group went on their first tour in 2025 and is on a mission to create a modern sound for Wales, with the past few months having been about figuring out the earth behind the sound.
He added that the new single was all about letting go and saying, ‘this is me I’m a wild bull’.
Hartland described himself growing up as a bit of a black sheep
and stated, I was playing the piano while everyone else was watching rugby,
while noting that he surrounded himself with music.
Speaking to Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales, Hartland said, We’ve had lots of people say it’s rocky, but it’s Welsh and it’s got lots of stuff behind it.
He added that growing up as a young lad in the Welsh valleys made it hard to keep contained because of the trouble available to get into, explaining, Growing up, I was just a wild bull, I was just mental, you know, in school, just out and about, playing rugby, being wild, being crazy. I know loads of my friends who are just the same.
While he has not yet had a chance to cover the iconic Gavin and Stacey theme song, Run by Stephen Fretwell, he said he would love to in the future.
From The Voice Kids to Rockfield Studios
Hartland first appeared on television at age 14 when he competed on The Voice Kids, performing the Foo Fighters song “My Hero.” That performance caught the attention of Gavin and Stacey writers James Cordon and Ruth Jones, who subsequently approached him about joining the series finale. In the episode, Hartland’s character serenaded the wedding crowd with a rendition of The Beatles song “Blackbird.”
The finale episode ultimately reached 19.11 million viewers after seven days of catch-up viewing, surpassing the show’s previous record of 17.92m for the 2019 Christmas special. Hartland said it blows his mind that people are still talking about the episode, noting that the cast’s support remains constant. He has also recorded tracks at Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire, a facility that previously hosted musical acts like Oasis, Iggy Pop, and Queen.
Band members and viewing figures for Gavin and Stacey
What is Oscar Hartland’s band called and who is in it?
Hartland performs alongside Cayden Hughes on bass, Aiden Williams on drums, and Deacon Ball on electric guitar.
Which Gavin and Stacey writers approached Hartland for the role?
James Cordon and Ruth Jones approached Hartland after seeing his performance on The Voice Kids.
How many people watched the Gavin and Stacey Christmas finale?
The episode was watched by about 12.3m people on Christmas day, with total viewership reaching 19.11 million after seven days of catch-up viewing.
Where was the single Wild Bull recorded?
The track was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire.
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