The Hoosiers

The Hoosiers, an English pop rock band, formed in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2003. The band’s initial members, Irwin Sparkes (lead vocals, lead guitar) and Alan Sharland (drums, percussion, vocals), conceptualized the group during their time in the United States. Inspired by their chemistry teacher and football scholarships at the University of Indianapolis, they adopted the name “The Hoosiers” after the colloquial term for Indiana citizens. Upon returning to London, they joined with Swiss keyboard player and sound engineer Duri Darms, and Swedish ex-fireman Martin Skarendahl, who became their bassist. The band signed with RCA Records and released their debut album, “The Trick to Life,” on October 22, 2007.

“The Trick to Life” quickly achieved commercial success, peaking at number one on the UK Albums Chart and earning double platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry. The album produced successful singles such as “Worried About Ray” and “Goodbye Mr. A,” both reaching the top five on the UK Singles Chart. In August 2010, the band released their second album, “The Illusion of Safety,” which featured a more synthesized sound and included the single “Choices,” reaching number 11 on the UK Singles Chart. Following creative differences, The Hoosiers departed from RCA and Sony Music in 2011, subsequently re-releasing “The Illusion of Safety” as “Bumpy Ride” with additional tracks.

Since 2013, The Hoosiers have continued to independently release music under their own label, Crab Race. Their third album, “The News from Nowhere,” was released in 2014, followed by “The Secret Service” in 2015. Martin Skarendahl departed the band in 2015, and keyboardist Sam Swallow left in 2016. In 2019, Sparkes and Sharland ventured into comedy as “Felix and The Scootermen” at the Edinburgh Fringe. Sparkes also released a solo album, “Age Of Entitlement,” under the name ‘White Tail Falls’ in 2020. The Hoosiers released their fifth studio album, “Confidence” in 2023, and their sixth album, “Compassion,” in 2026. In 2024, they supported bands McFly and Madness at various UK dates, and in 2021, they teamed up with Woody & Kleiny for the charity football song “Route 66,” which topped the UK Singles Sales Chart.