Trans-Genre Music for the cultured ear
Welcome to the official Sun-Pinned Leaves site
The Leaves celebrate first No: 1 of 2025
Sun-Pinned Leaves has officially claimed the number one spot on Valley FM's 'Banks Radio weekly music chart' with their new single, "Not for Love nor Money." Broadcasting from a region just outside Canberra, Australia, the station has helped elevate the song which is making waves with frequent airplay on popular stations ahead of its official release on April 25.
The single is a taster for the up and coming 2025 album "No One Gets Out Alive" - a hot blend of Americana flavoured Folk-Country-Rock. "Not for Love Nor Money" will feature on the CD version of the duo's 8th album (released on 13 June) and will be available from Bandcamp.
Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to enjoy the latest captivating sounds from Sun-Pinned Leaves!
A big thank you to Isaac Banks and to the listeners of the show.
Banks Music Promotion
VALLEY FM 89.5 (Australia)
Isaac Banks Top 10 tracks (21 Apr 2025).
1. Sun-Pinned Leaves - Not for Love nor Money
2. MidLyfe's Crisis - Sixteen Hours
3. Callinsick - Come On
4. Cardinal Black - Holding My Breath
5. Canyon Lights - Breathe Easy
6. Nick Duane - Pictures on the Wall
7. Andy Smith Music - I Want to Take you Far
8. Tweener - Vertigo
9. Jammer - Pers
10. Beth Lucas - Sweet
Another Official Seal of Excellence
It is once again an honour to receive this 2025 award for Finalist in the World Songwriting Awards 'Outlaw' song category with ‘Just a Little More Time’ - a song from the 7th Sun-Pinned Leaves album Seven Sins Aren't Enough. Thank you WSA for the recognition.
A Return to Reigate Please
SPL catch up with friends at New Music Nights' March event
Three years on from their previous visit to Reigate, Surrey Sun-Pinned Leaves were delighted to be asked to play a set at Reigate Priory Football Club - just a 'stone's throw' from where they played as a three-piece in early 2022.
The duo shared the bill with an impressive line up comprising Artaca, Tim Armitage, The Half Light and Graffiti. ​New Music Nights is a non-profit monthly event that promotes local musicians who write and perform original songs. A big "thank you!" to the organisers and staff for another successful night.
Click here for more information.
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A Remarkable Sun-Pinned 2024
2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. With a string of accolades, performances, and new releases, Sun-Pinned Leaves solidifies its presence on the international music scene. Let’s dive into the highlights of this stellar year.
January: Kicking Off the Year on a High Note
The new year started with Sun-Pinned Leaves celebrating the success of “City’s Got Soul”, which was ranked as the No. 9 most popular song for 2023 on the European Indie Music Network. Meanwhile, the duo began crafting their seventh album, a project that would evolve into the critically acclaimed “Seven Sins Aren’t Enough.”
February: A Welcome Return to The Lighthouse
After a hiatus since 2019, Sun-Pinned Leaves made their much-anticipated return to The Lighthouse, rekindling connections with fans and bringing their brand of Americana energy back to this cherished venue.
March: Sixth Album Earns Acclaim
Sun-Pinned Leaves’ sixth album, “Tales From The Great Lakes”, received significant recognition. It was named No. 3 Album of the Year by Eaten Alive, thanks to glowing reviews from Derrick Moore and Donna Marie Devalle-Walker.
April: An Iconic Performance at The Dublin Castle
For a third time in as many years, the duo graced the stage at The Dublin Castle in Camden, London—an iconic venue with a storied history. Their performance captivated the audience, reaffirming their reputation as a must-see live act.
May: International Recognition in Americana
Fans played a crucial role in propelling Neil Faulkner and Christopher Brown to No. 3 Americana Artist in the International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA) monthly listing. This recognition highlighted their growing influence and dedicated following.
