The short hair comment 😂. I think it was quite edgy IMO. Also will cheekily throw in I am still in love with the LOOK album. Oh and talking about a bad hair day, I went through a phase of getting blonde tips but my last time was when they messed up so bad and made the whole top of my head orange 😅. Yeah.. I think we can think the worst but when your hair is actually ORANGE, it's genuinely a disaster!! See You in Dublin Olympia. Fingers crossed!
@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain That's it exactly. It really helps and couldn't be more relevant in the current climate. I hope you well and that you are all having a wonderful time on tour 😊 Will give the struts a listen later. Never really appeared on my radar. I have a very specific taste for only the best of the best 😁
There is absolutely NO ONE who can work a crowd like Spiller!!! Band is phenomenal and back up vocals are spot on! Hardest working young band out there...they deserve great success.
Got a little story that involves both The Struts and The Darkness - Luke and I come from the same small town, but where Luke managed to get out and make a career of being a rock star and seeing the world, I got someone pregnant in my early twenties and ended up stuck here. I often feel called out by Could Have Been Me, to the point I couldn’t even listen to it (not personally called out, Luke doesn’t know me!). Anyway I ended up making a living in a covers band after failing to do anything with my own music as so many do, and one NYE we were playing at our local pub and smashed through I Believe In A Thing Called Love - I look down at the crowd and none other than Luke was rocking out with his mates down the front. He came up to me afterwards and said ‘incredible voice mate’ to which I said ‘that means a huge amount coming from you’ and he got all awkward about it. Super humble guy! I’m so glad he’s out there doing what he does best, a thoroughly nice chap.
You underestimate, or understate the impact covers bands have on people. Bloody hell, I'm struggling to join or even start one. Covers bands are often our first taste of live music, and it seems both obtainable and (underestimating the time required to reach proficiency) evasive. Even when the middling-age musos reproduce half faithful renditions of AC/DC and Purple, I heard those songs there first. Remember that orchestra musicians are playing covers ha ha! Covers band musicians - if they aren't shit - are stars in their own right. As you experienced, really successful people support and inflate others. Someday, it could all fall apart for people in famous bands, and you may end up playing with them. I know a certain covers duo that has an ex guitarist from Iron Maiden.
Well i can chime in on this. I got to co-write/produce several songs for their 2nd full length record. I LOVE THIS BAND TO DEATH. Luke is a total star and a badass writer, performer and singer. And the band are PHENOMENAL musicians. We did several songs together in the studio that were BARN BURNERS that sounded like they could have been hits for Slade, The Sweet, Mott The Hoople (all bands they love and were inspired by)….. but then there’s the record label. They were obsessed with trying to make them be Maroon 5 (which i am not knocking. I’m friends with those M5 guys and they are an unapologetic pop band that are doing quite fine without our opinions honestly). It’s weird to want to make The Struts into a pop band that would sit alongside a playlist on radio with Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. They’re just not THAT BAND. As much as i understand labels needing money and sales to keep the lights on, at what artist’s expense do you dangle that carrot in front of them to the point that they constantly justify trying to grab the Pop ring? Anyways, i love this band, i love Justin and The Darkness, and (as a producer/writer who has worked with everyone from Pink to Sevendust and love pop AND rock) i hope that the label/mgmt will eventually let them be who they truly are. A ROCK BAND. 🙂
I thought by far the best song on young and dangerous album was "fire" which I know you wrote with them. It's really interesting to see someone so close to the band write this comment. I also spoke with Michael star(Ralf saenz) about the struts and he said a similar thing to you. As a live band the struts are a powerhouse! They just don't seem to have found the formula for their records! Kudos for your work with them! Wish we'd gotten to hear the other demos you'd done with them!!
Butch, I'm a fan of your music and didn't realize you co-wrote/produced songs on The Struts second album. A close friend of mine in the industry told me similar stories that Interscope is not really set up in the current era to market anything other than hip-hop and pop. I'm sure that authentic rock is outside of Interscope's wheelhouse these days, which is unfortunate. I'll be honest I didn't care much for the 3rd album, but the 2nd is my favorite hands-down. Nice work!
Thanks so much for sharing. Sounds like The Struts should do what they gotta do and definitely sign to a better label next time they get a chance. No artist wants to be pigeonholed into something they're not
I like The Struts and wish multi-platinum albums and sold-out arenas would come to them soon. Lord knows they deserve it. Luke performing live is like seeing the best of Freddie Mercury and Mick Jagger rolled into one. They are bringing back the lost art of being rock stars, and that is always a good thing!
I saw The Struts for the first time when they opened for the Foo Fighters. I was blown away. When they played "Kiss This" my jaw dropped. Well written rock anthem. I went to their show the following year. Love them!💜
The struts are the best band on the Earth. Their first album is flawless. Very rarely can a group make an album like that. They are a throwback to the '70s way more than any other band is but that is good cuz it's working for them. Luke does not try to be like this. He was born to be like this. And he should not change one thing. I can't wait to hear their next album. It's like waiting for another queen album or another Aerosmith album back in the old days. Luke is the s***. 🙏
I’ve seen the Struts six times. They always put on a great show. I am also baffled they are not bigger than they are. They have done big shows (like opening for the Foo Fighters). But mostly play smaller venues (like the Roxy in L.A). They deserve to win Grammys and play stadiums. I hope they will achieve wider success someday.
I never understood how One Night Only wasnt huge! I saw Luke do Under Pressure with the Foos and thought "who is this guy? he's a Rock Star!" Then I saw One Night Only. I thought that had it all! Melody, hooks, killer energy and a vid you couldn't take your eyes off. I thought they'd be mammoth by now. Hope they keep after it and don't get discouraged. They've definitely got it!
I love the Struts. Been able to see them twice so far here in the States. I love their vibe and attitude. My only quibble is that I find their albums to be overly produced and pop-ish, whereas their live sound is way more guitar driven and rock n roll.
I took my 18 and 22 year old daughters with a group of their friends to see The Struts recently and they all came away as huge fans. Of course they have all grown up during a time where this type of music is no longer in the mainstream so it was a completely new experience for them. It was amazing to see how they all immediately responded the second the band hit the stage. After the show my 18 year old asked me how it was possible that they were not superstars. They are all asking me when they are coming back so we can all go see them again.
I LOVE The Struts. RUclips led me to them in 2017, and I've been hooked ever since. I've seen them 3x now, they are just amazing to see. I will never understand why they aren't blowing up charts based on my streaming and buying alone :)
I've seen The Struts live twice, seeing them again in May, absolutely love them! I tell everyone about The Struts that I can. First time I saw them was at a festival in North Carolina, they were on just before Billy Idol and I was blown away with just how captivating they are. Their energy on stage is great! Hope to see them get to the heights they deserve soon.
I have been a massive fan of the Struts for years. I also have no idea why they are not massive in this country. The radio stations in the UK would not play their songs. God knows why. They are massive in USA. I am glad you bought this video out, as I have always wondered why they are not massive over here.
The Struts are to Guns and Roses what Bush were to Nirvana. Struts are from Bristol which has always had much better music to offer than this karaoke Mercury / Roderick Hefley on heroine lookalike slash Noel Fielding impersonator. What does London and their copycat "antics" have anything to with should have been me? More embarrassing than Donny Tourette.
