Nancy was born in Billinge Higher End, near Wigan, Greater Manchester, England, and learned piano and guitar at an early age, the latter being entirely self-taught.
Nancy's first EP, released in 2006, was recorded in an old Corinthian-style church on the outskirts of Liverpool and is named after the concept of an ideal ruler in ancient Indian mythology.
[11] Drawing inspiration from natural sounds of the Faroe Islands (her grandmother's birthplace), rural Spain and the Lake District, the album was recorded in a remote corner of North Wales.
The entertainment section of BBC Online recommended it for an 'alternative mercury award' stating that "Her cascading, intricately-arranged songs transcend genre conventions – swirling strings and breathy harmonies conjuring up everything from Ennio Morricone to PJ Harvey"[17] Cunliffe has collaborated for many live shows and records, including touring with Tunng, A Hawk and a Hacksaw and James Yorkston.
[18] She has also worked with Susumu Yokota[19][20] and is in production with Paul White[21] In this TEDx talk, she tells us about her journey as an artist and how her creative process has developed, as well as performing some of her mesmerising music.