June: A Prestigious Nod from The Josie Music Awards
The accolades for “Tales From The Great Lakes” continued to roll in, with a nomination for Best Folk/Americana Album by the prestigious Josie Music Awards. This honour celebrated the duo’s unique style of storytelling and musicianship.
July: The Arrival of “Seven Sins Aren’t Enough”
July marked a major milestone: the release of their seventh album, “Seven Sins Aren’t Enough”. The album was named Album of the Week by UKCountryRadio.com and included a standout performance at the Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival.
August: ISSA Awards in Atlanta
In August, Neil Faulkner and Christopher Brown travelled to Atlanta, where they served as judges for the ISSA Awards, presenting the accolade for Best US Vocal Duo. The duo followed this with a live performance in Alpharetta, showcasing their artistry to an international audience.
September: World Songwriting Awards Finalists
The track “Seven Sins Aren’t Enough” achieved recognition as a Finalist in the World Songwriting Awards in
the Outlaw category. This honour celebrated the duo’s ability to blend vivid storytelling with compelling musicality
October: Nominations at The Josie Music Awards
October brought a significant highlight as the band received nominations at the 10th Josie Music Awards, held at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House. Being part of this prestigious event was a testament to their growing stature in the Americana and Country Rock genres. With 75,000 entries, this was indeed a huge honour to be nominated for "Best Folk/Americana album" as well as a songwriting achievement award nomination for the song "You and Me"
November: Engaging with Fans on Live Radio
Sun-Pinned Leaves connected with fans through a live performance on Deal Radio & HQ UYC Experience Radio Show Chuff Bus, hosted by Marc Carey. This appearance showcased the duo’s charm and talent to a broader audience.
December: Ending the Year in Style
The year concluded with a series of achievements:
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•Fans voted Sun-Pinned Leaves to #2 in the Best Country category and #4 in Song of the Year in the Museboat Live Channel Awards for 2024.
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•The album also ranked 5th in the Elite Music Awards’ biannual Top 10 albums across all genres.
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•The track “You and Me”, made the Top Ten in the Fall World Songwriting Awards. This poignant song, a previous finalist at The Josie Music Awards, continued to earn accolades.
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•Their album's title track “Seven Sins Aren’t Enough” secured the No. 6 spot in the ISSA RADIO Top 10, as reported by Radio Indie Alliance for the week of December 23, 2024.
Reflections on a Remarkable Year. From critical acclaim to fan recognition, 2024 was a banner year for Sun-Pinned Leaves. The release of “Seven Sins Aren’t Enough” and the enduring impact of “Tales From The Great Lakes” showcased their evolution as artists while cementing their place in the Americana, Folk and Country Rock landscape. As Christopher Brown and Neil Faulkner look ahead, their passion for music and connection with their fans promises an even brighter future. Here’s to more unforgettable melodies and moments from Sun-Pinned Leaves during 2025!
Nashville welcomes Sun-Pinned Leaves
Grand Ole Opry hosts the 10th Josie Music Awards
Imagine a grand, glittering award show, an evening draped in elegance and anticipation. The air is thick with excitement, and the audience is on the edge of their seats, and you can feel the electricity.
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This was the feeling at the Tenth Annual Josie Music Awards held at The Grand Ole Opry House this past October 27th. It is the biggest night in Independent Music with all genres represented. The Josie Music Awards celebrates those in the independent music industry and also the legends the world knows and loves. Founders Josie Passantino-Boone and Tinamarie Passantino planned an unforgettable night for the independent music industry.
Another day, another red carpet
Chris with Josie
Chris with Tinamarie
Upon arrival, nominees were met with a full media area managed by Wayne PR, a luxurious red carpet photo experience managed by Janet Reynolds Photography, and a celebratory show. As founder Josie and guest presenters called out the winners, they were greeted on stage by founder Tinamarie before walking into the legendary circle to make their speeches.
