Rising Leeds-based alt folk-pop duo Sunflower Thieves have released the poignant music video for their latest single, "Already Taken." The track serves as a cathartic bookmark for the pair as they look toward a busy 2026, coinciding with the announcement of an extensive UK headline tour this April.
Grit, Vulnerability, and Nostalgia
Comprised of childhood friends Amy Illingworth and Lily Sturt-Bolshaw, Sunflower Thieves have built a reputation for ethereal harmonies and "dreamy, rousing soundscapes" often compared to The Staves and Marika Hackman. "Already Taken" delves into the raw aftermath of a breakup—the quiet sadness of navigating a world that someone else has chosen to leave behind.
Amy Illingworth shares that the song was written in the heart of that experience. "Lyrically, it’s about trying to process living without somebody... and the everyday reminders they leave behind," she explains. The track also features a personal touch with Amy’s brother, Laurie, on piano, recorded at home to capture a sense of comfort and family support.
The accompanying music video, directed by Nick Porter, leans into a nostalgic 2000s aesthetic. Filmed largely in Amy’s childhood bedroom, it captures the quiet recovery period of "just hanging out" with friends and finding light in the sadness.
A Community-Focused Production
True to their Leeds roots, the track was recorded at Eiger Studios as part of a collaboration with the social enterprise Come Play With Me. Lily managed the project, which provided studio experience for individuals from marginalized backgrounds pursuing careers in sound engineering.
2026 UK Headline Tour
Having previously toured with acts like Flyte and Say She She, the duo is ready to hit the road again for their own headline dates. The tour kicks off in York on April 22, hitting major cities across the UK:
Dates include: Manchester, Edinburgh, Brighton, London, and Birmingham.
Buy tour tickets below.
With support already pouring in from BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music, "Already Taken" solidifies Sunflower Thieves as a vital voice in the UK's indie-folk scene.
Reserve, Book and Buy Tickets through our trusted partner Ticketmaster below.
