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TOUR NEWS: Juanita Stein November/December 2018 dates

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LSF Staff Writers
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Juanita Stein has announced a full UK tour for this November / December. The Howling Bells frontwoman turned solo artist, who has just released her brilliant new album, Until The Lights Fade, via Nude Records, follows a summer of festivals including Latitude and Green Man, with a busy touring schedule from now into December.

Currently on a nine date U.S tour, Juanita Stein will support Villagers on dates in France and The Netherlands next month before returning to the UK

Dates

November

Sat 17th NOV LEEDS, Headrow House
Sun 18th LIVERPOOL, Sound
Mon 19th GLASGOW, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
Wed 21st MANCHESTER, The Eagle Inn
Fri 23rd LONDON, Courtyard Theatre
Sat 24th BIRMINGHAM, Cuban Embassy
Sun 25th BRIGHTON, The Prince Albert

December

Weds 5th DEC BRISTOL, Hy-Brasil Music Club
Thurs 6th SOUTHAMPTON, Joiners

Juanita Stein’s second solo album arrives less than a year after her first, ‘America’, saw her exploring the iconography and cultural landscapes of a country that had always fascinated her from afar. Yet, while ’Until The Lights Fade’ is cut from the same musical cloth as its predecessor – the crepuscular twang of bar-room guitars, the keening romanticism of its melodies, the sparseness and simplicity of its arrangements – the album’s ten songs are concerned with thoughts, feelings, stories and characters rooted far closer to home.

“I feel like the two albums are different sides of the same coin,” Stein explains. “If ‘America’ was the starting point of a journey – the musical equivalent of me spreading my wings, but also treading carefully, trying to figure myself out having come from such an intense period of camaraderie in the band – then this record is me starting to gain a bit more traction, feeling more confident in where I’m coming from and what it is I’m doing.”

When the opportunity arose late last year to spend a week in Austin, Texas with the producer Stuart Sikes (Cat Power, White Stripes, Loretta Lynn), Stein explains, “I just grabbed it. When you reach a certain point in life and moments like that appear, you have to go with it. Up til now, everything I’ve done has always been planned and laboured over, but this album was very impromptu, very spur of the moment – a couple of the musicians I was working with I had only met for the first time that week. It was like nothing I’d ever done before.”

This more spur of the moment approach also enabled the late inclusion on the album of Forgiver. Much like the week she spent in Austin, the song – recorded during the downtime between shows in The Killers’ mobile studio – was another of those serendipitous moments that Stein felt compelled to make the most of, and the swaggering, streetwise end result once again validates those instincts.

www.juanitastein.com
www.facebook.com/msjuanitastein

FESTIVAL NEWS: Louder Than Words Festival, 9th-11th November, Manchester

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LSF Staff Writers
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The Louder Than Words Festival of music and writing grows louder each year. Now in its sixth edition, this remains the only festival that interrogates that enduring love affair between music and the written word.

This Festival opens on the Friday with Radio 1’s Gemma Cairney, followed by the current bass player with Pink Floyd, Guy Pratt. As hilarious as he is sonorous, Guy will perform his one-man show The Inglorious Bassterd, with tales of working with everyone from Michael Jackson to Madonna. Moving into Saturday and you can take your pick from Zoë Howe talking about her Stevie Nicks biography, or Lucy O’Brien chairing a panel about Madonna as a gay icon. Elsewhere, Chris Difford talks about his life, including Squeeze, Kevin Cummins discusses his photographs of Morrissey, Geoff Travis talks Rough Trade, Jordan looks back on life as the original punk icon with Cathi Unsworth and Stuart Bailie is in conversation about his book Trouble Songs: The Story of music and Conflict in Northern Ireland since 1968. Moving on to Sunday and we have Andy McCluskey overviewing his time with OMD, David Gedge from The Wedding Present is indeed present, Sheila Rock talks over her photography with Rudi Esch (Die Krupps), crime novelist Ian Rankintracks his life through ten albums and Dave Haslam talks about his recent book Sonic Youth Slept on my Floor. And that is merely to scratch the surface, as elsewhere numerous academics and music writers gather for panels, discussions, Q&As, workshops… and even a music quiz!

