The Hoosiers
English pop rock band formed in Indianapolis.
The Hoosiers are a pop rock band from England, though they first came together in Indianapolis, Indiana. The group is made up of Irwin Sparkes (lead vocals and guitar) and Alan Sharland (drums, percussion, and vocals). Their first single, "Worried About Ray," hit number 5 on the UK Singles Chart in July 2007, and their debut album, *The Trick to Life*, reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart that October. A second top 20 single, "Choices," arrived in August 2010, followed by their second top 10 album, *The Illusion of Safety*.
The band started in Indianapolis in 2003, when drummer Alan "Alphonso" Sharland and singer-guitarist Irwin Sparkes moved there after their chemistry teacher, Grant Serpell—a former member of 1970s band Sailor—encouraged them to broaden their horizons. They earned football scholarships at the University of Indianapolis, despite claiming to be "allergic to running" (Sparkes has asthma). Their time in Indiana inspired the band name: a "Hoosier" is a nickname for someone from the state. After gathering enough material for an album, they returned to London, where they met Swiss keyboardist and sound engineer Duri Darms and Swedish ex-fireman Martin Skarendahl, who was studying at the London Music School and working with Darms. Two original members, Tony Byrne and Tom Easey, had left by then, so Sparkes and Sharland brought in Skarendahl to replace them.
The revamped trio—Sparkes, Skarendahl, and Sharland—signed with RCA and released *The Trick to Life* on 22 October 2007. The band said they wanted to write songs about more than just "boy and girl... finding love on a Friday night on the lash with your mates." In February 2008, they were named Worst Band at the NME Awards. The album was produced by Toby Smith, a former member of Jamiroquai, and managed by Steve Morton. Their second single, "Goodbye Mr A," appeared in the video game FIFA 08, and the game itself shows up in the song's music video. Later singles from the album included "Worst Case Scenario" and "Cops and Robbers."
For their second album, *The Illusion of Safety*, the band made several changes, including a more synthesised sound and the drummer returning to his given name, Alan. The album's first single was "Choices," and it also included "Unlikely Hero," for which a video was filmed in a Derbyshire quarry. That song was planned as a single, but on 14 October 2010, the band a
- formed
- 2003
- origin
- Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
- genre
- Pop rock
- nationality
- English
- known_for
- Singles 'Worried About Ray' and 'Goodbye Mr A', debut album 'The Trick to Life'
Lore & Background
The band was formed in Indianapolis in 2003 when Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland, encouraged by their chemistry teacher Grant Serpell, spent time in the United States on a football scholarship at the University of Indianapolis. Their time in Indiana inspired the band's name, as a citizen of Indiana is colloquially called a Hoosier. Returning to London, they met Swiss keyboard player Duri Darms and Swedish bassist Martin Skarendahl, replacing earlier members Tony Byrne and Tom Easey.
The trio signed to RCA and released their debut album 'The Trick to Life' on 22 October 2007. Their second single 'Goodbye Mr A' appeared in the video game FIFA 08. In February 2008, they were named Worst Band at the annual NME awards. Their second album 'The Illusion of Safety' (2010) featured a more synthesised sound and produced the single 'Choices'. After a dispute with RCA and Sony Music over promotion, the band repackaged and re-released the album as 'Bumpy Ride' in April 2011.
In 2013, keyboard player Sam Swallow joined as a full member. The band released 'The News from Nowhere' in 2014 under their own label 'Crab Race', followed by 'The Secret Service' in 2015. Martin Skarendahl left in July 2015, and Swallow left after the 2016 tour. The duo released their fifth album 'Confidence' in September 2023 and sixth album 'Compassion' in May 2026.
Reader's Guide
The Hoosiers achieved notable commercial success in the late 2000s with their debut album reaching number 1 in the UK and their first single charting in the top 5. Their music, particularly 'Goodbye Mr A', gained exposure through inclusion in the FIFA 08 video game. The band's career illustrates the challenges of maintaining momentum after label disputes, leading them to self-release later albums. Their shift to a duo format and independent production reflects broader trends in the music industry. The band's side projects, including the comedy duo Felix and The Scootermen at the Edinburgh Fringe and Irwin Sparkes' solo work as White Tail Falls, demonstrate their versatility. Despite early critical dismissal (NME's Worst Band award), the Hoosiers have sustained a career spanning over two decades, adapting to changes in lineup and industry.
Did You Know?
- The band's name comes from the colloquial term for a citizen of Indiana, where they were originally formed.
- Their chemistry teacher Grant Serpell was part of the 1970s band Sailor.
- They were named Worst Band at the annual NME awards in February 2008.
- Their second album 'The Illusion of Safety' was repackaged and re-released as 'Bumpy Ride' in 2011.
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