The Crooks

Formed in 2019, The Crooks are an anthemic indie rock 'n' roll band from Chesterfield, UK. The band consists of Jacko (vocals), Chris Stones (guitar), Duncan Couch (guitar), Conor Fletcher (bass), and Jonathan Keeler (drums).

Their early singles “She Walks Alone”, “Nevermind” and “Frankie” announced a knack for big choruses and 90s-leaning swagger. After a two-year pause, they stormed back in 2024 with “In the Meantime”, “Wide Awake” and a sold-out spring tour, signalling a fresh chapter that’s already packing out larger rooms.

Q: WHAT DOES “NEVER CONFORM, ALWAYS EVOLVE” MEAN FOR YOU?

For us it means don’t fall into the same old structure most people do. Take the harder option, be brave and be yourself. Nothing pays off more than individuality.

Q: WHY ARE YOU A VOICE OF DEFIANCE?

Because I don’t follow a script. I work at what I enjoy, say what I mean, and don’t follow any trodden roads.

Q: WHAT’S ONE WAY YOU HAVE DEFIED THE ODDS?

In a world like today? Standing up for your own personal beliefs is defying odds. Too often are we following narratives and behaving like such and such told us to. If more people were defiant, what a colourful world we’d have.

Q: WHAT’S THE HARDEST CHOICE YOU’VE HAD TO MAKE?

⁠⁠Which shoes to wear. Life shouldn’t be full of hard choices. It should be full of strong decisions. If you’re thinking too much about it, it ain’t worth it. Unless it’s shoes.

Q: WHAT LESSON DO YOU LIVE BY?

Rain feeds the flowers, not thunder. There’s no need to be a scapegoat and channel loud noises from other sources. Be you, be true, be happy.

Q: WHO OR WHAT SHAPED YOUR APPROACH?

⁠⁠It should be a ‘what’, and I think life shapes us all. Although it’s an easy answer to give, it’s the honest one. I reckon everyone is shaped by their surroundings and what they see. I’m no different.