As well as hearing their stories, the Festival also offers a unique chance to get up close to people often only seen on the stage; in a much more social, conducive atmosphere of the suitably grand Principal Hotel. The hotel recently had a multi-million pound refurb, which includes the bar and restaurant ‘Refuge’, Festival hang-out for 2018, where you are likely to find these musicians, and indeed music writers, catching up and reminiscing.

Since its first incarnation in 2013, audience and contributor numbers have more than doubled, which in turn has only increased the variety of talks, panels and workshops programmed over the weekend. Over those years the festival has welcomed music characters such as Rick Buckler (The Jam), Guy Garvey, Edwyn Collins, Viv Albertine, Woody Woodmansey (The Spiders From Mars), Wolgang Flur (Kraftwerk), Brix Smith (The Fall), Tim Burgess (The Charlatans), Miles Hunt (The Wonderstuff), Hugh Cornwell (The Stranglers), Alan McGee (Creation Records) as well as music writers such as Barney Hoskyns and Paul Morley to Manchester, talking all things musical and literary. Attendees come from as far as San Francisco and Moscow to engage in a weekend that includes panels, Q&As and some very special performances from all four corners of the musical world: from club culture to heavy metal; ska to punk.

Expect music… expect conversation… expect laughter… expect things to get loud.

Time: 9th-11th November 2018
Place: The Principal Hotel, Oxford Road, Manchester, M60 7HA
Tickets: Tickets are available via http://louderthanwordsfest.com/tickets/ and are available as weekend passes, day passes, or event tickets, ranging from £6 for an event to £70.66 for a pass to the whole three-day weekend

SINGLE REVIEW: Fudge – ‘Walrus’

By
Frank
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OK so I have a confession, when Fudge got in contact to ask us to review their single I almost said no, the first play through didn’t just grab me. But before I did I took a second listen, and something just clicked for me. Look this thing is part beat you into submission loud, part alternative rock, part psychedelic garage and part strangely almost smooth indie. And the loud bits are brutal people, played loud it’s like hitting your head on a brick wall.

It is ‘sounds like it shouldn’t work but it does’ things. And actually having listened to it again, quite a few times actually, I’ve realised that one of the things that made it click is the vocals. Look they’re a bit rough round the edges in places but they’re real, they have this weirdly appealing thing going for them, they’re a bit punky in places and then they do this rather nice alternative rock thing in others. And those backing vocals, so so cool.

And the thing is that musically it’s good, the guitars bludgeon you, and then they ring out in that vaguely indie rock way, the drumming isn’t that flashy but majors on cymbals which is a rather nice touch. The transitions from loud to louder, loud to indie smooth, indie smooth to loud are handled really well. It sounds like one thing not a whole of stuff placed end to end.

As a whole I’m not quite sure why I like this track quite as much as I do, I just do. I realise that’s not that helpful to you, the reader. The vocals yes, the guitars yes, but the mix of things I just don’t why I like that quite so much. I just like music that takes stuff and mixes it up, I guess. Look this track was a bit of grower for me, and may be that for you so do listen again if you’re not grabbed first time around.

The info

Fudge. The catalyst between you and a good time. Their sound will eat you up and spit you out ready to bang your head til your neck snaps. From funky verses to tight power riffs, there is something for everyone. FUDGE. pride themselves on creating feel good music for feel good junkies. A convergence of influence by Royal Blood, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Foals.

Band Member List:

Lead Vox – Cam Hope
Guitar – Otto Calladine
Drums – Angus ‘Bangus’ Bates
Bass – Josh Goodwin

FB – https://www.facebook.com/pg/FudgeBandOfficial
Insta – https://www.instagram.com/fudgebandofficial/

Upcoming Gigs:

8th November – Bucks SU, Wycombe
18th November – Wharf Chambers, Leeds
15th December – Underbelly, London

SINGLE REVIEW: FloodHounds – ‘Take It Too Far’

By
Frank
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Ah Floodhounds, I love their bluesy, swampy indie punky rock thing. Seeing them play at Cafe Totem last year is up there in the list of my fav gigs ever. So to the new single ‘Take It Too Far’, I’m going to say right away that this is an instant ‘it’s got into my head, can’t get it out, don’t want it out of my head’ track, it sounds like one of those things you hear and you can’t quite believe you’ve never heard it before. It’s barely halfway in and you’re singing along at the top of your voice. This thing rocks people, it’s catchy, it’s really accomplished musically, it’s raw and at the same time smooth.

