After losing her voice for more than a year, Sheffield artist NØRSKOV is back on stage. We caught up with the talented singer to talk recovery, busking and what’s next.
Ayup, Leona. Long time no speak. What have you been up to recently?
I recently performed at Kelham Pride, which was such an incredible experience. The turnout was amazing, and the energy from the crowd was truly something special. As a lesbian myself, it meant so much to be able to perform for and celebrate alongside such a beautiful, supportive community.
I’m also excited to be performing at Tramlines Festival and Godiva Festival this year, and I’m hoping to announce another headline show soon following my last sold-out performance. I’m so grateful for every opportunity to share my music and connect with people, and I can’t wait for what’s next.
You’ve been part of the local music scene for a while now, but for anyone who hasn’t seen you perform yet, how would you describe a Nørskov live show?
It blends acoustic storytelling with modern pop influences: honesty, emotion and powerful live energy.
Many people will recognise you from your street performances around the city centre. What first attracted you to busking, and what keeps you coming back to it?
Busking started for me a decade ago with my friend JC, when we created Inavibe. Back then, there weren’t many buskers around, and it felt like something fresh and open. I loved the freedom of it – being able to travel from city to city, hopping on a train just to chase a vibe and share music wherever we landed. It was such a powerful way to get our sound out into the world.
When I eventually began busking on my own, I took everything I’d learned alongside JC and used it as a blueprint to shape my own approach and energy. That foundation helped me build my own vibe and connect with people in a more personal way.
Busking has always felt like a beautiful, organic way to connect with strangers in the middle of their everyday lives. Sometimes it’s someone stopping for a minute to listen, other times it’s a conversation about how a song connected with them in a deeper way. Those moments of real, unscripted connection are what I love most about it.
You’ve spoken on social media about your experience with muscle tension dysphonia, which prevented you from singing for over a year. Would you mind talking a bit about that journey, what it was like navigating it and whether coming through the other side has changed your perspective in any way?
Muscle tension dysphonia really is a singer’s worst nightmare. Something that once felt as natural as breathing suddenly becomes something you have to fight for. Losing my voice wasn’t just losing a skill or a job – it felt like losing a part of myself, my identity and the thing I loved most in the world. It was physically exhausting, mentally draining, and emotionally overwhelming.
Getting it back has been a long and difficult journey. Alongside vocal therapy, I also had psychological therapy to try and understand the deeper roots of what was happening, since so much of it was tied to my mental and emotional state. It’s been three years since it all began, and I’m still on that path – but I’m genuinely proud of how far I’ve come.
I couldn’t have done any of this alone. My parents and my girlfriend have been incredible throughout, supporting me even in the moments I struggled to believe I’d get my voice back. Their love and patience have meant more than I can properly put into words.
And now, for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m finding myself again. I feel like I’m back.
Finally, where’s the best place for people to discover more about your music and support what you do?
You can find me on Insta and TikTok at @norskovmusic, where I share my journey through music. And who knows – maybe one day our paths will cross somewhere in your city. Until then, I hope my songs find their way to you.
NØRSKOV plays The Open Arms on Sat 25 July.
