INTERVIEW BY MEGAN JONES
The Hoosiers' Irwin Sparkes discusses their new album "Confidence", a tour, and more. With All Music Magazine UK's, Megan Jones
The Hoosiers, British indie pop band, have released their fifth album, 'Confidence' their first since 'The Secret Service' back in 2015. Their debut single 'Worried About Ray' entered the UK Top 10 in 2007 before their debut album, 'The Trick to Life' topped the Albums Chart. After keyboardist Sam Swallow left the group in 2016, 'Confidence' is the group's first album as a duo. We caught up with lead singer, Irwin Sparkes, who spoke candidly to us about their decision to resume their musical careers, and how excited he is to be back on tour.
Megan
First and foremost, hello Irwin, how are you doing?
Irwin
Hiya Megan, really well thank you! Very happy to be back on tour and doing what we do best.
Megan
Congratulations on the release of 'Confidence' - what was your main inspiration for the new album?
Irwin
Thank you- it feels as though we have been sitting on an egg for the last 2 years! I think the main inspiration for this album is to remind everyone what we are about. Obviously, I released a solo album which was everything that The Hoosiers isn’t, but now felt like the right time to strip back down right to the roots and remind everyone what we are about. Confidence was produced by Sam Miller, who also produced 'The Trick to Life', our debut album, giving it a distinctively The Hoosiers sound.
Megan
Would you say that any specific musicians served as inspiration when creating the album?
Irwin
Although we didn't specifically draw inspiration from any other musicians, I would definitely say that the album has a The Flaming Lips-like psychedelic vibe.
Megan
What would be your favourite track on the album, if you had to choose just one?
Irwin
I would go for "Lip Sinking" the opening of the track is dreamy and the production is just amazing.
Megan
Do the songs on the new album have a unifying theme?
Irwin
The album's overarching theme, in my opinion, is simply that we are overjoyed to be back. This album, I hope, radiates positivity, and I'm so excited to be able to play these songs live on this tour. Obviously, the last album we released was prior to the COVID pandemic, which was a dark time and there was a lot of doom and gloom in the world, but we are now back and ready to restore positivity back into the world.
Megan
What are you most looking forward to this tour?
Irwin
Of course, it sounds cliche, but it's always a great feeling to hear people singing your songs back to you as you perform. Because the music business is so unpredictable, it can be difficult to predict whether an album will be well-received after a hiatus. Let's hope that even to the recently released songs, everyone is dancing and having fun on this tour.
Megan
Is there a specific song you are most looking forward to performing live this tour?
Irwin
Easy. Making a 'Monster', I declare it an absolute banger.
Megan
As to the future, do you think much about it and plan well ahead, or do you take things as they come?
Irwin
We are currently working on album number six, and we have ideas for three more albums, so you won’t be seeing the back of us anytime soon.
Megan
Thank you for taking to the time to speak to me today, Irwin, it’s been an absolute pleasure and best of luck with the tour.
Irwin
I appreciate you giving me your time today, Megan, and it was a pleasure to speak with you. Please make sure to stop by the tour.
THE HOOSIERS ‘THE CONFIDENCE’ TOUR 2023
SEPTEMBER
28 BRISTOL Thekla
29 LEEDS Brudenell Social Club
30 SHEFFIELD Leadmill
OCTOBER
01 NEWCASTLE Boiler Shop
03 MANCHESTER Gorilla
05 LONDON Koko
Tickets available now
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