This year 75,000 submissions poured in during the open submission period for a chance to be a part of this epic ten-year celebration of The Josie Music Awards. After careful review 3.2% of submissions made it to nomination. Ultimately, 196 awards were presented during the live production show. This show never disappoints. The magical night included outstanding performances, celebrity presenters, and unforgettable winner's speeches.
The 2024 ISSA Awards
Once in a Lifetime?
Photograph by Tom Martinelli
Here in Atlanta, Georgia it's red carpet photo calls, filmed interviews, presenting awards at the prestigious 'Byers Theater' and performing live on stage in front of a lively, passionate audience. And yes, you're right, it's all fun, fun, fun - as it should be. But the best thing, by far, is meeting up with old friends and making new ones.
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But be warned! to do this well, you need to run on a single tank for 48 hours. From arriving at the hotel and saying 'Hi' to everyone then on to Friday night's Pre-Awards Party at the Wild Wing Cafe in Alpharetta, more friends, great bands. Then off to the Awards Ceremony on Saturday for red carpet photos, interviews - and more chatting with friends. Then it's time for back stage preparations and presenting three awards to the ISSA 2024 US Duo Gold, Silver and Bronze winners. ​
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Next up, is a quick drive across town to soundcheck at the Wild Wing Cafe for the 'After Awards Party' and say hello to more friends, have some more photos and then storm through a brief set before enjoying all the talented acts on show.
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Are we done? heck no!! Back to the hotel and then do what all good singer songwriters do best, carry on partying by the pool well into the night at the impromptu 'After-Awards Party - After Party'.
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If this sounds like something you'd like to do then ask politely if you can join the ISSA, then work as hard as you can all year round and one day you may find yourself in another part of the world, and behind the mics of a large stage, with beautiful friends and you may ask yourself how did I get here?
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..................................Well, now you know.
A huge special thank you to Tamanie Dove & the wonderful ISSA folk for your spirit and inspiration and to Joshua and Candy Carpenter for your sound & vision
Seventh Album - Seventh Sin?
After five years of recording and gigging, clearly six albums aren't enough for Sun-Pinned Leaves and so 'Seven Sins Aren't Enough' heralds the latest release from the Kent & Essex duo.
Ten tasty tracks served up with folk, rock and country flavours, and with a little bit of punk and prog added for seasoning. Above all, this is another impressive Americana influenced collection of original works. The tracks are sprinkled with some earthy fiddle playing complimented by elegant pedal steel guitar both weaving their way through the staple of guitars, bass, drums and piano. Then it's all hung on hook lines that can never sink.
Sometimes skirting around the edges of the subject matter and other times tackling a sin full on, you will be taken on a new journey of fascinating tales, some based on history and others based on the players' imagination and artistry. Maybe some of these sins are not so deadly and maybe some are just too hidden to detect.
One of the many stunning images by Christopher Brown that's featured in the 24 page colour booklet accompanying the limited edition CD available from Bandcamp
https://sun-pinnedleaves.bandcamp.com/album/seven-sins-arent-enough
Eaten Alive Zine Review: Aug 2024
Off to Atlanta
then on to Nashville
Following on from 2023's success at the ISSA awards, Sun-Pinned Leaves are off to Atlanta, Georgia in August as judges for this year's event as well as playing a brief live set at the after-show party.
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In October there's an opportunity to be in Nashville, Tennessee for the Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House where the duo are nominees for Folk/Americana album of the year with their 6th album release 'Tales From The Great Lakes'.
Folk & Ale
Another fun festival in Sandwich, Kent
Sun-Pinned Leaves hit the Willow Stage at Sandwich on Sunday 7th July as part of the week long festival of arts, ale and music - and despite Saturday's showers, a fun crowd enjoyed the sun whilst pinned under the leaves of the very picturesque Quay Green area.
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As always, a huge thank you to the organisers, the contributors, fellow performers and to the Folks who came along for a song & dance and Ale.
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Hope to See Y'all Again soon.
