The Hoosiers

by Chris True
A U.K.-based indie pop trio that started out as a duo, the Hoosiers (originally known as the Hoosier Complex) released a pair of singles and a chart-topping debut album, The Trick to Life, in 2007. Original members Irwin Sparkes (guitar and vocals) and Alfonso Sharland (drums) took their united moniker after leaving the outskirts of Reading, England, and embarking on a road trip throughout America, where they were offered football scholarships at the University of Indiana (whose mascot happens to be the Hoosier). Upon returning from their travels, they added Martin Skarendahl on bass and later signed a deal with RCA Records. The Hoosiers' first two singles, "Worried About Ray" and "Goodbye Mr. A," peaked at number five and number four on the U.K. charts, respectively, and debut album The Trick to Life was released in October to double platinum sales.