photo by Nick PorterLeeds-based Alt Folk-Pop duo, Sunflower Thieves, are back on the scene with their poignant single, “Already Taken,” accompanied by an evocative new music video. The duo, comprised of childhood friends Amy Illingworth and Lily Sturt-Bolshaw, blends dreamy soundscapes with emotional depth, appealing to fans of Marika Hackman and The Staves.
“Woven through reflections on post-breakup sadness, ‘Already Taken’ captures the feelings of trying to cope with someone’s absence,” Amy explains. The track’s origins are deeply personal, written alongside friends while Amy navigated a recent breakup and even the loss of her first car, an experience she describes as akin to losing a first love. The addition of her brother Laurie’s piano on the track elevates its emotional resonance, making it a comforting piece amid the sorrow.
The music video, directed by videographer Nick Porter, channels early 2000s nostalgia as it documents the duo’s intimate moments of recovery and creativity in Amy’s childhood bedroom. It serves as a reminder of the healing power of friendship during tough times.
photo by Adam IllingworthSunflower Thieves gained recognition for their craft with their debut EP, “Someone To Be There For,” released in 2022, followed by “Same Blood” in 2024. Touring alongside artists like Tors and Dan Croll, they are now set to embark on their own UK headline tour, kicking off in York on April 22, with stops in Manchester, Edinburgh, Brighton, London, and Birmingham.
As they wrap up 2025 with “Already Taken,” anticipation builds for new music in 2026. Stay tuned for more from this promising duo!