The Euphoria of Being a Rolling Stone
May release of the new SPL single See Y'all Again
Seventh album coming soon
After winning the International Vocal Duo of the Year award from the International Singer-Songwriters Association in 2023, the UK duo, Sun-Pinned Leaves are still riding high, judging by the exuberant dreamland of nostalgia constructed within their latest single, See Y’all Again.
After the folksy piano keys have delivered their polyphonic euphoria, the rhythm section kicks in to deliver a rhythmically compelling beat that no 70s folk-rock fan will be able to resist. Even if you don’t know the joy of living on the road, you can live vicariously through this zestful vignette of how sweet it is to drift from coast to coast, where no goodbye is a definitive parting.
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If Sun-Pinned Leaves aren’t on your radar yet, make room and stay tuned for their seventh LP, Seven Sins Aren’t Enough, which is set to become the sound of the summer when it releases in July.
See Y’all Again is available to stream on all major platforms.
Review by Amelia Vandergast A&R FACTORY
Founder members Christopher Brown and Neil Faulkner produced their debut album in 2019 and as of Summer 2023 these prolific songwriters have now produced their sixth album 'Tales From The Great Lakes' Release date: 01 July 2023
Available on all major streaming platforms.
Order CD from Bandcamp https://sun-pinnedleaves.bandcamp.com/
A collection of musical stories and accounts of events that occurred around the Michigan Peninsula and the Great Lakes - inspired by vocalist and lyricist Christopher Brown's 2022 road trip. From Chicago to Detroit via Mackinac Island, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Munising, St Ignace, Toledo, Ann Arbour and St Joseph, Sun-Pinned Leaves spin their tales as the events unfold along the trail.
The listener is taken on a journey embracing natural beauty, lost love and friendship along with stories of war and separation. Further along the way there are encounters with Chicago gangs and night prowlers. Hear a reflective account of a buried ghost town or maybe experience the perils of the mighty lakes, mysterious lights in the sky and missing folk. And that is just scratching at the surface with many sub-plots to fascinate and absorb. This is the 6th album by the band spanning just five calendar years but all released within a 48 month period. The subject matter gets more compelling and addictive which each release.
This is the second album to feature the artistic creativity of Mike Reynolds who provided the striking imagery for the front and rear CD covers.
ANOTHER 'SUMMER OF LOVE' WITH THE WORLD INDIE MUSIC CHARTS
Following on from previous chart successes in Europe and the World, 'Lakes and Sky', the opening track of Sun-Pinned Leaves' sixth album 'Tales From The Great Lakes' recently topped the World Indie Music Charts. A huge thankyou to everyone for your support and interest in Sun-Pinned Leaves
2023 International Singer Songwriters Association Award Winners
This year's Gold Award for International Vocal Duo goes to Christopher Brown and Neil Faulkner of Sun-Pinned Leaves
Video broadcast from Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday 5th August captures vocalist Christopher Brown accepting this prestigious award on behalf of Sun-Pinned Leaves
Sun-Pinned Leaves members Christopher Brown and Neil Faulkner were today awarded the ISSA 'International Vocal Duo of the Year Award' at a prestigious music awards ceremony held in Atlanta, Georgia USA.
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Chris, who flew out to attend the event and to meet the many talented and dedicated people who make these events possible was humbled and honoured by receiving this award.
This is what Chris had to say on stage:
"Thank you to the ISSA, Tamanie, the reps, support staff and judges who work so hard to create opportunities for independent artists. We also thank the hundreds of radio presenters who play our music including Mike Reynolds, Gwen Ever and Pete Saxer. Thank you also to Derrick and Donna of Eaten Alive Zine who have written such generous reviews of all six of our albums.
