The Long Play Sessions: Groovy, Laidback and Nasty with Daniel Dylan Wray

Spanning seven decades and with over 150 new interviews, including Richard Hawley, Arctic Monkeys, Self Esteem, ABC, Pulp, Def Leppard, The Human League, Toddla T, Cabaret Voltaire, Warp Records, Clock DVA, Heaven 17 and many more
From dazzling electronic futurism to pioneering post-punk, via pop, metal, bassline, bleep techno and generation-defining indie rock, Sheffield has long been a crucible for world-leading music.
Some artists have excelled on the fringes, others have achieved global success, but all remain connected through a fervently independent ethos. In Sheffield, creativity flourished in the face of isolation, economic decline and bleak political circumstances, resulting in some of Britain's most groundbreaking and singular music. But the region's ingrained humility and dogged stoicism means it has never been documented or celebrated to the level of more hubristic cities.
In Groovy, Laidback and Nasty, acclaimed Sheffield journalist Daniel Dylan Wray sets out to remedy this, telling the story of the city's DIY spirit and the musical visionaries and innovators who helped build its inimitable legacy.
Both a compelling cultural study and an unapologetic love letter to the city, this - finally - is the definitive musical history Sheffield so richly deserves.

• A journey through seven decades of Sheffield’s groundbreaking music history, from post-war dance halls to modern indie and electronic scenes.
• Behind-the-scenes stories from more than 150 interviews with influential artists, producers and music pioneers.
• Exploration of Sheffield’s role in shaping genres including electronic music, post-punk, synth-pop, bleep techno, bassline and indie rock.
• Personal insights from author Daniel Dylan Wray on researching and writing the definitive musical history of Sheffield.
• Audience Q&A.
• Book signing opportunity - bring your copy or purchase one on the night.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Long Play Sessions for an entertaining, insightful and nostalgia-rich evening, uncovering one of the most influential and least documented chapters in British music history.

This event forms part of The Long Play Sessions, a curated series hosted by ICMP Music School, celebrating influential writers whose work has shaped how we understand music, culture and creative history. Each session brings landmark books to life through live conversation, historical context and deep industry insight.

The Electric Press, Millennium Square, LS2 3AD

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