I think you're dead wrong. Could Have Been Me, to me is about pushing forward, going after what you want...makes perfect sense to me. It's my experience that when a band doesn't get their due...its management.. 9 out of 10 times. They will get there..they are the best band I've listened to since back in the 80s! Love them.❤
Finally got the opportunity to see them live in Philly last year after following them online for so long. They are amazing. It's honestly mind boggling that they are not HUGE, especially after their amazing performance at Victoria's Secret Show. Their frontman Luke is like a combination of Freddie and Mick, an abosolute stunner on vocal. Really hope they will be more widely recognized.
I’m dying with the “Victoria underwear parade” 🤣 And yes, it can’t be difficult to analyze or categorize a band when you are a genuine fan but if you even try to look a them from a distant or more objective perspective, even then you can see that they are amazing and have an incredible and unique modern sound. Great video!! 🙌🏻
I had never heard of them and saw them in Dallas in 2023, wow - what a show and what a front man. My favorites after hearing zero songs before the concert are “Kiss This”, “Body Talks”, and “Pretty Vicious. If they come to your town, don’t miss the show
It might be the bands name “the Struts” sometimes I get it confused with the “the Strokes” but anyways they are definitely a great rock band with catchy melodies and absolutely phenomenal live shows.
I love The Struts to no end. I appreciate your goal of exploring why they aren’t as big as they should be- because they deserve ultimate success!!! You asked for feedback from your video so here goes.... If you review more carefully you will find Could Have Been Me IS a beginning point song- a "take that leap” song. It charted in the states, went gold and is used in movies, video games, sports arenas and commercials to this very day (Halsey is singing it in a movie coming out next week as a matter of fact). Lyrics from it are tattooed on people and credited for literally saving some fans' lives. So I think it has proven to resonate and have mass appeal and success. Many of their song lyrics ARE more specific and detailed, and Luke has gotten even more personal in lyrics recently- of course I agree that more of this would be wonderful. I sometimes wonder about the label's choice as to what songs get (or more to the point DON'T get) pushed out as singles. The deeper the dive the more to love with The Struts- so there’s no harm in showcasing MORE. Regarding featuring a more raw sound in recording, you skipped right over their most recent album Strange Days which was literally four guys in a room playing straight rock n roll and kicking ass! But that's probably because, despite Loudwire and Loudersound declaring it one of the top albums of the year (both critically and by fan vote), the album was barely promoted by the label much past its initial release. Which brings me to my take: I wish for the label to trust the band's creative choices, increase the pace of song releases (more studio time in order to keep up with the band’s creativity, with maybe a well-promoted, larger venue/ fewer cities style touring to allow for this), and provide a more regular promotional presence to support all they do. Luke is a legend on and off the stage and each of the band members have great talent & incredible personal appeal. FYI many of their wonderful opportunities came not as much from generic connections as you imply and more often from people in those organizations reaching out to The Struts (e.g. Luke is a Funko Pop and the band has a Funko cereal because Funko wanted this to happen, not the other way around!) They are a stellar band on every level and have everything it takes to bring joy to the masses for a lifetime. I think if the label trusted them more in their creative choices, and they had a consistent social media team to support and promote all they do regularly, the world would be a better place. Because the world is better with The Struts. If you made it this far thanks for reading. 😅
I was planning on some long and intelligent reply to this frankly superb post, but actually all I can say is - here here, what he said! The entire band are amazing, I've met them a few times and they are just the most normal Lads living the dream they never thought they would get the chance to live. Could have been me is absolutely a prelude song to their success, and defo not some arrogant we've done it song. It's about no matter the turmoil, the heartache, or the knock backs, they just want to say they tried and did all they could. They don't want a life of regrets and as long as you try, that's all that matters. By the way, I've got the Luke funko pop toy. Ha ha. Pride and joy on the fire mantle.
Two things: 1) Young people are into hip-hop, not rock. 2) Older people measure all new bands against the mega-bands of the past. A great example of what is going on is from an interview Jack White once gave. He was furious (and rightly so) at the criticism drummer Meg White was getting at the time The White Stripes came on the scene. He said she was being criticized, ridiculed and almost condemned, for not being Neil Peart. So, if you're reading this, Struts, don't despair. We are living in a strange time. And, hell, you still have better jobs than I do.
Yes, and there are loads of younger people now who are like 2) Comparing newcomers to artists who became established artists more than 40 years ago is so silly.
I’m in the top .05% of their Spotify listeners which was recently pointed out to me by Spotify 2021 wrapped. The day isn’t complete without with the Struts, Killer band!
I only discovered them in the past 2 months (surfing youtube and stumbling upon duets with Luke and Taylor). Since then I am a HUGE fan and have watched every available video, bought every available song, and am eagerly waiting their upcoming concert in a few weeks (please COVID don't ruin it). I honestly think the biggest problem is timing. They were on a huge upswing just as COVID hit. They look amazing live, but I would actually love to see an acoustic show. Regardless, hoping they get the recognition the so deserve as soon as we can go back to live music.
I just had to plug my guitar into my practiceamp and strum hard on Black Shuck for a while....The best riff AC/DC never wrote. Thanks for your channel Justin.
I watched your interview with the vocalist last night, been checking out their stuff today! They’re honestly awesome! I love his phrasing too! For me it’s a bit like if mark bolan had a music baby with queen! Thanks for turning us on to them big man! 🔥
I'm so glad to have seen this regarding the Struts. I think they are a band that didn't get the level of success they deserved. They write amazing songs. Every single track on their album with Could Have Been Me is amazing. Your comments regarding the lyrics, I have to admit are an absolutely brilliant observation. The melody and the track is just so freaking fantastic, it bums me out to no end that this song didn't just explode. Anyway, thanks for keep rock alive, JH.
Love Justin's analysis, but Im not sure he's right this time round. Lots of bands come out full of bravado with anthemic songs at the start, Oasis for one (one of the biggest rock bands in UK history) had songs on thier record breaking debut album with lyric such as "toniiiight Im a rockin roll star!" elsewhere "I need to be myself, I cant be no ones else, Im feeling supersonic'. Stone Roses debut album "In am the resurrection and I am the light' elsewhere "the past was yours but the futures mine" "I wanna be adored". I could go on.
I was first introduced to The Struts during the Foo Fighters 2017 tour, and have been a fan ever since. I later saw them headline a small club near my hometown and never stopped smiling the whole show. I would see them any time they come near and will buy every album they release, although I will agree that their latest album definitely had a "poppier" feel. I do hope they are able to retain some edge in their music going forward, while keeping their knack for catchy hooks. I feel like they're kinda like Sweet in that aspect.
The Struts are incredible live. They seem to be trying the Def Leppard approach by trying to crack America first. Lot's of tongue in cheek in those Struts lyrics.
Yeh. Except DL were new / talented not cosplay Quireboys. The vocals on Could have been me are piss weak with the Queen leanings equally painful and weak. I am sure they are local heroes a mile from their house. They make Spinal Tap real. Just embarrassing.
@@punkisinthedetails1470 Huh? Struts sound nothing at all like Quireboys, you could say that Quireboys have been listening to Faces albums too much but that's called influence isn't it?
