The Sherlocks On Their Fourth Album And Ben Sherman’s Global Artist Foundry

Fronting Ben Sherman's Signature Campaign for SS23.

The Sherlocks are standing in the midst of their most exciting year to date. One of the UK’s most well-known and dedicated indie rock bands, they’re primarily beloved as a live band. Releasing their fourth studio album – the second since coming out of the pandemic with a reshuffle in their decade-long lineup – The Sherlocks have maintained their anthemic sound and catchy tunes.

Selected by Ben Sherman as one to watch in 2023, The Sherlocks have not disappointed. Re-energised and hungry for more, their new album, ‘People Like Me’, is the grittiest and boldest they’ve ever been. Exciting fans with hard rock and post-punk elements on their lead single ‘Siren’, the band is gearing up for a sell-out UK tour this autumn. 

Starring in the Ben Sherman Signature campaign for SS23, The Sherlocks showcase a fun collection that exudes British charm and elegance with vintage prints, classic fit polos and the brand’s signature silhouettes. They have also partnered with the Ben Sherman Global Artist Foundry, an exciting venture that seeks to support and uplift a diverse pool of musicians, artists and creatives as music continues to play an integral role in the brand’s 60-year legacy.

We spoke with Kiaran Crook, the guitarist and lead vocalist of The Sherlocks, about the band’s new album, working with Ben Sherman and getting ready for their biggest tour to date.

Congratulations on ‘People Like You & Me’, How has the response been?

Absolutely incredible, the best we’ve ever had! The fans have really got behind this record and the reaction has been truly overwhelming. Onwards and upwards from here!!

Can you tell us a bit about the process behind the album?

Yeah, basically we didn’t want to wait around on this record as we felt we had a lot of momentum from the third album. We got in the studio as soon as we could and fitted it around our touring schedule at the time… it just seemed to come together and the songs sounded stronger than ever! 

This album feels a bit more alternative and gritter than your previous work, how would you say your sound has evolved with this new release?

It’s always hard for us to tell but I think sonically we’ve grown a lot and know how to get the most out of each song. It’s always about each individual track and what the song demands, whether it’s the guitars cranked in ‘Sirens’ or more synth sounds in tracks like ‘Going Nowhere’… so yeah I think we’re just a lot better at realising what each song needs and just doing that! As far as the sound evolving that’s for other people to decide…

Ben Sherman x The Sherlocks

Who have been your biggest musical influences?

They are forever-changing but most recently The Clash, Gorillaz, Tame Impala, Flaming Lips, The Strokes.

‘Sirens’ feels like one of the boldest tracks on the album, what made you choose it for your lead single?

For that exact same reason, you’ve just mentioned. It’s bold. In your face. Sounds like nothing else on the record and is a definite step forward for us… It HAD to be the first one to make people realise we aren’t playing games and we want to show people we’ve got plenty more in the tank. Monster tune and one that is going to go OFF live big time!!

2023 is a big year for The Sherlocks, have you felt inspired by the indie sleaze resurgence?

Always inspired but by different things… doesn’t need to be indie. It’s whatever catches our ear, I’m into a lot of things that aren’t strictly indie. We just try and write the best songs that we can and always keep our eye on the ball.  Don’t lose sight of a good melody and a good song rather than trying to trick people with production tricks… it always comes down to the songs and that’s what we’re about… songs with big hooks and big choruses, catchy melodies … all of that gear.

Ben Sherman x The Sherlocks

You’re getting ready for your biggest UK Tour to date, how are you feeling?

Buzzing… seriously! Never looked forward to a tour as much in my life. I think the main reason is that we’re now in a position of having four albums… four albums worth of singles which obviously people want to hear and just getting these new songs out on the road and in venues. Cannot wait!!!

You’ll be on the road for a while, how do you prepare mentally for that?

The same as always, just enjoy it and take one day at a time. Everyone is there to see you and wants it to be a great gig just the same as we want it to be so we just enjoy it and try and have a laugh!

How have live performances changed for you over the years, especially coming out of COVID?

I think people just enjoy it a lot more now… after being locked away from gigs for so long it feels like people really appreciate being in the venues and singing the tunes that bit louder.

How did your relationship with Ben Sherman come about?

We’ve been in talks with the brand for a long time, not sure where it started but as far as working with them it was something we were definitely keen to do. We love the style that Ben Sherman brings… It’s classy and has always been one of those cool, timeless brands!

What about the brand resonates with you all?

The style, it’s almost like mod clothing or it at least feels like that is a big influence and that is also something we’ve grown up with and been into. Especially in the early days of the band, we used to wear smart polos and shirts like Ben Sherman and play lots of mod tunes from the likes of the Jam and bands like that… so yeah it’s definitely something we’re familiar with!

Ben Sherman x The Sherlocks

How did you get involved with the Global Artist Foundry, and why does it appeal to you?

When Ben Sherman came across us and contacted us to join Ben Sherman’s Global Artist Foundry, we just knew we had to make it happen. Such a classic brand we all love so much! 

The arena for indie musicians is very different today than when you formed in 2010, what advice would you give to young bands starting out?

Just to try and write good songs, enjoy every gig and every moment and don’t take it too seriously. I know that’s a cliche answer but it is true… just enjoy it. Remember the reason why you started your band and always keep that in mind.

What has been the most exciting aspect of 2023 for you so far?

This new album ‘People Like Me & You’… honestly I feel like we’ve just gone to the next level and the fans have backed us unbelievably. The amount of people that backed us in this album, and the amount of people buzzing with the new song is so encouraging and we are honestly loving it more than ever!

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