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Thanks also to our wives Ann Brown and Judith Faulkner for their love and support. We are humbled to be in such esteemed company as the ISSA family. We wish all of you the very best for your own musical journeys"
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Love and kisses to all from SPL xx (please see the Gallery for more ISSA Pics)
City's Got Soul rises to the top
The first single from the Leaves' latest album hits the number one spot in the European Independent Music Chart.
'City's Got Soul', SPL's lead single from 'Tales From The Great Lakes' has quickly worked its way to the top of the EIMC chart while closely accompanied by some quality artists from around the world. Sun-Pinned Leaves would like to thank all of the radio stations and listeners around the world who continue to support and promote our music. It is an honour and a privilege to be associated with such a wonderful musical community.
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The release has also risen to the number five spot in the global chart. Why not head on over to YouTube if you haven't yet seen the video.
August 6 2022
Sun-Pinned Leaves release 5th album
ALTERED STATES
ALTERED STATES
Altered States augments an Americana Folk and Country heart with additional musical genres. It opens with the 1620 crossing of the Atlantic by the ‘Pilgrim Fathers’ to the New World before fast forwarding to tales of the twentieth century and events which shaped parts or all of the US and even the world in ways that still resonate today.
The first two singles from Altered States ‘Long Live’ and Brilliant ‘Jewel’ were featured on the BBC Radio Kent Upload Shows of 26th April and 22nd June 2022 respectively. The follow-up single ‘Brilliant Jewel’ was awarded ‘Best Collaboration’ by the World Songwriting Awards Contest Spring 2022 https://songwritingawards.wordpress.com/spring-2022-winning-entries/
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The third single ‘Summer of Love’ was described by award winning Music Blog A&R Factory (10th
July 2022) as “Sun-Pinned Leaves are rather magnificent with a gloriously sung and performed
effort from a team who fuse like two friends who gel like glue when together”. 'Summer of Love was also Banks Radio Australia's number one single for the week ending 25th July 2022.
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ILLUSTRATE
The Independent Music
Magazine
Review:
BODIE
by Sun-Pinned Leaves
September 2022
https://illustratemagazine.com/
Sun-Pinned Leaves has blessed country fans with their latest 2022 album release “Altered States” which is their fifth album. After the opening of happy, country tunes and hum-along vocals played on “Voyage of the Mayflower”, the second track “Bodie” sounds like a mellowed-down beauty with the perfect blend of Americana and fast-paced folk creation.
When the UK artist Christopher Brown collaborated with his incredibly talented pal, the multi-instrumentalist Neil Faulkner to create this, they channeled their imaginative love for a leftabout town called Bodie into it. The track is timed as the second shortest in the entire album. However, don’t let it fool you because it is a mashup of Christopher’s amazing vocal devotion embedded with many layered harmonies in its backing vocals and a brilliant country-esque solo by Faulkner in between. The song is calming to the ears, perfect for unwinding with a cold beer after a long day, watching the sunset from your porch.
There’s a storytelling borrowed from an American country club in its lyrics, and a whiff of Texan energy within its guitar riffs. The overall musical tone gives off an incredible synergy between Christopher’s vivid lyrics and Neil’s consistent and outstanding play. It kind of takes you back to 1970s, when this mighty duo met and discovered their passion for writing and creating music. If you’re on a search for new songs to add to your Sunday morning chill or road trip playlist, Bodie by Sun-Pinned Leaves is a guaranteed and exceptional upbeat choice.
Testimonials
Word on the Street
“It (‘Theories of Destiny’) presses all the right buttons for this seasoned lover of music. Mellow vibes to straight out rock”. Mike Reynolds (Presenter Winchcombe Calling) 2019.
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Mike Reynolds 2019
“This band should be massive, buy this album (‘Eclipse’) and make it so.
Derrick Moore (Eaten Alive Zine Editor) 2020
Derrick Moore 2020
“Sun-Pinned Leaves are an extraordinary duo producing unique and memorable tunes in a wide variety of styles. Simply put, they are refreshingly eclectic.”
