Seems almost everyone is saying that 2011 was the year of boring music, well here at Counterfeit we don’t agree with that at all. We’ve seen at lot, heard a lot, written a fair bit and also taken a fair few photos, so we thought we’d highlight a few of the things we’ve enjoyed this year. I know many publications look back and focus on the best of things but we’ve had a total blast doing what we do!
With a booming live music scene Sheffield it’s hard to know where to start and reflect on the last 12 months. Venues such as Soyo, The Harley and West Street Live continue to showcase a range of talents, whilst The Plug, Leadmill and the Academy keep intriguing us with what’s coming up next. We’ve watched the likes of the BBC’s In New Music We Trust feed us non-stop dance, Laura Marling captivate Sheffield cathedral, Bombay Bicycle Club go crazy in a packed Academy and a whole heap of other acts who have had us singing along, dancing around like loons and generally have a good time. Local acts we’ve loved and are still in love with include Hey Sholay, Sarah Mac, Alvarez Kings, The Violet May, Oxo Foxo, Mad Colours, Cobra Fist, David J Roch, Ian Britt…and many many more.
Last summer the festival season was in full effect for us: we danced in the rain to the sounds of Renegade Brass Band at Friends of Mine festival, chased sheep at BeatHerder, fell in love with the charms of Kendal Calling, went Live at Leeds, mooched around at Constellations and we were one of 20000 people standing in a field watching Pulp at Leeds festival. We were also part of the award winning Tramlines festival here in Sheffield an event that simply brings the city together as one. It was an unforgettable summer, roll on 2012. 
Features wise we’ve embraced a variety of musical types from singer songwriters such as Ian Britt and See Emily Play, to karate kids Cobra Fist, the sparkly lady Vanhessa behind the enigmatic Fresh Fruits and music genius Alan Symth, it’s been our pleasure to sit down and chat to them about what they’re about. 
This year was also a landmark for us as Counterfeit went into print, so we’ve only had one issue hit the streets so far but, keep your eyes open in 2012 as we’ll be coming at you fast and hard with a heap of music and arts delights for your visual and aural pleasures.
On a personal reflection, having taken over as editor in September, the back end of the year has been pretty non-stop to say the least, but I couldn’t have done it without the crack team behind the scenes, Live Editor Jamie Boynton, recent Listings Editor now Arts Editor Rob Aldam, previous Editor and our wonderful designer Nathaniel Chang.
There have been a heap of people who have helped us out big style, to name a few and without sounding like a bad Oscar speech Sean Bruce, Gary Wolstenholme, Sam Valdez Lopez, Coral Williamson, Phoebe Seymour, Josh Manson, Nick Lound, Scott Payling, Pippa Moore, Dean Leivers, Dan Sumption, Mark Tighe, Chris Saunders and Andy Brown have all been a pleasure to work with and long may then continue to do so. Our wonderful contributors have been to the key to our success if it wasn’t for these guys we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. I for one would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has made 2011 a wonderful year for us, roll on 2012…we’re coming to get you Counterfeit style!
Here’s a round up of some of the gigs, events and features we’ve been involved with this year