It could, quite easily and still be absolutely fantastic, just rock out for the whole track BUT are the band happy with that? Nope, they throw in what is best described as a dreamy psychedelic section with, of all things, flute (played by drummer Lauren) and some quite fab harmonica. The groove in this section is just way cool.

In fact, right now I just have to single out the drumming on this track, it is simply great, it’s not flashy, it’s just ‘right’, Lauren is one of those drummers who leaves space and that’s a lovely thing. That’s not to downplay Jack’s guitar and vocals. The vocals are one of those things that make the track, and the guitar, it stabs, it throws out these phrases. Although, if I can just be a bit indulgent for a moment, I long for him to just throw in a solo, that guy can play people.

Another thing, having just gone back and listened to some of the band’s previous songs, is that this track mixes the raw with the smooth, those moments when the guitar kicks in hard are all the more effective for that mix.

‘Take It Too Far’ is just the most wonderful beautiful thing people, check it out right now. And then go get tickets to see Floodhounds live.

The single is released on 20th October with a Spotify exclusive in place.

The info

“Take It Too Far is an in-your-face, riff heavy, punk tune full of guitars and bluesy harmonicas. Thanks to our Drummer Lauren’s secret flute skills, we also found ourselves exploring new musical ideas such as bringing in those Flute parts for a psychedelic bridge section. The message behind the lyrics is just one of optimism in the face of challenging times. You don’t know how exactly you’re going to make it through whatever it is you’re facing, but you’ll get there someday” – Jack Flynn, Guitar/Vocals

The song marks the first release for FloodHounds since ‘Wide Awake’, which made it into the BBC Introducing’s Top 50 tracks of 2017. Take It Too Far was recorded at MUStudios in Sheffield with producer Martin Smith (Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker, Groove Armada)

It’s also the first FloodHounds track to feature new bass player Joel Hughes, who made his live debut when FloodHounds kicked off 2018 with a sold out support slot for The Blinders in Derby.

Floodhounds are

Jack Flynn – Guitar / Vocals
Joel Hughes – Bass
Lauren Greaves – Drums

www.floodhounds.com
www.facebook.com/FloodHounds
www.twitter.com/FloodHounds
www.instagram.com/FloodHounds
www.soundcloud.com/FloodHounds

UPCOMING LIVE DATES:

20th October – Café Totem – Sheffield
24th November – Café Indiependant – Scunthorpe
1st December – The Sitwell Tavern – Derby

More to be announced

TOUR & ALBUM NEWS: John Fairhurst Winter 2018 dates, new album expected 2019

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LSF Staff Writers
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British blues-rock prodigy – JOHN FAIRHURST – is gearing up to greet the new year head on as he blasts out of 2018 with a sixteen date tour this Winter.

Kicking off in Patchwork Studios in Torpoint on the 27th October, Fairhurst will be making pit-stops in Bristol, Exeter, London, Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Brighton, and beyond, before bringing proceedings to close at Sheffield’s Yellow Arch Studios in December. Full dates and details outlined below.

Channelling a kaleidoscope of sounds, Fairhurst is a master of shifting between his customary acoustic solo Delta Blues show, to a powerful raw rock duo. With Toby Murray on drums, the pair hit the road in November for a full UK tour to preview material from what will be Fairhurst’s first studio album in 5 years (currently expected 2019).

