M.A. // FRONTING YOUR CITY: JACK KNIGHT

Ahead of their upcoming tour, kicking off at the iconic Leadmill in Sheffield, Jack Knight invited us down to his hometown club, the Spirites aka Chesterfield FC for the second installment of Fronting your City. We talked to James about his love for Chesterfield FC, his influences on his current wardrobe and what we can expect from his band this year.

Q. Let’s start from the beginning — what made you fall in love with Chesterfield, and how has that love evolved over the years?

A: It’s some of the first memories I had when my dad used to take me and my brother every weekend, up and down, country following town. It’s a bit more of a lads away day trip vibe nowadays, due to the band commitments but I still go to some games with my dad or even the missus.

Q. What’s your all-time favourite Chesterfield matchday memory, whether it’s a big win, a wild away day, or something more personal?

A: There’s too many to choose from. I’d definitely say the Carling Cup run in the 00s we beat Man City. West Ham and kept Charlton to three all. I was stood in the Kop and watching goals go in and what a strike from Nival against City, the terrace absolutely erupted. I’m luck enough to say I’ve been to Wembley three times to see town play, the first time was against Swindon in Johnson’s Paint Trophy. We scored an early goal but was under the cosh at one nil until it seemed like last minute. Craig Westcar goes clear through and scores and it’s just absolute scenes behind the net. I’ve got to mention semi final of that same cup run away at Oldham of its best atmosphere I’ve ever been apart of the only allocated just 2500 away fans, but it felt like 10,000. I’ve been to hundreds of games and it’s by far the best atmosphere I’ve been away.

Q. Looking back on this past season, what were your highs and lows?

A: This season couldn’t have been any more of a roller coaster, to be honest. We beat the league leaders twice, coming back from three 1 to 3, all against Bradford to keep us in contention. The low will definitely Christmas running through January. We had for 14 or 15 players all out injured, lost a couple of star forwards as well at same time. It were a tricky time but I’m overall happy with season.

Q. The play-off run, i imagine that stirred up a lot of emotion—what was going through your head during those games, and how do you feel now reflecting on it?

A: To be honest, I was confident we beat Walsall but struggled in the final. But that’s football. We’ve just been promoted back into the Football League. Let’s just be happy we’re still there!

Q. What does it mean to you to be part of the Chesterfield fanbase, and how would you describe the bond between the club and its supporters?

A: Whenever I see my mates, my family, it’s one of the first things that comes up. The results from the weekend or the new signing. It’s the beating out of the town, I think it’s pretty unique in the sense it’s a one club town. It’s a very active football club in the community. I think they’ve really upped the game in the last couple of years on social media too. It really keeps the fans involved on a daily basis, which is great.

Q. You picked out some strong pieces from the Marshall Artist SS25 collection — what drew you to those particular items?

A: I’m a sucker for a white tee. If you see me ever at a show of an open jacket or a flannel shirt or something, you’ll always see a white tee underneath the blue Fairfax jacket. It’s just perfect for summer! Really light in color, but also weight. I love the stone Napier jacket. It’s perfect for both casual and smart casual. It’s all top notch quality.

Q. There’s a real blend of terrace culture and modern cuts in the SS25 range — does that reflect your own fashion influences growing up?

A: To be honest, it has hit the nail on the head. Fashion obviously changes over time, but for the majority of my adult life, most of the stuff I wear fits into the terrace culture scene.

Q. Would you say your style on stage is different from how you dress day-to-day? Or is it one and the same?

A: It’s pretty much the same. I tend to get a new piece for every show. That way you feel that little bit more special. But in terms of style, you’ll see me wearing this stuff out and about on the daily for sure.

Q. How important is style to you as a musician — do clothes help you get into the right headspace before a gig?

A: Huge. Especially as a frontman. You want to fill out the dog’s ballocks? Like everyone’s checking what you’re wearing and wondering where it’s from, where they can get it. Obviously we do the shows, showcase the music, but it definitely sits hand-in-hand with the image.

Q. Are there any people you go to for style inspiration or that one person no matter what they put on you think, he looks the business?

A: I’ve never really been one to look up to anyone in particular when it comes to fashion. I just see something that I like and go for it.

Q. You’re headlining The Leadmill soon—one of the last bands to play there before it shuts its doors. What does that moment mean to you, especially as a band from just down the road in Chesterfield?

A: It’s definitely a big moment for us as a band. We’ve all grown up in the area and seen lots of shows over the years at Leadmill. We are lucky to have played it before more than once, but say we’re one of the last ever acts to grace stage in honor.

Q. Do you approach a headline show any differently when you know the venue has that kind of history and emotional weight behind it?

A: We try to treat them all the same. At the end of the day, people have paid their hard earned money and bought a ticket, whether that be a dog and duck or at Wembley. But we’re all human and shows like this can go down in history. So I definitely feel that extra buzz around it.

Q. With everything happening around grassroots venues right now, how important do you think places like The Leadmill and 100 Club are for bands like yours coming through the ranks?

A: If it wasn’t for grassroots venues, you wouldn’t have bands like Arctic Monkeys, Oasis and Kasabian. We’ve all got to start somewhere. I think it’s important anyway, on a community level, not having spent hundred and 50 pounds a ticket at some arena and 10 pound a pint on a warm beer in plastic cup. £10 – 15. I love to see three up-and-coming bands in an intimate venue. Much better value for money in my eyes.

Q. A lot of your support feels organic and loyal — what do you think it is about The Crooks that’s struck a chord with people?

A: I just think we come from a real place. It’s a group of working class lads writing music about real world problems. I’m obviously going to be biased about our music, but it makes us feel something. A lot of music today might be written at the perfect BPM for a bouncy crowd, but when it comes down to it, is it going to be remembered? I guess what I mean is we write songs that could have been released at any point in the last 50 years. Good music is good music it doesn’t have to fit an algorithm.

Q. Looking ahead to festival season, where can people catch you—and what kind of statement are you hoping to make out there this summer?

A: Obviously we have the headline shows on the June 6th at the Leadmill, June 7th at the Hundred Club in London. We are at the Gathering Sounds on June 14th. Isle of Wight June 21st. The Godney Gathering July 19th. Why Not? August 2nd Gorilla Fest, August 16th. Rock and Roll Circus August 29th, as well as a few cheeky appearances yet to be announced. Very busy summer.