Women of the Seven Hills was founded in 2018 by Emily Stancer with the aim of celebrating female-identifying musicians in Sheffield and further afield. Since its inception, the event has put on a series of empowering gigs at local venues, bringing together genre-spanning lineups showcasing the vast pool of talent on offer in the region.
The latest instalment, taking place at The Leadmill on 10th September, will feature Abbie Ozard, The Rooves, Neighbourhood Choir and Before Breakfast – the latter of whom kindly agreed to put together a handpicked guide to the Women of Steel who inspire them, highlighting creative individuals blazing trails in the music, fashion and arts scene and finding out what makes them tick.
Words: Gina Walters
Photos: Lucy Revis
Emily
Emily has been writing and gigging in Sheffield since she was a teenager; she’s no stranger to the ever-changing musical landscape of this city. A pop princess at heart, Emily has always been drawn to strong female artists, with Madonna being her absolute icon. But as most female musicians can tell a story or two of feeling underestimated or underappreciated in this industry, Emily went ahead and founded Women of the Seven Hills in 2018. This celebration of female-identifying musicians in Sheffield and further afield has since been a huge hit in showcasing the women making music in the region.
Favourite South Yorkshire artist/band
Self Esteem.
Best gig
Latitude with BB.
Three artists on your work playlist
Griff, Haim, Little Mix.
A musician you’d love to collaborate with
Griff.
Favourite thing about being a woman
The relationships that we create with our friends. There’s something really special about female friendships: there’s so much love, strength and care there. You can literally do anything with your girls behind you.
Nyoo
Lucy Jo Newell, maker of deliciously comfortable smock dresses, seeker of deadstock timeless fabrics and founder of Nyoo, is no stranger to Sheffield’s independent scene after co-founding Syd & Mallory (RIP) many moons ago. Lucy has always had strong connections to the music scene here, having previous experience in bands as well as being sister to artist and DJ Tom J Newell. It’s a joy knowing that investing in Lucy’s clothes means you’re supporting such a talented woman, then with the added bonus that they’ll last forever and the sizes and styles are inclusive.
Favourite South Yorkshire artist/band
Psychedelic babes Sister Wives.
Best gig
Oooh, too many! Beyoncé is up there. Patti Smith at Hop Farm festival, where I also saw Prince! Yep. Self Esteem at Clamlines – a very sweaty, clammy affair!
Three artists on your work playlist
Françoise Hardy, Solange, Self Esteem.
A musician you’d love to collaborate with
RLT. Self Esteem.
Favourite thing about being a woman
Moaning that I feel fat, then choosing to eat a Greggs vegan sausage cheese bean melt and go for pints rather than the gym, and my friends fully supporting those decisions. Exercise is also great though – everything in moderation, innit! Having the best cheerleader gal pals that are here for it all whenever/forever. Feeling fancy and powerful af when you pop a new lippy on.
Bea
Bea Marshall is an award-winning autistic Energy Therapist, Healer and Parenting Expert, but she is also a treasured friend. Bea’s work is wonderfully entangled with her creativity and joyful expression, from kitchen dancing Instagram videos to her bright and beautiful branding (and wardrobe!). She lives in Walkley with her two teenage sons, adopted dog and four rescue hens. In her work, Bea helps people move from struggle to thriving in their parenting, neurodiversity and relationships. Follow Bea online for oodles of wisdom, challenging discussion and the opportunity to look inward, re-focus and reflect.
Favourite South Yorkshire artist/band
Mark Stoney. We moved to Sheffield at the same time 21 years ago and shared houses. I’ve grown through my adult years with his music and friendship.
Best gig
Pulp, 1995 (I think), at Birmingham NEC. My friend and I had to choose between staying for the end of the gig or catching the last train home. We chose the gig and our parents were furious!
Three artists on your work playlist
I can’t work to music but I use music a lot to regulate my nervous system by dancing, often in my kitchen. Amy Steinberg, Dire Straits and Fleetwood Mac are the first three to come to mind.
A musician you’d love to collaborate with
Taylor Swift. Her storytelling combined with the creative way I work as an Energy Therapist would be magical.
Favourite thing about being a woman
My period. I love the wisdom and power that lies in every stage of my inner cycle, and the rituals that my monthly bleeding creates.
Gemma
Gemma is a phenomenal stripper, professional model, OnlyFans content creator and an excellent pole dance instructor who works with music every single day to channel her own – and help others channel – their inner sexiness. The relationship she has created between music and her body is beautiful, allowing her to move instinctively to anything that pops up on a playlist or something a student may send her way – take a look at her IG videos, wahhh! But being sex and sex work positive, we also want to highlight Gemma’s work as a sex workers’ rights activist. At this critical time where OnlyFans has decided to ban sex workers from selling their content, among a plethora of ineffective government legislation, we want you to take time to find out how you can support sex workers. Gemma has a wealth of resources on her Instagram (@gemmarosepole) to help you get started. You can find out more about Gemma and access her services via her website gemmarose.co.uk.
Favourite South Yorkshire artist/band
Before Breakfast and Harri Tape (head singer of Harri Larkin) – she sang when my fiancé proposed!
Best gig
Justin Bieber. It was awful and I loved every second.
Three artists on your work playlist
Doja Cat, Ella Mai, Kehlani.
A musician you’d love to collaborate with
Before Breakfast (hint, hint ).
Favourite thing about being a woman
Experiencing pure joy through my femininity and empowerment through my sexuality.
HANNAH
Hannah is the owner of The Nook Hair, Sheffield’s first sustainable and eco-conscious salon. They first opened their doors July 2020, boldly deciding to start a business as a one-woman show in a global pandemic; and this tells us a lot about Hannah – determined and vision-led. This is the cool bit though: they adapt hairdressing practices to reduce waste, choosing products from companies that are conscious about how they impact our environment, and, thanks to Green Salon Collective, they recycle properly (even the hair goes back into the earth or is used to soak up oil spills!). Despite the turmoil of the past 18 months, the team has grown from one to four, including the addition of HD brows treatment. From personal experience, we can tell you that the team will put you at ease, let you slow down and exist in the moment inside a clean, cool and airy space. We love what Hannah has created and look forward to seeing what comes next for The Nook.
Favourite South Yorkshire artist/band
I mean, Before Breakfast of course!
Best gig
I was a ska punk kid. I came to Corp years ago, before living in Sheffield, and saw Reel Big Fish. I stuck to the floor and it was sweaty, but I had the most fun.
Three artists on your work playlist
Arlo Parks, Blondie, Goldfrapp.
A musician you’d love to collaborate with
Taylor Swift. I basically just watched Miss Americana, so I now love her.
Favourite thing about being a woman
The sense of community, the support and how we champion each other is pretty special. Sheffield has a fantastic community of small businesses and freelancers – it’s definitely one of a kind.
BTW
There are too many fiercely brilliant women for us to spotlight, it would take up a full magazine in itself [now there’s an idea – Ed.], so here’s a list of a few more that we couldn’t fit in this time around…
Teah Lewis/Boxie, LIO, Rhiannon Scutt, Neighbourhood Voices, Tessa/Tracks, Ellie Grace Photography, Liah Edwardes/Anomaly Life Drawing, Charlotte Kaufman/Kauf, Beth Pegler/Beth Pegler Jewelry, Heather Gilberthorpe Pell/Lit Candles, Heather/Heather Creative Photographer
Support some of the best handpicked local talent in an inclusive space, at a renowned Sheffield venue this month. The latest Women of the Seven Hills takes place on 10th September at The Leadmill. Tickets (£10) and more info available from leadmill.co.uk.