Following 2014’s highly acclaimed ‘Saltwater’, Fairhurst is currently preparing his first album in over half a decade. The album, scheduled for release in the Spring, promises a real melting pot of diverse musical influences and styles drawn from all of his experience. He will again be working with his long term go-to producers Alex Beitzke and Bradley Spence (Radiohead, Prince, Florence and the Machine, Stereophonics, Iron Maiden, The Strypes, Kasabian).

JOHN FAIRHURST 2019827th October – Patchwork Live, Maker Heights, Torpoint

NOV 02 – Golden Lion – Bristol
NOV 03 – Phoenix – Exeter
NOV 09 – The Con Club – Lewes
NOV 10 – Thousand Island – London
NOV 14 – The Cluny 2 – Newcastle Upon Tyne
NOV 15 – Eagle Inn – Manchester
NOV 17 – Ty Pawb Art Gallery – Wrexham
NOV 18 – The Musician – Leicester
NOV 21 – The Joiners – Southampton
NOV 22 – Old Bakery Studios – Cornwall
NOV 23 – The Underground – Plymouth
NOV 24 – The Palladium Club – Bideford
NOV 29 – The Brunswick – Brighton
NOV 30 – Holroyd Arms – Guildford
DEC 01 – The Lost ARC – Rhayader
DEC 02 – Yellow Arch Studios – Sheffield

Tickets on Sale now from: http://www.johnfairhurst.com/gigsandtickets/

FOR MORE INFORMATION

w/ http://www.johnfairhurst.com/

ALBUM & TOUR NEWS: William The Conqueror ‘Bleeding On The Soundtrack’ out now, November 2018 dates

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LSF Staff Writers
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Live dates are as follows

02 Nov: MANCHESTER Gullivers
08 Nov: CIRENCESTER, Kings Head
10 Nov: EXETER Phoenix
15 Nov: LONDON, Water Rats
16 Nov: WINCHESTER, The Railway Inn
23 Nov: GUILDFORD Star Inn
25 Nov: LEEDS, Oporto
28 Nov: SHEFFIELD, Greystones
30 Nov: TRURO Old Bakery Studios

William The Conqueror’s new single, Bleeding On The Soundtrack, is out now on Loose.

TOUR & ALBUM NEWS: Jon Spencer dates October/November 2018, solo album out November 2018

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LSF Staff Writers
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Ahead of the release of his debut solo album and forthcoming EU headline dates and tour with The Melvins, Jon Spencer returns with a video for new single ‘I Got The Hits’ that delves into the darkest corners of America. The film finds Spencer immobilized and horizontal, helpless to move as life and sinister creatures pass him by, all set to a high-energy rock n’ roll beat.

“Over the past year I kept seeing wonderful and strange music videos that had one thing in common: all were directed by an Alex Italics,” explains Spencer. “I determined to track down this young auteur with the aim of getting a similar cinematic sensation for my new album ‘Spencer Sings The Hits!’. Alex turned out to be a mild-mannered young man from Tucson Arizona living in Southern California. I gave him a free hand to pick the song and devise a treatment. The result is the scary slice-of-life that you can now see for yourself.”

“I love the creepy contrast with the song’s punk abandon,” continues Jon. “We filmed at a rented house in Santa Ana. At the end of each day, after the nearby nightly Disneyland fireworks had faded and the cast and crew had left, I would sleep in a bunk bed in the child’s bedroom. Turns out doing an entire video laying on the floor is harder than it looks!”

‘Spencer Sings The Hits!’, released November 2nd on In The Red Records, is Garage Punk for Now People! A wizard’s brew of rhythm & blues and subversive dance grooves, weaponized with sci-fi skronk and industrial attitude, calibrated for the Revolution, a ball-peen hammer of sound guaranteed to destroy any post-modern hangover!

Pulsing with energy, clanging with excitement, and dripping with radioactive soul and raw emotion, Jon Spencer opens up his heart like never before, exploring man’s modern condition with caustic guitars and outerworld crooning, asking and answering the musical question, “Is it possible to torch the cut-throat world of fake news and pre-fab, plastic-coated teen ennui with the cold hard facts of rock’n’roll?”

