Uploaded May 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago

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Here is my contribution to this week's challenge set by Andy and Grace.
"The mighty KLF once claimed “It’s grim up north” - but we beg to differ! Our beloved city of Sheffield has a long history of steel-making. One of the machines used in this process was known as the “drop hammer” - an enormous multi-ton hammer that stamped out the steel when it was still soft. The booms of the hammers dropping, that ran 24/7, would echo through the valleys and could be heard many miles away. This sound was hugely influential on the electronic music that has emerged from here, dating back over 50 years.

Legendary electronic music from our city that you may have heard of includes Cabaret Voltaire, Heaven 17, The Human League, Clock DVA, WARP Records, I Monster and Sweet Exorcist. Clearly many genres, not just “industrial techno”!

We challenge you to imagine that you can hear the drop hammers in the middle of the night, permeating your consciousness as you make your music, whatever it may be, and make us a jam that reflects this."

Thanks for listening

DMAT