Luke is the real deal. I am a fan as well. My take on The Struts in terms of success in the U.S. is that their British sensibilities will not go over so well here and some of their songs seem gimmicky at best. I really enjoyed their earlier work and more recently Primadonna Like Me. The video was great. Not really sure what it will take for them to level up. Still think they have loads of talent and a great work ethic.
They clearly love The Sweet. The Sweet were freaks. The Struts need to get freaky w their songwriting. Make people think WTF are the Struts thinking? Blow minds. Take their writing further than Sweet, Bowie, Bolan, Glitter. Take us on an insane glam acid trip. Please!
They're great. And they're young. Still developing. Some of the Hawksters comments are bang on; for me much better live than on record. Great bunch of people and thank fuck someone is putting some fun back into rock. Or should I say someone else!
Grammy's and BRIT awards seems like an institutional award. Not really indicative of how good a band is. I've heard of them but haven't really looked into them. Excited to deep dive their music.
I live in the States where The Struts are more known than The Darkness. In fact I discovered you through them! 🙌 I appreciate your thesis that writing more from the heart will help them cross over- but using Could Have Been Me as an example of NOT makes me feel you missed the whole point of of the song. “Don’t wanna wake up on a Monday morning- the thought of work is getting my skin crawling” is probably one of the most relatable line of lyrics ever written.
When you talk about your first album you made me think of The Kinks and how a lot of their song themes were local…loving your channel Justin….super interesting , informative, humorous …., and positive! Keep it going!
In my opinion, they are the best band of the last 20 years. A bit of a throwback band but with a modern feel. They have many great songs but my faves are Burn It Down and Gimme Some Blood.
They only "problem" with The Struts is that they sound waaaaaaay better live than on record, but once you see them live you fall in love with them forever, and then going back to listen to the records its a whole new experience, you won't ever stop listening to them.
I saw them live on their first US tour…f’n amazing!!!!!! I swore they were going to be the catalyst that brought rock n roll back to the forefront….I’m still shocked it hasn’t happened.
I totally agree with this, which is why - 'Mary Go Round' is one of my favourite songs of theirs. I mean, I love all of their music, truly. But Mary hits differently.
The Struts were the last show I saw in-person as COVID hit. They were great, great musicians, great vocals, great energy. (Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA) I don’t understand how they aren’t a household name.
I did not know of The Struts until about five months ago upon hearing them mentioned by Dave Grohl, and I have been a fan ever since. I do, however, agree with you regarding over-production. For myself, I prefer watching their live performances than listening to their studio albums. I will take issue with you in regard to "Could Have Been Me;" he is speaking in the present tense, declaring that he wants to take all opportunities and chances now, rather than live with the (future) regret of not knowing. In my opinion, lyrically, their deepest song is on the Young and Dangerous album, and it is called "Ashes (Part 2)." I would be curious as to the inspiration for this song. It seems to be about the death of one's significant other, which really resonates with me having been widowed about 20 months ago. Keep doing what you do, and I will keep watching.
I’m a huge struts fan and I think luke is the best vocalist in the world right now - at least from a rock point of view But I think their most recent album was a misstep (written and recorded in 2 weeks is automatic alarm bells ringing) and the duet with Paris Jackson didn’t don it for me at all. For a band that I know has such a high ceiling I’d really like to see them go for it on the next record
I just started listening to the struts about a year ago and was lucky enough to see them in concert back in November of 2023 and I am a huge fan now looking forward to their next concert
At the end of the video you said the thing that I was thinking since the beggining of it: their production/sound is not good - it's not shite, but sometimes is borderline bad sounding. The songs are there, the performances are also there. But everything sounds squashed on plug-ins and what have you. Making their music kinda bland and vanilla sounding. One of the many qualities about the Darkness is how great their records have always sounded - every single one of them. BTW: give some love to Hot Cakes on the setlists - at least bring "With a Woman" back. C'imon it's just cruel to have a song like that and not play it.
Hello The Struts remind me of 70s rock and glam rock music with the way Luke Spiller sings. Luke Spiller is on the same level as Janis Joplin, Robert Plant, Sweet and Freddie Mercury (of course). Have you seen the music videos with Luke Spiller and Mike Oldfield another great musician? I hope they become the new The Rolling Stones, a rock band that never ages and gets to play and be stars for several decades - if they themselves wish for this of course. I wish them all the best and hope to see and hear them live someday. I live in Gothenburg/Sweden and wish they will perform in my city. But it rarely happens that way. Most bands perform in the capital - Stockholm 😒 Warm and friendly greetings from Pia Kragh 🌹
So I listened to the Struts live set on you tube. I was a kid for the early Bowie and loved him. The Struts are great and have the potential to be great. First band that I have been this excited about in years. Thank you for bringing them to me. Will check out the darkness next. Again, thank you!
I saw them do the Low Key In Love song live with just Luke singing and that version was far superior to the duet with the pop production. They must have been talked into that unfortunately.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Justin. Never heard of them before but, wow, think I've just discovered my new favourite band thanks to this recommendation. If you ever wondered what Queen would sound like had Freddie not died back in the 90s. Well this is it. And more importantly/amazingly they're not actively trying to ape Queen, they're their own thing and it comes accross. Want to hear more.
Hey Justin, your channel is fantastic - thanks so much for doing this. As a hobbyist songwriter, I'm finding it incredibly useful but also, perhaps more importantly, it's just lovely to know I'm not the only one who's completely obsessed with thinking about this stuff. I think if any art or music or creative outlet is going to be beneficial to human beings, it has to be vulnerable. When we experience someone being vulnerable it gives us permission to take off the masks society puts on us. It sets us free, that's why people respond. It's just really nice to hear you affirming that. Thanks for being awesome!
I love The Struts and I'm going to see them tonight. I'm nowhere near being musically intelligent enough to have thought about it like you do here, but you've hit the nail on the head really. They've always felt, to me, like a band that is constantly fighting with their label. I think they want to be a rock band which is why their live shows are so f*ing good. When they're on stage they do what they want but then you can sense the studio meddling. Despite that, I still like many of their more basic 'pop' songs as Luke is a brilliant front man with a superb voice and the band is rock solid. I would love them to remove the record label shackles and stand proud, unashamedly as the rock gods they should be. Bands like Dirty Honey are coming through now and being unapologetic with their sound (also great) so why can't The Struts? Could Have Been Me, Kiss This, Put Your Money on Me, Where Did She Go, Black Swan and Matter of Time are all really fantastic tunes.
Struts aren't widely popular the same reason you're not widely popular (anymore) .. It all comes down to the songs. You proved with The Darkness that if you have an undeniable, catchy banger that can resonate with millions of people everywhere, like "A Thing Called Love", and a major label behind it, you will most likely be huge. The Darkness has a MUCH bigger fanbase and more respect than The Struts, so why aren't YOU huge these days? It's your songs. You never wrote a comparable hit like A Thing Called Love.. I like your other songs as a rock fan and musician, but Thing Called Love tramples them all. My advice to all musicians, especially stubborn rock musicians who have trouble writing hits, is to not be afraid to collaborate with songwriters like they did in the 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. Heart for example, their biggest songs were written by two dudes. Some of the biggest songs of all time were written by people outside the band. You should give it a try 😉.
