Sonic Heritage, Identity and Music-making in Sheffield, “Steel City”

SCHOFIELD, John and WRIGHT, Ron (2021). Sonic Heritage, Identity and Music-making in Sheffield, “Steel City”. Heritage & Society. [Article]

Documents
29101:593812
[thumbnail of Wright-SonicHeritageIdentityMusicMaking(VoR).pdf]
Preview
PDF
Wright-SonicHeritageIdentityMusicMaking(VoR).pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

Download (2MB) | Preview
Abstract
This paper examines the way pervasive influences within the built environment shape heritage and identity. With a focus on Sheffield, a northern English city strongly associated with a now largely defunct steel industry, the paper investigates how the city’s industrial past, its location and social fabric have shaped music-making, creating a distinctive scene that has become central to the city’s cultural identity. Using a combination of in-depth interviews and documentary analysis, Sheffield is presented from the mid-1970s as experiencing what can be referred to as a “sonic cycle” in which the city’s musicians refer to the sound of the drop-hammer in the steel forges being a backdrop to their childhood and a clear influence as they began their musical careers, and how the “industrial music” scene which they created has in turn shaped a new heritage identity. The paper concludes by promoting the idea that music created by local musicians forms a vital part of Sheffield’s character and is an essential ingredient for shaping alternative urban futures.
More Information
Statistics

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

Metrics

Altmetric Badge

Dimensions Badge

Share
Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item