Nearly two decades after bursting onto the scene with their infectious brand of indie-pop, The Hoosiers are stepping back into the spotlight with renewed purpose. Buoyed by the creative energy behind 2022’s Confidence, Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland return armed with their sixth album — one shaped by reflection, resilience and an unwavering connection with their audience. While the music industry may have shifted away from albums as an art form, the duo found themselves driven by the momentum sparked between the band and fans following Confidence. Now, with compassion at the heart of their latest material, The Hoosiers are embracing a more mature take on the uplifting sound that first defined them in 2007. Exploring themes of self-belief, empathy and emotional honesty, the pair aren’t just making music for escapism – they're hoping to leave the world a little kinder and a little more connected than they found it.

Compassion is being described as 'a big, stanky hug' — what does a Hoosier hug actually involve: emotional support, awkward dancing, or mild injury?

All three. Emotionally healing, rhythmically alarming, and a scent that sticks for a week.

If a genie really did offer you one wish while making this album, how close did you come to wasting it on something ridiculous like unlimited snacks or a permanent festival season?

Far too close. We nearly blew it on hummus and a festival where nobody’s phone battery dies.

You ask why bother making an album in the streaming era – so what finally convinced you it was worth the financial pain and emotional chaos?

Because albums still feel magical. And the message of compassion deserves an LP.

If Confidence was your 2022 personality trait, what personality trait is Compassion wearing to the party?

Compassion turns up with snacks, checks everyone’s okay, and looks fabulous in a denim suit - like we will this summer.

'Everybody Is A Little More Broken Than They Pretend To Be' is painfully relatable — was that written after deep reflection or just one particularly cursed group chat?

Those are basically the same thing. Metaphors be damned.

Permission To Rest feels like it could double as a doctor’s note for modern life. Are The Hoosiers officially prescribing naps now?

Yes. Two naps a day and one dramatic stare out the window are the minimum.

You’ve described your newer sound as a more adult take on your earlier work — does that just mean fewer sugar rushes and more existential dread?

Exactly. More glitter, more taxes.




Back in 2007, did you ever imagine you’d still be here in 2026 talking about compassion instead of just questionable haircuts and synth hooks?

Absolutely not. We thought long-term planning was buying another cravat.

If each Hoosiers album were a person walking into a saloon, who would start the fight and who would buy everyone a drink?

The Trick To Life starts the fight. Compassion apologises to the furniture and buys everyone crisps.

Lonely Together sounds like the emotional state of half the internet — what inspired that track?

Being permanently - over-connected and simultaneously isolated.

Your albums seem to be in active conversation with fans now. What’s the weirdest or most memorable fan message that’s ever genuinely influenced your music?

Someone said our music helped them survive a breakdown while aggressively cleaning their kitchen at 2am. Honestly, ideal listening conditions.

Which song on Compassion do you think will hit fans the hardest live—and which one are you secretly most excited to show off?

Don’t Hang Your Head will destroy people emotionally. The title track Compassion will surprise ears the most.

You say you want to leave the world 'a more confident, compassionate spinning orb' – ambitious. What’s phase two of the plan?

Starting small and aligning ourselves with causes that matter. We are ambassadors for Music For Youth which aims to give all kids access to musical instruments. We wouldn’t be here without that. And Sane, a mental health charity. Like charity, compassion starts at home.

If Compassion really was available in 'all good book stores and car boots,' where would you most like to find a surprise copy?

In a motorway service station vending machine.

Be honest: after six albums, do you still have civilised songwriting discussions, or is it now mostly psychic communication and passive-aggressive voice notes?

We’re new to the civility thing, but there’s always album seven.

The band will be performing live and in person at the following in-store events to celebrate the release of the album. Pre-order new album Compassion and find tickets at www.thehoosiers.com

Compassion Tour
6th October - O2 Academy, Oxford
7th October - O2 Academy, Bristol
8th October - O2 Ritz, Manchester
9th October - NX, Newcastle
10th October - Classic Grand, Glasgow
13th October - Islington Assembly Hall, London
15th October - O2 Institute, Birmingham
16th October - Chalk, Brighton
17th October - Waterfront, Norwich
18th October - Engine Rooms, Southampton