Those are some harsh truths that need to be said. When you have the looks, the label machine, the connections, the talent, all the exposure that millions of bands would kill for, and still you're not popular, the culprit has to be the songs are lacking. Same problem with that HAIM band, and hundreds of signed bands.
Let’s add another important reason: today kids like rap. Rock is no longer trendy for them like it was for us. Label have less and less power because nobody buys records anymore.
You have a point there, but no. There’s something you’re losing sight of. Money. The amount of money a major label pays for its artist/product to be played on radio or TV and to be "invited" to events/shows is obscene. There’s a big machine behind it. Therefore, artists who are in independent labels that aren't "attached" to a major label are hardly heard outside the artist’s country. And that’s how bands of genres that aren’t mainstream, or that don’t have a long trajectory to back them up, aren't, or aren't longer, popular. And even so, the fact that a band is popular, with big sales, lots of streamings and youtube reproductions is not inversely proportional to talent, or production quality or how brilliant the lyrics are.
@@astrid.r exactly, but only major labels can do that, and they sign you only if you’re already doing well and they feel they can make lots and lots of money with you. Because the marketing machine costs millions. If you’re good but not trendy, the don’t even try. Indie labels are sometimes useless, for a new artist a PR agency, a booking agency and a distribution (digital aggregator) for self recorded albums are a better choice today.
Justin I love to hear you you have to say. The Struts YES should be bigger and better then they are. But to their fans they are #1! Well 2 years now held back with Epidemic and they continously tour in normal times without new recordings or concentration on new music. I for one love The Struts and wish to see them hit it big! They will, the right song needs to come along that one big hit!
You nailed it, they need to focus on being the rock band they are meant to be. I fell in love with them about 4 years ago, but they lost me on their 3rd album. Too pop. The first album is amazing. Also agree about song topics... need to delve deeper than sex and partying.
Big fans of The Struts! They're from my hometown, Derby! I've met Adam, Jed and Gethin at a party one time at the ol' Dog&Moon in Derby, and they're absolutely lovely! never got to meet Luke, but meeting 3/4 of the members and their stage man Tommy! One day ill make sure to them live :)
You made me discover a new band thx will pay attention to them i just love rock and roll.Justin love your band saw you in montreal in 2015 one of the great show i ever saw in my life miss you and i see your not coming in montreal for your next tour im sad and i still wear my darkness t-shirt that i bought on you show (I need a new one it wearing thin lol) but still love you guys your awesomes. im still rocking im 58 years old.
The Struts are the Reason I started listening to The Darkness Music also!!!! The Struts’s Energy is Phenomenal! The BestLive Band I have ever experienced .
Love The Struts, and I’m loving this Channel. Justin, your insight of music is awesome. I guess when you’re a badass rocker, that you are, it comes from a place of true passion. I recently played The Darkness for a construction co-worker, and his mind was blown.
when the first album came out my wife and I drove 350 miles to a small club to see them.. the place was full of University Students all singing the tunes and the ones up front were trying to touch Luke.. we immediately drove 350 miles home… the 2nd album same club 700 miles round trip… I was 66… I am now 70 and I saw them 2 weeks ago and worked my way up front and sang every tune! It was my vocal workout and cardio lol I’m a bass player and my first band was 1965
Discovered The Struts at the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis in 2014. Had never heard of them before and they were easily one of the best acts of the weekend. Luke has tenacious energy and showmanship. He was LITERALLY running through the crowd. Been a fan ever since. They should tour with Greta Van Fleet.
Justin, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on "Pretty Vicious" November release. New tunes are great so far. Discovered you cause Luke loves The Darkness! PS Thank you for wearing my sequoined jacket onstage in NY! The whole band is kind and fun... it was a great evening.
Justin can I recommend that you check out a song Luke did with his mate called Sunnyside. You want a personal song and you might like it. Very location/time specific. You raise good points about the production and recording of the band. It never seems to capture the energy of their shows. A good live or acoustic album is needed at this point. But will respectfully disagree about the having to choose between rock and pop. I've seen a few people say the same thing over the years about The Struts and it has never sat right with me. I find it pretentious and also a bit restrictive. You'd never say to a fan 'you can either attend pop concerts or rock shows but not both'. Why say it to a band?
I've always had the same thought about Foxy Shazam. They mix an incredible talent with a super interesting appearance and they've always made radio-friendly songs while preserving the rock attitude (forget about Gonzo). You worked with them, what do you think went wrong there?
I'm on tour with The Darkness right now - we are playing London this week, you can get tickets here: www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-dates/
Talk about the beautifully simplistic Christmas song you and Dan have a recent cameo on too...
Please come to Phoenix Arizona justin I fucking love your band
The short hair comment 😂. I think it was quite edgy IMO. Also will cheekily throw in I am still in love with the LOOK album.
Oh and talking about a bad hair day, I went through a phase of getting blonde tips but my last time was when they messed up so bad and made the whole top of my head orange 😅. Yeah.. I think we can think the worst but when your hair is actually ORANGE, it's genuinely a disaster!!
See You in Dublin Olympia. Fingers crossed!
@@richiep3520 well, I suppose the moral of the story is… IT COULD BE WORSE!
@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain That's it exactly. It really helps and couldn't be more relevant in the current climate. I hope you well and that you are all having a wonderful time on tour 😊
Will give the struts a listen later. Never really appeared on my radar. I have a very specific taste for only the best of the best 😁
There is absolutely NO ONE who can work a crowd like Spiller!!! Band is phenomenal and back up vocals are spot on! Hardest working young band out there...they deserve great success.
I agree, he might be the best frontman ever
I totally agree, he is amazing!
I had the chance to see Queen live and I feel Luke can be the greatest frontman of this years!
Got a little story that involves both The Struts and The Darkness - Luke and I come from the same small town, but where Luke managed to get out and make a career of being a rock star and seeing the world, I got someone pregnant in my early twenties and ended up stuck here. I often feel called out by Could Have Been Me, to the point I couldn’t even listen to it (not personally called out, Luke doesn’t know me!).
Anyway I ended up making a living in a covers band after failing to do anything with my own music as so many do, and one NYE we were playing at our local pub and smashed through I Believe In A Thing Called Love - I look down at the crowd and none other than Luke was rocking out with his mates down the front. He came up to me afterwards and said ‘incredible voice mate’ to which I said ‘that means a huge amount coming from you’ and he got all awkward about it. Super humble guy! I’m so glad he’s out there doing what he does best, a thoroughly nice chap.
You underestimate, or understate the impact covers bands have on people. Bloody hell, I'm struggling to join or even start one. Covers bands are often our first taste of live music, and it seems both obtainable and (underestimating the time required to reach proficiency) evasive. Even when the middling-age musos reproduce half faithful renditions of AC/DC and Purple, I heard those songs there first. Remember that orchestra musicians are playing covers ha ha! Covers band musicians - if they aren't shit - are stars in their own right.
As you experienced, really successful people support and inflate others. Someday, it could all fall apart for people in famous bands, and you may end up playing with them. I know a certain covers duo that has an ex guitarist from Iron Maiden.
