North Wales dance music act aiming for chart success with latest album

Lilac Beats, a North Wales-based project led by songwriter and musician Phil Woods, will release its ninth album of 2026, Red, on October 1, featuring a mix of dance, chill-out, hip-hop, and the group’s first-ever power ballad.

Mr Woods said: "I'm really excited about the new album, I experimented with different sounds and believe I've come up with something the British public can grab on to."

The group has already seen international success, with three number one singles in Europe and South America, and radio play in the US, but has yet to break into the UK charts.

The title track, a power ballad, is tipped to receive UK radio play and could help the group finally make its mark at home.

Mr Woods explained his creative process and the role of technology in his music.

He said: "I sit there using electronics to make music, in particular using synthesisers made by Korg.

"I can't sing particularly well, at least I don't think I can; so using specialised software I sing, then allow the software to keep me in tune, then use AI powered software to change my vocals so that it sounds as though I have a variety of singers."

He said the use of AI in his music is purely practical.

He said: "I looked at hiring singers and studio time but that is cost prohibitive for me, therefore using AI was the only other option that get different voices.

"I don't agree with apps that make music completely out of AI because that takes away from the music industry.

"I on the other hand create my own music, write all the lyrics and initially sing the song, I'm only using AI to tidy up the job I've already done."

Mr Woods also shared the personal motivation behind his work.

He said: "I love music first and foremost, but I wanted to continue my fathers legacy, he had several top 40 hits with Heinz and the Wild Boys during the early 60’s, I’d like to emulate him and despite having chart hits elsewhere, the ultimate goal is to have a UK chart hit."