UK rock band with major 00s hits promise 'instant gratification' with new album and Stoke gig
By Ryan Parker
19th Jun 2023 | Local News
A UK rock and pop band with major 00s hits have promised "instant gratification" to listeners with their upcoming album - also performing a gig in Stoke this summer.
The Hoosiers, most famous for number one album "The Trick to Life,' and top five hit, 'Goodbye Mr A,' are performing at Trentham Live, Stoke-on-Trent, on Wednesday 16 August.
Set to release new album, 'Confidence' on Friday 15 September this year, The Hoosiers are back with new material for the first time in eight years.
"We were grateful for all our shows, but it felt like we were running out of fuel going into the COVID pandemic and something had to change," said lead singer, Irwin Sparkes.
The Hoosiers are a two-piece group - starring Mr Sparkes and drummer, Alan Sharland.
From Reading, the indie band have released four studio albums to date - with two making the top ten.
The Hoosiers have also tasted success from singles such as 'Worried About Ray, 'Cops and Robbers,' and 'Choices' - releasing latest single 'Hello Sunshine' this April.
Irwin told Nub News: "During lockdown, we had a chat during with Craig Logan, who used to be the bass player for pop band Bros.
"He signed us up to the RCA Label Group and reminded us of who we are - encouraging us to make a brand new album.
"It there was ever a time to write there-minute pop songs that were like a shot of vitamin C and D into the ear, then it was during the lockdown.
"It felt like the most natural process to write and it was almost as if we had gotten better.
"We wrote and recorded the whole album in three months. This had previously taken us six months or longer and £250,000 of record label money.
"After a lot of different projects and breaks, it made us realise we have something really special with The Hoosiers.
"It has made us value each other more. Right now, the love and the bromance has never been stronger."
The Hoosiers will be supporting pop band, McFly, who will be headlining the Wednesday night at Trentham Live.
Also to perform that week, will be the likes of Feeder, joined by Jake Bugg and The Feeling (17 August) and Kaiser Chiefs, joined by Razorlight (19 August).
Irwin said: "We can't wait to be performing at Trentham Live. We are always happy to share the stage with McFly and share their fans because they have so many of them.
"It will be a blast, the venue also has tip-top catering. We are really looking forward to that.
"The show itself will be great, it's going to be in a massive park. We just love playing in open air and can guarantee the sunshine.
"We have written a song [Hello Sunshine] about the sun coming out so it would be rude if it didn't show up.
"There are a number of brilliant artists performing, including The Feeling who we have performed alongside before - those guys are brilliant."
As well as performing at Trentham Live, The Hoosiers will take off an a UK tour this September and October.
Northern gigs include the likes of Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle.
Irwin said: "We are very excited to be stretching our legs across the UK on a tour later this year.
"We will be performing in a few northern hotspots, including Leeds and Sheffield who we haven't been for donkey's years.
"Manchester will be fun, who we also haven't been to for years. Newcastle usually gets a look in and that be on our way to Glasgow where we also can't wait to perform at.
"We are always looking to get booked in at more venues. We will play anywhere and are set to perform at Durham Cathedral.
"Get in touch if you have any suggestions for us. We are never stopping at the moment and are really happy to be doing what we love."
Irwin sees a lot of similarities between the band's first album and Confidence - set to come out this September.
Consisting of twelve tracks, the album is the "musical equivalent of a spring in your step" - according to Irwin.
The lead singer added: "This album has the same spit as "The Trick to Life' - with us starting out all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
"Confidence is like a booster pack. Myself and Alan feel a renewed confidence in what we do.
"We want to feed this confidence into the audience, lifting everyone's day as much as we can through the music and making a real positive impact.
"We want it to be the musical equivalent of a spring in you step - that kind of shot in your arm
"It's effervescent and knows what it is. There's been a point in our career where we've pulled back from that or tried to move people in a different way.
"Now, we are really embracing what we are and seeing that as a strength. That is where our title comes from."
Confidence was produced in Angelic Recording Studio during lockdown - built by the late Jamiroquai musician, Toby Smith.
Engineer for 2007's 'The Trick to Life,' Sam Miller, returned to co-produce The Hoosiers' new record - in what has been described as a "homecoming."
Irwin believes the upcoming release drives The Hoosiers into the 2020s.
The 42-year-old said: "Our first single, Hello Sunshine, serves as the best reminder for who we are. Its a re-introduction into The Hoosiers.
"None of this album was made cynically. There wasn't a sense of lets remake 'Goodbye Mr A.'
We just sat down and wrote the best songs we could - trying to communicate something you often find hard to express.
"The album brings you along for the ride, propelling The Hoosiers into the 2020s."
One song I can't wait for people to hear is the track 'Making A Monster.' That's coming out soon enough. It has something extra about it."
"In the meantime, an underrated track people should go back and listen to is "The Most Peculiar Day Of Your Life."
"The groove pulls you in right from the get go, I am really into it."
Irwin believes the Confidence can bring a renewed positivity and energy to those listening to it.
The lead singer believes the new record will appeal to a variety of age groups, including young adults - encouraging all to give it a try.
Irwin added: "If you value life itself and want it to get better, The Hoosiers can provide what you need.
"We're instant gratification. A lot of young adults come to watch us as we were one of the last bands to actually sell records.
"We are a lot of young adults' first memory of music. We feel honoured to still have people to play to.
"People should come and watch us so they can relive their childhoods as we bring them into the future with our new music."
Check out The Hoosiers' upcoming tour dates HERE. To pre-order new album Confidence, click HERE.
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