‘Spencer Sings The Hits!’ is released November 2nd on In The Red Records and is available to pre-order from: https://www.roughtrade.com/gb/usic/jon-spencer-spencer-sings-the-hits

TRACKLIST:
01 “Do The Trash Can”
02 “Fake”
03 “Overload”
04 “Time 2 Be Bad”
05 “Ghost”
06 “Beetle Boots”
07 “Hornet
08 “Wilderness”
09 “Love Handle”
10 “I Got the Hits”
11 “Alien Humidity”
12 “Cape”

Catch Jon Spencer live at the following dates with The Melvins (* headline shows)

October

23 Birmingham 02 Academy 2
24 Norwich Waterfront
25 Cardiff Y Plas
26 Leeds Stylus
27 Glasgow Broadcast (TICKETS) JON SPENCER HEADLINE SHOW *
28 Manchester Academy 2
29 Brighton Concorde 2
30 London Koko (TICKETS)

November – Jon Spencer headline dates:

1 Bristol Exchange
2 London Rough Trade East
3 Newcastle Cluny 2
4 Nottingham Bodega

EP & TOUR NEWS: Huw Eddy & The Carnival Return with ‘Malflourished’, Dates October-December 2018

By
LSF Staff Writers
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Relentlessly building momentum to bring their pulsating parade to the masses, the indie folk collective Huw Eddy & The Carnival return with their five track EP ‘Malflourished’ (released 20th October), discussing the struggles of young adult life after a lifetime of education.

Influenced by the likes of Father John Misty, Nathanial Rateliff and the Night Sweats and The Water Boys, Huw Eddy & The Carnival have created a collection of songs that deal with the issues of young adult life, emphasising the sheer drop from the structure of being in a lifetime of education, to the overwhelming idea of an adult future. Although the group feel “our future seems to be decided for us”, the aim with the EP is to put a smile on listeners faces and force everyone to dance away their problems.

Dates

October 20th | Hyde Park Book Club | Leeds

October 25th | The Head of Steam | Newcastle

October 26th | Stramash | Edinburgh

November 2nd | The Star Inn | Guildford

November 3rd | ExCellar | Surbiton

November 6th | The 1865 | Southampton

November 8th | The Water Rats | London

November 9th | The Moon | Cardiff

November 10th | Mr Wolfs | Bristol

November 11th | Philharmonic Hall | Liverpool

November 14th | The Cobblestones | Bridgwater

November 15th | Peaky Blinders | Paignton

November 17th | The Marshall Rooms | Stroud

December 22nd | Gullivers | Manchester

GIG NEWS: Eboracum Sessions returns this Saturday 20th October

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LSF Staff Writers
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Rich Hardcastle

The first of its kind in York, Eboracum Sessions will launch the second instalment of their 6-hour long Acoustic and Folk Sesh at The Black Swan Inn on Peasholme Green on Saturday 20 October.

Showcasing the work of six established musical acts, from across Yorkshire, the family-friendly event has been created to offer audiences a live music experience in one of York’s finest pubs and eateries, The Black Swan Inn.

Ellen Cole, who is the Curator of Eboracum Sessions says, “The first event in July was a huge success and we received many rave reviews for the public who wanted to see more six-hour music sessions take place. The second event includes a wide range of folk and acoustic styles and I am really looking forward to seeing what audiences think of this Saturday’s music session. My aim for the Acoustic and Folk Sesh is attract a wide range of audiences – music lovers and those who have little or have never attended a music gig before. Eboracum Sessions is going to be an event where people will be able to enjoy great food and drink whilst listening to the work of the finest acoustic and folk musicians which Yorkshire has to offer. I am super happy with the line-up for the second event and there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Taking place in the Wolfe Room at The Black Swan Inn, the session will feature a set from guitar & mandolin led Celtic bluegrass fusion duo Bella Gaffney & Polly Bolton; the mesmerising Katie Spencer who has an unprecedented following due to her unique interpretation of alternative folk music; female duo Union Jill who deliver stunning harmonies, intelligent songs and banter you only get with two women sharing a stage; local legend David Ward Maclean who has built up a reputation as one of the finest folk musicians in Yorkshire; Nick Hall from Plumhall, who rarely plays solo sets in North Yorkshire; and lastly, we’re delighted to have with us Rich Hardcastle and Friends, who rarely perform in their hometown of York, this is going to be such a treat for our audiences!