Well i can chime in on this. I got to co-write/produce several songs for their 2nd full length record. I LOVE THIS BAND TO DEATH. Luke is a total star and a badass writer, performer and singer. And the band are PHENOMENAL musicians. We did several songs together in the studio that were BARN BURNERS that sounded like they could have been hits for Slade, The Sweet, Mott The Hoople (all bands they love and were inspired by)….. but then there’s the record label. They were obsessed with trying to make them be Maroon 5 (which i am not knocking. I’m friends with those M5 guys and they are an unapologetic pop band that are doing quite fine without our opinions honestly). It’s weird to want to make The Struts into a pop band that would sit alongside a playlist on radio with Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. They’re just not THAT BAND. As much as i understand labels needing money and sales to keep the lights on, at what artist’s expense do you dangle that carrot in front of them to the point that they constantly justify trying to grab the Pop ring? Anyways, i love this band, i love Justin and The Darkness, and
(as a producer/writer who has worked with everyone from Pink to Sevendust and love pop AND rock) i hope that the label/mgmt will eventually let them be who they truly are. A ROCK BAND. 🙂
I thought by far the best song on young and dangerous album was "fire" which I know you wrote with them. It's really interesting to see someone so close to the band write this comment. I also spoke with Michael star(Ralf saenz) about the struts and he said a similar thing to you.
As a live band the struts are a powerhouse! They just don't seem to have found the formula for their records!
Kudos for your work with them! Wish we'd gotten to hear the other demos you'd done with them!!
Butch, I'm a fan of your music and didn't realize you co-wrote/produced songs on The Struts second album. A close friend of mine in the industry told me similar stories that Interscope is not really set up in the current era to market anything other than hip-hop and pop. I'm sure that authentic rock is outside of Interscope's wheelhouse these days, which is unfortunate. I'll be honest I didn't care much for the 3rd album, but the 2nd is my favorite hands-down. Nice work!
Thank you so much for this ❤️❤️🙏
Thanks so much for sharing.
Sounds like The Struts should do what they gotta do and definitely sign to a better label next time they get a chance. No artist wants to be pigeonholed into something they're not
Thank you butch for being the least close minded person here lol
“Could Have Been Me” is the definition of being venerable, raw & open. One of the most ballsy songs ever written.
I'd love to see The Darkness and The Struts tour together. What a dream show that would be! Make it happen, Jus!
Give that your a miss for sure 😂😂😂
YEAH ! I love both bands and would go see them .
I like The Struts and wish multi-platinum albums and sold-out arenas would come to them soon. Lord knows they deserve it. Luke performing live is like seeing the best of Freddie Mercury and Mick Jagger rolled into one. They are bringing back the lost art of being rock stars, and that is always a good thing!
I saw The Struts for the first time when they opened for the Foo Fighters. I was blown away. When they played "Kiss This" my jaw dropped. Well written rock anthem. I went to their show the following year. Love them!💜
The struts are the best band on the Earth. Their first album is flawless. Very rarely can a group make an album like that. They are a throwback to the '70s way more than any other band is but that is good cuz it's working for them. Luke does not try to be like this. He was born to be like this. And he should not change one thing. I can't wait to hear their next album. It's like waiting for another queen album or another Aerosmith album back in the old days. Luke is the s***. 🙏
I’ve seen the Struts six times. They always put on a great show. I am also baffled they are not bigger than they are. They have done big shows (like opening for the Foo Fighters). But mostly play smaller venues (like the Roxy in L.A). They deserve to win Grammys and play stadiums. I hope they will achieve wider success someday.
Nailed it. The Struts are by far one of the best live bands I’ve seen in ever. Luke is such an dynamic performer and an outstanding frontman!!
I never understood how One Night Only wasnt huge! I saw Luke do Under Pressure with the Foos and thought "who is this guy? he's a Rock Star!" Then I saw One Night Only. I thought that had it all! Melody, hooks, killer energy and a vid you couldn't take your eyes off. I thought they'd be mammoth by now. Hope they keep after it and don't get discouraged. They've definitely got it!
ONO is awesome. Perfection
I love the Struts. Been able to see them twice so far here in the States. I love their vibe and attitude. My only quibble is that I find their albums to be overly produced and pop-ish, whereas their live sound is way more guitar driven and rock n roll.
There a fun band to see they know how to get the crowd involved.
Love the Struts! Luke is a beautiful artist and a wonderful front man! The whole band rocks! Mega talented guys 🎶
I took my 18 and 22 year old daughters with a group of their friends to see The Struts recently and they all came away as huge fans. Of course they have all grown up during a time where this type of music is no longer in the mainstream so it was a completely new experience for them. It was amazing to see how they all immediately responded the second the band hit the stage. After the show my 18 year old asked me how it was possible that they were not superstars. They are all asking me when they are coming back so we can all go see them again.
I LOVE The Struts. RUclips led me to them in 2017, and I've been hooked ever since. I've seen them 3x now, they are just amazing to see. I will never understand why they aren't blowing up charts based on my streaming and buying alone :)
I've seen The Struts live twice, seeing them again in May, absolutely love them! I tell everyone about The Struts that I can. First time I saw them was at a festival in North Carolina, they were on just before Billy Idol and I was blown away with just how captivating they are. Their energy on stage is great! Hope to see them get to the heights they deserve soon.
I have been a massive fan of the Struts for years. I also have no idea why they are not massive in this country. The radio stations in the UK would not play their songs. God knows why. They are massive in USA. I am glad you bought this video out, as I have always wondered why they are not massive over here.
The Struts are to Guns and Roses what Bush were to Nirvana. Struts are from Bristol which has always had much better music to offer than this karaoke Mercury / Roderick Hefley on heroine lookalike slash Noel Fielding impersonator. What does London and their copycat "antics" have anything to with should have been me? More embarrassing than Donny Tourette.
I really appreciate you being able to critique your friend in such an honest and open and kind way. Musically it can only be all for the better.
I think you're dead wrong. Could Have Been Me, to me is about pushing forward, going after what you want...makes perfect sense to me. It's my experience that when a band doesn't get their due...its management.. 9 out of 10 times. They will get there..they are the best band I've listened to since back in the 80s! Love them.❤
Finally got the opportunity to see them live in Philly last year after following them online for so long. They are amazing. It's honestly mind boggling that they are not HUGE, especially after their amazing performance at Victoria's Secret Show. Their frontman Luke is like a combination of Freddie and Mick, an abosolute stunner on vocal. Really hope they will be more widely recognized.
I’m dying with the “Victoria underwear parade” 🤣 And yes, it can’t be difficult to analyze or categorize a band when you are a genuine fan but if you even try to look a them from a distant or more objective perspective, even then you can see that they are amazing and have an incredible and unique modern sound. Great video!! 🙌🏻
i saw them in italy in 2019.... god they're FANTASTIC... huge stage presence, the show was powerful ANd so fun!!!
I occasionally wonder why this band never got larger than they are. I’m glad it came across this video.
I believe we all want to see A Darkness/The Struts Tour!
