We just kind of liked the word Sprocket; it was the name of the dog in Fraggle Rock, it’s also the part on a bicycle that makes the chain rotate. The ‘Hot Sprockets’ just sounded cool to us because it creates a sense of motion, kind of. We were going to have a name before it, like, Franky Kelly and the Hot Sprockets, but we just decided on The Hot Sprockets, as it’s easier to remember, ha!
▶ When did you start playing music and how long did it take to find your own sound?
The lads bought me an acoustic guitar for my 20th birthday, because we wanted to be in a band together. I had never played an instrument before; but there was no pressure to learn because we were just doing it for a laugh, it was more of an urge/want, to just rock out and play music with your mates. A year later we had our first jam as a band. Franky, who had never played anything before, borrowed his Dad’s harmonicas and tambourine for the jam, and that was it really, the sound just formed that day, we didn’t try “make” a sound, it just formed out of our different influences, I guess. Since then, our sound is naturally progressing and evolving, as the band does too, it’s exciting!!
▶ What releases have you put out thus far, and which would be the one to listen to for the uninitiated?
Country Dirt (E.P.) – 6 songs
HoneySkippin’* (7” Vinyl) – B-Side Outgrown* (Alternate Versions *)
HoneySkippin’ (Album) – 13 songs
HoneySkippin’ (12” L.P.) – 14 songs (Bonus Track – When You’re Gone)
Soul Brother (7” Vinyl) – B-Side El Toro* (Extended Version *)
Our 2nd Album ‘Brother Nature’ will be out soon.
I’d say maybe check out, Cruisin’, Sleep Shake and Soul Brother to get a taste of who we are.
If you’re into the blues-ier side of things, check out Sonny Boy Blues, Honey Skippin and maybe Solid Gold.
If you’re into the folk-ier side of things, check out Cold Winter or Long Way From Home.
If you’re into the fruit-ier side of things, check out Outgrown; we we’re going to put sax on this but we thought it might be too fruity., haha.
You can check out all of these songs on SoundCloud.
▶ Is there a particular live show that stands out amongst all the rest?
There has been too many to mention, but in the last couple of months I’d say the two that stick out would be our Soul Brother single launch in Whelan’s, and our gig at the Forbidden Fruit festival. Whelan’s was sold out, and it was just so great to see the support that we got. We gave it our all and the crowd went wild too, lots of crowd surfing, it was an amazing night. The Forbidden Fruit gig was so good because we weren’t expecting much of an audience because it wasn’t our own gig, if ye get me, but the tent was packed for the whole gig, and it was a big tent! There was a mosh pit at one point, ha ha, and people singing back the words to a good few of the songs, which was amazing since we didn’t know if anyone knew us or not.
▶ Can you talk about a Highlight and a Lowlight of the journey so far?
There hasn’t really been any Lowlights of the journey that I can think of, but definitely the most recent highlight has to be hearing the 2nd album back after it being mixed and mastered. We put a lot of work into this album, and it sounds amazing, we’re really proud of it and can’t wait for people to hear it.
▶ What does ‘success’ mean to you?
The achievement of a goal, an aim or purpose, whether that be; getting to the toilet before you wet yourself, or waking up before the crack of dawn, it depends on what your aim is. As a band, we consider ourselves very successful already.
▶ You are in control of forming a 4 piece ‘super group’ – who is in it and what do they do?
I’ve been asked this a couple of times, and every time I get asked, my answer changes, haha! I guess it depends on your buzz at the time. I’m forming this ‘super group’ just out of curiousity…
Jack White – Vocals, guitar, piano, etc
Neil Young – Vocals, guitar, piano, etc.
Jesse F. Keeler – Bass, backing vocals, synth, etc.
Bill Ward – Drums
▶ If you and 3 bands of your choosing were to do a world tour, who would the other 3 bands be?
Honestly, I’d love to go on a world tour with the Hassle Merchants, New Secret Weapon, and the Markas Carcas band. Three bands that we’ve been gigging with since we started as a band pretty much; we’ve each seen each other progress musically over the years and it’s a great thing to witness. We’ve influenced each other, without even knowing it, if ye get me? These three bands have blown my mind on a number of occasions, and it would be absolutely amazing to tour the world with them.
▶ What will be the 3 strangest things on your rider when you’re able to make any demand?
The 3 STRANGEST things on my rider if I was able to make ANY demand would be; Water, Beer, and Fruit. Why would I have water, beer and fruit on the list, if I could make any demand? Strange!
▶ Finally, in a climate saturated with bands vying for listener attention; why should the good old folks at home listen to you guys?
Because they might like us! They also might not like us! It’s a gamble really, but it’s worth a shot.
Thanks a million to whoever stayed to read this, much love!!!
“Soul Brother” is out now!
Faceboook ▶ /thehotsprockets Twitter ▶ @TheHotSprockets
