The Hoosiers

UK indie pop band formed by Irwin Sparkes (b. England; vocals/guitar), Martin Skarendahl (b. Stockholm, Sweden; bass) and Alfonso Sharlando (b. Alan Sharland, England; drums). Sparkes and Sharlando were childhood friends who had travelled together after leaving school before deciding to form a band and write about their experiences. Joined by Swedish bass player Skarendahl, the trio began recording demo material in the studio where Skarendahl was working as an engineer. Their vibrant indie pop recalled the pastiche heavy style of compatriots the Feeling, and with the latter band having enjoyed great commercial success in the previous two years it was not long before the Hoosiers caught the ear of the major labels. Within a year of forming the band had signed a contract with RCA Records and were installed in the studio with former Jamiroquai keyboard player Toby Smith. The sparkling single "Worried About Ray" rose into the UK Top 5 in June 2007, with the follow-up, "Goodbye Mr A', repeating the feat four months later. The album The Trick To Life debuted at the top of the charts at the end of the year, but there was a general consensus that the Hoosiers" goofy pop music would have a limited shelf life.