I had never heard of them and saw them in Dallas in 2023, wow - what a show and what a front man. My favorites after hearing zero songs before the concert are “Kiss This”, “Body Talks”, and “Pretty Vicious. If they come to your town, don’t miss the show
It might be the bands name “the Struts” sometimes I get it confused with the “the Strokes” but anyways they are definitely a great rock band with catchy melodies and absolutely phenomenal live shows.
I've made the same mistake.
The struts are amazing, they def deserve more credit
I love The Struts to no end. I appreciate your goal of exploring why they aren’t as big as they should be- because they deserve ultimate success!!! You asked for feedback from your video so here goes....
If you review more carefully you will find Could Have Been Me IS a beginning point song- a "take that leap” song. It charted in the states, went gold and is used in movies, video games, sports arenas and commercials to this very day (Halsey is singing it in a movie coming out next week as a matter of fact). Lyrics from it are tattooed on people and credited for literally saving some fans' lives. So I think it has proven to resonate and have mass appeal and success.
Many of their song lyrics ARE more specific and detailed, and Luke has gotten even more personal in lyrics recently- of course I agree that more of this would be wonderful. I sometimes wonder about the label's choice as to what songs get (or more to the point DON'T get) pushed out as singles. The deeper the dive the more to love with The Struts- so there’s no harm in showcasing MORE.
Regarding featuring a more raw sound in recording, you skipped right over their most recent album Strange Days which was literally four guys in a room playing straight rock n roll and kicking ass! But that's probably because, despite Loudwire and Loudersound declaring it one of the top albums of the year (both critically and by fan vote), the album was barely promoted by the label much past its initial release.
Which brings me to my take: I wish for the label to trust the band's creative choices, increase the pace of song releases (more studio time in order to keep up with the band’s creativity, with maybe a well-promoted, larger venue/ fewer cities style touring to allow for this), and provide a more regular promotional presence to support all they do.
Luke is a legend on and off the stage and each of the band members have great talent & incredible personal appeal. FYI many of their wonderful opportunities came not as much from generic connections as you imply and more often from people in those organizations reaching out to The Struts (e.g. Luke is a Funko Pop and the band has a Funko cereal because Funko wanted this to happen, not the other way around!)
They are a stellar band on every level and have everything it takes to bring joy to the masses for a lifetime. I think if the label trusted them more in their creative choices, and they had a consistent social media team to support and promote all they do regularly, the world would be a better place. Because the world is better with The Struts. If you made it this far thanks for reading. 😅
Well said, agree completely!
Hi Luke!! 👋
Agree!
Perfect response
I was planning on some long and intelligent reply to this frankly superb post, but actually all I can say is - here here, what he said!
The entire band are amazing, I've met them a few times and they are just the most normal Lads living the dream they never thought they would get the chance to live.
Could have been me is absolutely a prelude song to their success, and defo not some arrogant we've done it song. It's about no matter the turmoil, the heartache, or the knock backs, they just want to say they tried and did all they could. They don't want a life of regrets and as long as you try, that's all that matters.
By the way, I've got the Luke funko pop toy. Ha ha. Pride and joy on the fire mantle.
Two things:
1) Young people are into hip-hop, not rock.
2) Older people measure all new bands against the mega-bands of the past.
A great example of what is going on is from an interview Jack White once gave. He was furious (and rightly so) at the criticism drummer Meg White was getting at the time The White Stripes came on the scene. He said she was being criticized, ridiculed and almost condemned, for not being Neil Peart.
So, if you're reading this, Struts, don't despair. We are living in a strange time. And, hell, you still have better jobs than I do.
Fell in love with a girl was a breath of fresh air. Buzzcocks style drumming was a great fit on that tiny kit.
Yes, and there are loads of younger people now who are like 2)
Comparing newcomers to artists who became established artists more than 40 years ago is so silly.
I really love the Struts. They are a GREAT live band. The problem is their studio work doesn’t capture their live sound.
I’m in the top .05% of their Spotify listeners which was recently pointed out to me by Spotify 2021 wrapped. The day isn’t complete without with the Struts, Killer band!
I only discovered them in the past 2 months (surfing youtube and stumbling upon duets with Luke and Taylor). Since then I am a HUGE fan and have watched every available video, bought every available song, and am eagerly waiting their upcoming concert in a few weeks (please COVID don't ruin it). I honestly think the biggest problem is timing. They were on a huge upswing just as COVID hit. They look amazing live, but I would actually love to see an acoustic show. Regardless, hoping they get the recognition the so deserve as soon as we can go back to live music.
I'd really like Justin to talk about the Lyrics of The Darkness' discography, how they came about, the meaning to the band, etc.
They're a rock n roll band they don't mean anything!
@@vanzandt8809 I think you'll find they do
@@vanzandt8809 Lol
@@vanzandt8809 which is why I find Justin's critique of this song a bit of a headscratcher.
I just had to plug my guitar into my practiceamp and strum hard on Black Shuck for a while....The best riff AC/DC never wrote.
Thanks for your channel Justin.
I watched your interview with the vocalist last night, been checking out their stuff today! They’re honestly awesome! I love his phrasing too! For me it’s a bit like if mark bolan had a music baby with queen!
Thanks for turning us on to them big man! 🔥
Hi guys. X
Hi Matt! I’m gonna message you! Miss you endlessly x
I'm so glad to have seen this regarding the Struts. I think they are a band that didn't get the level of success they deserved. They write amazing songs. Every single track on their album with Could Have Been Me is amazing. Your comments regarding the lyrics, I have to admit are an absolutely brilliant observation. The melody and the track is just so freaking fantastic, it bums me out to no end that this song didn't just explode. Anyway, thanks for keep rock alive, JH.
Love Justin's analysis, but Im not sure he's right this time round. Lots of bands come out full of bravado with anthemic songs at the start, Oasis for one (one of the biggest rock bands in UK history) had songs on thier record breaking debut album with lyric such as "toniiiight Im a rockin roll star!" elsewhere "I need to be myself, I cant be no ones else, Im feeling supersonic'. Stone Roses debut album "In am the resurrection and I am the light' elsewhere "the past was yours but the futures mine" "I wanna be adored". I could go on.
I was first introduced to The Struts during the Foo Fighters 2017 tour, and have been a fan ever since. I later saw them headline a small club near my hometown and never stopped smiling the whole show. I would see them any time they come near and will buy every album they release, although I will agree that their latest album definitely had a "poppier" feel. I do hope they are able to retain some edge in their music going forward, while keeping their knack for catchy hooks. I feel like they're kinda like Sweet in that aspect.
When they came out they reminded me so much of the Darkness and Foxy Shazam. Love this band!
The Struts are incredible live.
They seem to be trying the Def Leppard approach by trying to crack America first.
Lot's of tongue in cheek in those Struts lyrics.
Yeh. Except DL were new / talented not cosplay Quireboys. The vocals on Could have been me are piss weak with the Queen leanings equally painful and weak. I am sure they are local heroes a mile from their house. They make Spinal Tap real. Just embarrassing.
@@punkisinthedetails1470 Huh? Struts sound nothing at all like Quireboys, you could say that Quireboys have been listening to Faces albums too much but that's called influence isn't it?
