By: Andrew Cotterill
MWN: Your sophomore album, Under Your Sky, is coming out very soon – when you went into the studio to record this project did you have an idea of what you wanted the album to sound like? Lyrically and sonically?
Brandon Crook of The Sherlocks: “We definitely wanted the sound to be a lot be bigger production! And lyrically we were aiming for the lyrics to be relatable worldwide.”
MWN: How do you choose what songs become the singles? What’s the criteria?
Brandon Crook of The Sherlocks: “We honestly believe we’ve got an album that has 11 singles on. Therecord label had their work cut out. Criteria is a banger that people will lose their heads to!”
MWN: “Waiting” has been on repeat in our weekly playlist since its release. You guys are so good at incorporating beautiful harmonies and tempos. What was the creative process for this song?
Brandon Crook of The Sherlocks: “Thank you very much, get in the local boozer and jam it out until it sounds right. Then we work the harmonies out in the studio.”
MWN: You recorded this album with James Skelly at Parr Street Studios, where loads of other legendary artists, like The Smiths have recorded. What was the recording process like with him? Any memory that stands out themost?
Brandon Crook of The Sherlocks: “We had a proper right laugh, we spent a month in Liverpool centre working hard and playing hard too. Finished at six then straight down to the pub. Liverpool is very proud of the Beatles and rightly so, this was evidently across the whole city.”
MWN: How did the recording/ writing process differ from your last record? Did you feel more comfortable in the studio? Were there any new challenges?
Brandon Crook of The Sherlocks: “We worked the structures out a lot more on this album, the first album was a bit wild but in a good way. We love the studio! Roll on album three.”
MWN: I read that this album is a little sweeter / more contemporary than your previous album, Live for the Moment. Was this intentional or was this more of a natural occurrence – something that just comes with getting older and maturing?
Brandon Crook of The Sherlocks: “Definitely natural progression with us maturing as men and touring theglobe.”
MWN: You’re headlining Neighbourhood Festival in a few weeks – are you excited? nervous? What’s the main difference between playing your own shows and festivals?
Brandon Crook of The Sherlocks: “We are literally buzzing so much! It’s something we’ve been working towards for a long time. Festivals seem to just have some lively characters.”
Fire Round Questions!
MWN: First recollection of live music?
Brandon Crook of The Sherlocks: “Watching our mate’s band jamming Nirvana out”
MWN: Favorite love song?
Brandon Crook of The Sherlocks: “’Love is only a feeling’ – Darkness”
MWN: First album you bought?
Brandon Crook of The Sherlocks: “Eminem – Curtain Call”
MWN: Album or song that reminds you of home?
Brandon Crook of The Sherlocks: “Mardy Bum” – Arctic Monkeys
MWN: Is there anything else you guys would like to add?
Brandon Crook of The Sherlocks: “Salt & pepper chips and a side of curry sauce”
MWN: Haha what a nice touch to finish the interview. Well Brandon thanks so much for taking the time to answer these questions. Everyone you can catch the new album Under Your Sky out now!
Interview by: Christine Sloman and Maria Limon | Exclusively for @Music, Why Not!
****