Crookes in a Library?

SHUlife caught up with the band on their ‘Library Tour’ at Sheffield’s Central Library. A place rather fitting for four English students turned musicians.


The Crookes, a 4 piece formed in our very own ‘Steel City’. Together, George, Dan, Alex and Russell, create a unique new sound inspired by 50’s and 60’s pop music; telling passionate tales of romance and life; aided by the magic of their melodic guitars and even a ukulele. Their catchy melodies have attracted attention of Sheffield greats such as Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker and Jon McClure as well as Liam Gallagher who commented on the quality of The Crookes lyrical skills. BBC Radio 1’s Steve Lamacq even described the band as having "ambition and flare and a singer with a beautiful voice; one of those special, poetic voices which dips and soars above their jangling guitars." The Crookes are a band that’s going somewhere and doing something different; they’re sure to strum their way into your heart. 

You played at Leeds and Reading this year, how was it playing at such a big festival?We were really nervous! But playing at Leeds and Reading was a great experience. During our set at Leeds we said “Hello were The Crookes for Sheffield” and a massive cheer went up, it was a dream reaction from the crowd and great to see all our Sheffield supporters out having a good time.

You also played at Sheffield’s own music festival Tramlines both this year and last; will you be playing again next year? Probably yeah, its up to Penny our manager, but there is 40-50 venues used to host different bands and musicians. It will probably be a bit last minute but yeah we’d love to play again. We’ve done a set on the main stage on Devonshire Green, and played at The Grapes on Tippet Lane both years. 

You all met Studying English in Sheffield, What was the craziest thing you did as students? George – One night I was do drunk I decided that I didn’t want to live in my shared house anymore. I jumped over the railings of the Botanical Gardens and slept on the grass near the pond. It was alright till I was woken up at 6am by some foxes that were doing a bit of love making. Alex – Once I stopped at a girl’s accommodation and in the middle of the night there was a fire alarm. And I couldn’t find my clothes so I put on some of the girls tiny shorts and a vest top. When I finally made it outside there was a fire truck and everyone was stood around talking, it just went silent when I walked out looking like a cross dresser. Everyone stared at me, including the fire men. I’m not going to lie... it was so embarrassing; but I walked out with pride.

As Students where did you go on a night out in Sheff. town?Fast club! It was such a good night out; we went there all the time because it was owned by our manager Penny. I think it’s changed its name to Live Wire now though, it’s not there anymore. 

I’ve noticed Sheffield’s own Richard Hawley in the audience, what’s the link with him? Mostly a love of strong ale, Richard’s like an unofficial mentor to us. The best piece of advice he gave me was don’t bother with dinner just drink Guinness. We first met him because quite a while ago he heard our music and got in touch because he liked what he heard. We actually have a cover of one of Richard’s songs ‘Born Under a Bad Sign’ on our EP. 

How has your album gone so far and what is your plan for the future? Well were doing our library tour at the moment. The albums gone really well and we have had a lot of fun putting it together. Nearly all the songs are fully finished and it’s sounding good. I think our sounds becoming more distinctive; it’s a celebration of our heady and shambolic youth. The albums out in February and you can quote me on the fact that it’s going to be the best album of 2011! 

http://www.myspace.com/thecrookesmusic 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crookes/112808954085