Luke is the real deal. I am a fan as well. My take on The Struts in terms of success in the U.S. is that their British sensibilities will not go over so well here and some of their songs seem gimmicky at best. I really enjoyed their earlier work and more recently Primadonna Like Me. The video was great. Not really sure what it will take for them to level up. Still think they have loads of talent and a great work ethic.
Guitar music just isn't remotely as popular as it was 10 years ago.
They clearly love The Sweet. The Sweet were freaks. The Struts need to get freaky w their songwriting. Make people think WTF are the Struts thinking? Blow minds. Take their writing further than Sweet, Bowie, Bolan, Glitter. Take us on an insane glam acid trip. Please!
They're great. And they're young. Still developing. Some of the Hawksters comments are bang on; for me much better live than on record. Great bunch of people and thank fuck someone is putting some fun back into rock. Or should I say someone else!
Grammy's and BRIT awards seems like an institutional award. Not really indicative of how good a band is. I've heard of them but haven't really looked into them. Excited to deep dive their music.
I absolutely love The Struts. I can't wait to see them in concert in the States. I want them to be huge.
I live in the States where The Struts are more known than The Darkness. In fact I discovered you through them! 🙌 I appreciate your thesis that writing more from the heart will help them cross over- but using Could Have Been Me as an example of NOT makes me feel you missed the whole point of of the song. “Don’t wanna wake up on a Monday morning- the thought of work is getting my skin crawling” is probably one of the most relatable line of lyrics ever written.
Yesssss
When you talk about your first album you made me think of The Kinks and how a lot of their song themes were local…loving your channel Justin….super interesting , informative, humorous …., and positive! Keep it going!
In my opinion, they are the best band of the last 20 years. A bit of a throwback band but with a modern feel.
They have many great songs but my faves are Burn It Down and Gimme Some Blood.
They only "problem" with The Struts is that they sound waaaaaaay better live than on record, but once you see them live you fall in love with them forever, and then going back to listen to the records its a whole new experience, you won't ever stop listening to them.
I saw them live on their first US tour…f’n amazing!!!!!! I swore they were going to be the catalyst that brought rock n roll back to the forefront….I’m still shocked it hasn’t happened.
I totally agree with this, which is why - 'Mary Go Round' is one of my favourite songs of theirs. I mean, I love all of their music, truly. But Mary hits differently.
The Struts are insanely great! I've seen them live twice and they should be huge!
I like them! I saw the Struts live in 2019: one of the best gig I attended.
The Struts were the last show I saw in-person as COVID hit. They were great, great musicians, great vocals, great energy. (Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA)
I don’t understand how they aren’t a household name.
@@catherinefrazier2478 I was at that show too! Love The Struts
I did not know of The Struts until about five months ago upon hearing them mentioned by Dave Grohl, and I have been a fan ever since. I do, however, agree with you regarding over-production. For myself, I prefer watching their live performances than listening to their studio albums. I will take issue with you in regard to "Could Have Been Me;" he is speaking in the present tense, declaring that he wants to take all opportunities and chances now, rather than live with the (future) regret of not knowing. In my opinion, lyrically, their deepest song is on the Young and Dangerous album, and it is called "Ashes (Part 2)." I would be curious as to the inspiration for this song. It seems to be about the death of one's significant other, which really resonates with me having been widowed about 20 months ago.
Keep doing what you do, and I will keep watching.
Just watched a live video. They are pretty awesome. Thanks for the heads up, Justin!
I’m a huge struts fan and I think luke is the best vocalist in the world right now - at least from a rock point of view
But I think their most recent album was a misstep (written and recorded in 2 weeks is automatic alarm bells ringing) and the duet with Paris Jackson didn’t don it for me at all. For a band that I know has such a high ceiling I’d really like to see them go for it on the next record
I just started listening to the struts about a year ago and was lucky enough to see them in concert back in November of 2023 and I am a huge fan now looking forward to their next concert
I love The Struts! I was so excited to see them open for Foo Fighters only to find out they had finished their shows as the opener a few shows before.
At the end of the video you said the thing that I was thinking since the beggining of it: their production/sound is not good - it's not shite, but sometimes is borderline bad sounding. The songs are there, the performances are also there. But everything sounds squashed on plug-ins and what have you. Making their music kinda bland and vanilla sounding. One of the many qualities about the Darkness is how great their records have always sounded - every single one of them. BTW: give some love to Hot Cakes on the setlists - at least bring "With a Woman" back. C'imon it's just cruel to have a song like that and not play it.
I don't think you have any idea what you are talking about but fair enough.....
Hello
The Struts remind me of 70s rock and glam rock music with the way Luke Spiller sings.
Luke Spiller is on the same level as Janis Joplin, Robert Plant, Sweet and Freddie Mercury (of course).
Have you seen the music videos with Luke Spiller and Mike Oldfield another great musician?
I hope they become the new The Rolling Stones, a rock band that never ages and gets to play and be stars for several decades - if they themselves wish for this of course.
I wish them all the best and hope to see and hear them live someday. I live in Gothenburg/Sweden and wish they will perform in my city.
But it rarely happens that way. Most bands perform in the capital - Stockholm 😒
Warm and friendly greetings from
Pia Kragh 🌹
This band really are cool. Since I first heard this band I thought, how are they not more popular!?
I am glad you apreciate them though.
just watched them after seeing your vid this is just what we need reminds me when queen first started great voice good look .
Managed to see the struts at reading festival this year they blew me away!
So I listened to the Struts live set on you tube. I was a kid for the early Bowie and loved him. The Struts are great and have the potential to be great. First band that I have been this excited about in years. Thank you for bringing them to me. Will check out the darkness next. Again, thank you!
I saw them do the Low Key In Love song live with just Luke singing and that version was far superior to the duet with the pop production. They must have been talked into that unfortunately.
I'm seeing them tonight and I'm hoping they play this as I suspect their solo version sounds great
Thank you, thank you, thank you Justin. Never heard of them before but, wow, think I've just discovered my new favourite band thanks to this recommendation.
If you ever wondered what Queen would sound like had Freddie not died back in the 90s. Well this is it. And more importantly/amazingly they're not actively trying to ape Queen, they're their own thing and it comes accross. Want to hear more.
The Struts are ace and I've liked them since they played the 2nd stage at Bingley Music Live 6 (7?) Years ago. Luke is a cracking frontman.
Hey Justin, your channel is fantastic - thanks so much for doing this. As a hobbyist songwriter, I'm finding it incredibly useful but also, perhaps more importantly, it's just lovely to know I'm not the only one who's completely obsessed with thinking about this stuff. I think if any art or music or creative outlet is going to be beneficial to human beings, it has to be vulnerable. When we experience someone being vulnerable it gives us permission to take off the masks society puts on us. It sets us free, that's why people respond. It's just really nice to hear you affirming that. Thanks for being awesome!
Struts is a great modern classic rock band, if we could label them.
I saw The Struts at Rock City, Nottingham last month. Also saw The Darkness in Dallas in March. Both were fantastic shows!