(Pete Saxer Unknown Sounds / Revenge FM) 2020.
Pete Saxer 2020
“When we receive a gem like 'No More Tomorrows' well, that makes our day”
(Michael Charles Dirksen - Big Giant Indie Radio S.A) 2020.
Michael Dirkson 2020
“So much great beauty in this song! It's a must to listen and sit back and let the lyrics take you to Monterey Bay" Craig Eagle (Eagles Nest Radio) 2020
“Sun Pinned Leaves - Already 3 albums in (and counting no doubt) Christopher Brown and Neil Faulkner are veterans of an always healthy Kent and Sussex music scene, which is probably how they manage to hone such musically sophisticated material imbued with a beach bum's sense of relaxed adventure. They also pull off the very clever trick of being incredibly eclectic (a drum and bass rhythm here, an Ian Dury like refrain there, a Britpop motif hither, a heart wrenching ballad thither) whilst not really sounding like anyone else. Brilliant pop music basically, belying their other (also ace) punk rock activities (Nuffin to see here).” Bug Bear (Concert Promotions) 2021
Bug Bear Promotions. 2021
“Sun-Pinned Leaves is a British band which has been gaining notoriety since the release of their debut album. Formed by Christopher Brown as vocalist and Neil Faulkner as multi-instrumentalist. With musical talent the duo have been in business since 2019.
Sweet Sedona features an animated instrumentality of rhythmic beats and guitar together thus creating the perfect soundscape to address happiness and summer. ”
Brazilian Blogger. 2021
Next up new to the shop, a bit of change of pace, just had a listen to this, and is very enjoyable, Americana/country rock n roll from Sun-Pinned Leaves
Rock n road is a fine album, nice one Christopher Brown and Neil Faulkner.
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Tony Smith. Sounds of the Suburbs. 2021
Set my CD player up today and thought I’d give this little gem a listen if you like something a bit more laid back this is perfect on a hot sunny day or just cruising in your car I really enjoyed it particularly track 5 a thing called love followed by another one promises (nothing changes) and also tracks 9 and 10 savanna mama followed by as the sun sets in the west well done SPL so different from what you have been doing and look forward to your progression. Xtraverts
Nigel Martin. 2021 - Xtraverts
Sun-Pinned Leaves — Rock — (Four spins on 2021’s single, “Monterey Bay.”) Christopher Brown and Neil Faulkner first began writing songs together in 1975. As stated on their website, the two have a long history and even performed together and separately throughout the 1970’s and 80’s before eventually reuniting to release their debut album, “Theories of Destiny,” in 2019. They describe themselves as a band that makes “trans-genre music for the cultured ear.”
Colorado University’s Radio Station 905.5 FM KCSU.
This is the prolific band's fourth album in three years and once again sees them stretching their wings further into the Americana sound touched on in
their previous album "Eclipse". Indeed from the album art throughout, the band appear to have decamped across the pond whilst leaving everyone here on a covid trip! But I have to say it's again worth it, as the band seem to have honed that rich stream and that great wide open of the new continent, as U2 did with "The Joshua Tree", although Bono and company preferred a rockier vein.
This album by comparison sees the band tripping merrily on the juxtaposition of an amalgamate of Alt-Country styles, sounds and scenes that make it hard to pin them down to just one aspect of the genre, with the thread connecting the songs being one of travel. Be it a journey to a new life, a journey to find one's-self or a journey of escape.
This is another great and wildly different album from the duo, where it's great to hear vocalist Chris Brown singing in his normal English accent rather than trying to be clever and attempting a mid-Atlantic drawl which would have pushed the album into the realms of whimsey. Multi-instrumentalist Neil Faulkner also deserves a mention not only for his playing but for his arrangements that have kept the album on the right side of country rock.
I have to conclude that on the basis of this release, roots labels such as Cooking Vinyl should be seriously looking into signing these guys.
Another album that's gonna be up there in the albums of the year come December!
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