New documentary explores Sheffield's influence on electronic music
A new documentary celebrating Sheffield's pivotal role in the evolution of electronic music is now available to watch online.
From the Ground Up: How Sheffield Inspired the Evolution of Electronic Music explores the people, places and ideas that helped shape a genre that would go on to influence music across the world.
Produced as part of Sheffield Inspires, the city's place brand, the documentary was commissioned by Marketing Sheffield and created by filmmaker Jordan Carroll.
Through conversations with some of the artists, innovators and pioneers who have been at the forefront of Sheffield's electronic music story, the film traces the city's influence from the early days of experimentation with synthesisers through to the sounds and scenes that continue to inspire musicians today.
There are few cities as synonymous with electronic music as Sheffield. From the groundbreaking work of bands to the development of bleep techno and bassline, Sheffield has consistently pushed musical boundaries and created movements that have resonated far beyond South Yorkshire.
Featuring personal reflections and insights from key figures connected to Sheffield's music scene, From the Ground Up explores not only the city's rich musical heritage, but also the creativity, experimentation and independent spirit that continue to define Sheffield today.
Narrated by Sheffield music journalist Daniel Dylan Wray, the film features contributions from a host notable Sheffield artists, including Stephen Mallinder of Cabaret Voltaire, Rob Gordon, one of the founders of Warp Records, DJ and producer Toddla T, and Katie Matthews, co-founder of independent music venue Gut Level.
The film also features a wealth of archive photography and footage from contributors, helping to bring Sheffield's influential musical history to life.
Jordan Carroll is a Sheffield-born filmmaker and cinematographer whose documentary work spans branded, independent and broadcast productions in the UK and internationally.
Speaking about his experience making the documentary, filmmaker Jordan said: "Working on this film was an ideal project for me. Having studied and lived in the city for 16 years, I've experienced the local music scene first hand, and I've always been blown away by the sheer willpower of the artists and promoters who get things off the ground.
The city has a rich musical history, so being part of that journey, and getting to make a film about it, fills me with great pride.
And there's something genuinely compelling about the idea that the nights happening in these venues right now could influence what the world listens to next. All eyes really should be on Sheffield!"
The documentary forms part of the Sheffield Inspires theme 'We inspire the evolution of electronic music' one of seven founding stories that showcase how Sheffield's people, ideas and innovations continue to shape the world around us.
Whether you're a lifelong music fan, a student discovering Sheffield for the first time, or simply curious about the city's cultural impact, the film offers a fascinating insight into one of Sheffield's most influential stories.
Marketing Sheffield would like to thank all contributors who generously shared their stories, insights and archive materials for the documentary, as well as filmmaker Jordan Carroll, whose passion and dedication helped bring Sheffield's electronic music story to the screen.
How to watch the documentary?
From the Ground Up: How Sheffield Inspired the Evolution of Electronic Music is now available to watch on YouTube - watch it below or go to YouTube here.
To discover more stories from the Sheffield Inspires campaign, visit the Sheffield Inspires section of our website here.
Watch From the Ground Up
Sheffield is a global pioneer of electronic music.
As part of Sheffield Inspires, the city's place brand, Marketing Sheffield commissioned filmmaker Jordan Carroll to explore that story.
Through conversations with some of the people who have played a pivotal role in the evolution of electronic music, From the Ground Up celebrates Sheffield's lasting impact on a genre that changed music forever.
A thriving music sector with global reach
The release of From the Ground Up comes hot on the heels of a major new music report published earlier this month by the University of Sheffield, which has revealed top artists such as Arctic Monkeys, Bring Me The Horizon and Def Leppard generate almost 2 billion Spotify streams each quarter, highlighting the massive global reach of the city's music sector.
The ‘Sheffield: City of Music’ report explores the city’s rich musical heritage alongside its indelible cultural and economic impact - a scene that currently supports an estimated 2,100 full-time equivalent jobs.
The wide-ranging report examines every facet of the city’s music sector, from chart-topping stadium fillers to the carol singing tradition that’s thrived in the city’s pubs for almost 200 years. It also argues for the establishment of a Sheffield Music Office to sustain and build on a legacy that has produced global icons.
From the Ground Up and the new report also come at a time that Sheffield is bidding to be UK City of Culture in 2029, with the announcement on whether the city has made the shortlist due later this autumn.
The "From the Ground Up" theme has been a recurring thread throughout Sheffield's UK City of Culture campaign, with a wider video series exploring the city's cultural strengths and highlighting the influence of Sheffield's distinctive DIY ethos across its creative and cultural sectors.
You can watch the full series from 'Sheffield's UK City of Culture 2029 bid' here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIODGiolJTg4&si=yB23tRVNYC-WWYoD
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