Crossword Genius

Being listened to influenced material (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

suede

'material' is the definition.
(I know that suede is a type of material)

'being listened to influenced' is the wordplay.
'being listened to' shows a homophone (sound like).
'influenced' becomes 'swayed' (swaying is a kind of influencing).
'swayed' sounds like 'SUEDE'.

(Other definitions for suede that I've seen before include "Soft goatskin" , "Form of leather" , "Leather with a soft napped surface" , "Fabric" , "material used in gloves" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
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