Ellen continues, “We are currently 55% sold out, however there will be tickets available throughout the day, so please do pop down, even if it’s for a few hours. Children can also come into the music session for free if they are accompanied by an adult. It’s going to be an incredible day with performances from acts that you wouldn’t normally see together on a line-up, it’s definitely one not be missed.”

Eboracum Sessions will take place on Saturday 20 October from 3pm-9pm (doors open 2.45pm) at The Black Swan Inn on Peasholme Green. Tickets are £6 in advance (plus booking fee) or £8 on the door (subject to availability). Eboracum Sessions is predicted to be a highlight in the York musical calendar of events! To book your tickets visit >>> https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eboracum-sessions-the-acoustic-and-folk-sesh-tickets-49766270254?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

For more information about the music sessions, visit: www.facebook.com/EboracumSessions, follow them at: www.twitter.com/EboracumSesh or join them on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/eboracumsessions/

FESTIVAL NEWS: Memorial plaque unveiled for the late Tramlines Festival Director Sarah Nulty at Devonshire Green Sheffield

By
LSF Staff Writers
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A memorial plaque for the late Tramlines Festival Director, Sarah Nulty, was unveiled yesterday by The Lord Mayor of Sheffield Magid Magid, and Tramlines Operations Director Timm Cleasby at Devonshire Green – the original site of the Tramlines’ Main Stage in 2009. A Civic Award for Sarah from the Lord Mayor was also presented to Sarah’s mother Julie Voisey and former partner Christie Rossiter.

The ceremony included tributes from the Leader of Sheffield City Council Julie Dore, and Richard Eyre, Head of City Centre and Major Events at Sheffield City Council. Both the memorial and the Civic Award have been given in recognition of Sarah’s positive impact on Sheffield’s music scene and for her achievements in the wider music industry. Sarah sadly passed away at the age of 36 several weeks before the 10th edition of Tramlines.

Sarah was instrumental in the launch of Tramlines in 2009 and by 2013, took on the role as Festival Director. She came to Sheffield as a student in 1999 and worked at Gatecrasher and Bed nightclub before going on to manage various venues and live music events around the city.

Sarah dedicated her whole working career to the Sheffield music industry. After nearly two-decades, this work has led to massive benefits for the city and she was the driving force of Tramlines for many years. Her tenacity, vision and unbreakable work ethic are the reasons that the festival celebrated its tenth anniversary in July this year.

Tramlines Operations Director, Timm Cleasby said: “Sarah was a great friend and colleague and this is a fantastic tribute to her. This plaque is perfectly situated at the original site of the main stage at Devonshire Green and will evoke many great memories of Sarah when we visit it. We hope that it serves as both a lasting reminder of the incredible work Sarah has done over the years for Tramlines and the wider music scene in Sheffield, but also as an inspiration for young women who might get involved in music too.”

Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council commented: “My personal view is that Sarah was a formidable and phenomenal woman, she knew what she wanted and she went out and got it. What she achieved and delivered on behalf of Sheffield city is her legacy for many years to come.”

Lord Mayor of Sheffield Magid Magid added: “Sheffield’s always had a rich history of culture and the arts, but it takes people to make this happen. Sarah epitomised everything that is great and good about Sheffield. Her contribution lives within her family and friends and within the festival. Her legacy will live on forever and we as a city will always be in debt to her. Putting up this plaque and bestowing her with a civic award is the least we can do.”

Sarah’s mother Julie Voisey said: “Sarah’s family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support over the past few months and for all the heartfelt tributes we’ve received. At age 18, Sarah chose Sheffield to be her new home and grew to love the city. Sarah was humble about her achievements and would be honoured to receive this recognition of her hard work and contribution to Sheffield’s music scene. We are so proud of what she achieved in the short time she was here. She was, and will always be, our Super Star.”

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