I love The Struts and I'm going to see them tonight. I'm nowhere near being musically intelligent enough to have thought about it like you do here, but you've hit the nail on the head really. They've always felt, to me, like a band that is constantly fighting with their label. I think they want to be a rock band which is why their live shows are so f*ing good. When they're on stage they do what they want but then you can sense the studio meddling. Despite that, I still like many of their more basic 'pop' songs as Luke is a brilliant front man with a superb voice and the band is rock solid. I would love them to remove the record label shackles and stand proud, unashamedly as the rock gods they should be. Bands like Dirty Honey are coming through now and being unapologetic with their sound (also great) so why can't The Struts? Could Have Been Me, Kiss This, Put Your Money on Me, Where Did She Go, Black Swan and Matter of Time are all really fantastic tunes.
Just now falling for The Darkness. They are incredible. Get back out there!
Struts aren't widely popular the same reason you're not widely popular (anymore) .. It all comes down to the songs. You proved with The Darkness that if you have an undeniable, catchy banger that can resonate with millions of people everywhere, like "A Thing Called Love", and a major label behind it, you will most likely be huge. The Darkness has a MUCH bigger fanbase and more respect than The Struts, so why aren't YOU huge these days? It's your songs. You never wrote a comparable hit like A Thing Called Love.. I like your other songs as a rock fan and musician, but Thing Called Love tramples them all. My advice to all musicians, especially stubborn rock musicians who have trouble writing hits, is to not be afraid to collaborate with songwriters like they did in the 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. Heart for example, their biggest songs were written by two dudes. Some of the biggest songs of all time were written by people outside the band. You should give it a try 😉.
Those are some harsh truths that need to be said. When you have the looks, the label machine, the connections, the talent, all the exposure that millions of bands would kill for, and still you're not popular, the culprit has to be the songs are lacking. Same problem with that HAIM band, and hundreds of signed bands.
Let’s add another important reason: today kids like rap. Rock is no longer trendy for them like it was for us. Label have less and less power because nobody buys records anymore.
You have a point there, but no. There’s something you’re losing sight of. Money. The amount of money a major label pays for its artist/product to be played on radio or TV and to be "invited" to events/shows is obscene. There’s a big machine behind it. Therefore, artists who are in independent labels that aren't "attached" to a major label are hardly heard outside the artist’s country. And that’s how bands of genres that aren’t mainstream, or that don’t have a long trajectory to back them up, aren't, or aren't longer, popular. And even so, the fact that a band is popular, with big sales, lots of streamings and youtube reproductions is not inversely proportional to talent, or production quality or how brilliant the lyrics are.
Pretty much nailed it. Bands need to put their egos aside and work with songwriters/producers/co-writers, ******especially top-line writers*******
@@astrid.r exactly, but only major labels can do that, and they sign you only if you’re already doing well and they feel they can make lots and lots of money with you. Because the marketing machine costs millions. If you’re good but not trendy, the don’t even try. Indie labels are sometimes useless, for a new artist a PR agency, a booking agency and a distribution (digital aggregator) for self recorded albums are a better choice today.
I’ve seen them live 3 times so far. Luke is absolutely amazing and they are my all time favorite band
Instant like and comment for the classic “oh hi” start. Always appreciated.
Justin I love to hear you you have to say. The Struts YES should be bigger and better then they are. But to their fans they are #1! Well 2 years now held back with Epidemic and they continously tour in normal times without new recordings or concentration on new music. I for one love The Struts and wish to see them hit it big! They will, the right song needs to come along that one big hit!
You nailed it, they need to focus on being the rock band they are meant to be. I fell in love with them about 4 years ago, but they lost me on their 3rd album. Too pop. The first album is amazing. Also agree about song topics... need to delve deeper than sex and partying.
Big fans of The Struts! They're from my hometown, Derby! I've met Adam, Jed and Gethin at a party one time at the ol' Dog&Moon in Derby, and they're absolutely lovely! never got to meet Luke, but meeting 3/4 of the members and their stage man Tommy! One day ill make sure to them live :)
Rock bands like the Struts will have their day again in the big time.
You made me discover a new band thx will pay attention to them i just love rock and roll.Justin love your band saw you in montreal in 2015 one of the great show i ever saw in my life miss you and i see your not coming in montreal for your next tour im sad and i still wear my darkness t-shirt that i bought on you show (I need a new one it wearing thin lol) but still love you guys your awesomes. im still rocking im 58 years old.
The Struts are the Reason I started listening to The Darkness Music also!!!! The Struts’s Energy is Phenomenal! The BestLive Band I have ever experienced .
The Struts are my favorite band. I fly their tour flag in my garage.
Justin Hawkins…A thinking mans Vince Noir
Your interview with Luke on Patreon was brilliant!!!
Really enjoy this critique too!
Love The Struts, and I’m loving this Channel. Justin, your insight of music is awesome. I guess when you’re a badass rocker, that you are, it comes from a place of true passion. I recently played The Darkness for a construction co-worker, and his mind was blown.
If I didn't come across you I would never have heard The Struts. I don't listen to the radio like I use to and should, I love them, thank you!
They did Pegasus Fantasy. They are huge in our hearts.
Luke is very charismatic, love his look as well
The first song sounded like they were going for a Slade thing and the second one just made me think of Olivia Newton John 'Physical'.
Thank you Justin, I'd never heard of them before.
when the first album came out my wife and I drove 350 miles to a small club to see them.. the place was full of University Students all singing the tunes and the ones up front were trying to touch Luke.. we immediately drove 350 miles home…
the 2nd album same club 700 miles round trip… I was 66… I am now 70 and I saw them 2 weeks ago and worked my way up front and sang every tune! It was my vocal workout and cardio lol
I’m a bass player and my first band was 1965
Coheed And Cambria, The Darkness and The Struts touring together would be an awesome tour!
How about the mighty Inglorious and Dynazty
My friends band Mac Saturn is about to head out on tour with them! Very excited to see them together!
The Struts produced by the Hawkins brothers... now that's something I'd love to see happen 🤟🎸
Discovered The Struts at the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis in 2014. Had never heard of them before and they were easily one of the best acts of the weekend. Luke has tenacious energy and showmanship. He was LITERALLY running through the crowd. Been a fan ever since. They should tour with Greta Van Fleet.
They actually took Greta on their first tour!
Justin, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on "Pretty Vicious" November release. New tunes are great so far.
Discovered you cause Luke loves The Darkness!
PS Thank you for wearing my sequoined jacket onstage in NY!
The whole band is kind and fun... it was a great evening.
Fired up to see The Struts at The Beacham in Florida!!! A year ago The Darkness graced that same stage and set the bar *pretty* high❤❤❤
Justin can I recommend that you check out a song Luke did with his mate called Sunnyside. You want a personal song and you might like it. Very location/time specific.
You raise good points about the production and recording of the band. It never seems to capture the energy of their shows. A good live or acoustic album is needed at this point.
But will respectfully disagree about the having to choose between rock and pop. I've seen a few people say the same thing over the years about The Struts and it has never sat right with me. I find it pretentious and also a bit restrictive. You'd never say to a fan 'you can either attend pop concerts or rock shows but not both'. Why say it to a band?
I've just discovered the Struts today, guy in the garage was talking abou them, saw them on youtube they are amazing got to mee this Luke some day
I've always had the same thought about Foxy Shazam. They mix an incredible talent with a super interesting appearance and they've always made radio-friendly songs while preserving the rock attitude (forget about Gonzo). You worked with them, what do you think went wrong there?