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Forged in Steel City

Sheffield's electronic music movement arose in the 1980s amid political strife, with figures like Winston Hazel and Richard Barratt leading the charge. The city's music scene was marked by a fusion of soul, jazz-funk, and pioneering electronic sounds, influenced by the backdrop of Thatcherism and high unemployment. Key establishments like Jive Turkey became hubs for cultural and musical exchange, contributing to the evolution of genres like bleep techno and house music. Prominent groups such as Cabaret Voltaire and the Human League played a vital role in shaping this landscape, demonstrating the interconnectedness of local and international music movements. This period highlighted the significance of community and creativity in the face of adversity, and the impact of Sheffield's sound continues to resonate today.

Published on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 12:00 AM

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Wax Poetics

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