Five minutes with Matilda Shakes: football in the Fast Lane

James Hallam of Sheffield band Matilda Shakes explains how their new single 'Fast Lane' made it onto the Bramall Lane playlist

Words: David Taylor and James Hallam

The more you pay attention, the more you realise just how much goes into putting on a professional football match. Regardless of the performances on the pitch, the service and experience off it are under increasing scrutiny from fans who understandably expect their money’s worth.

One important element of this experience is the matchday soundtrack. We’re all used to the regular Bramall Lane fare, played to:

1) get us in the mood for another top-of-the-table performance

2) double-check that we know we have much less time than we thought to clamber to our seats.

Another opportunity that arises here, however, is the chance to discover new bands who have earned a place on the playlist curated by the powers that be at Sheffield United. One such band is proud Sheffield quartet Matilda Shakes, whose new track Fast Lane has been heard echoing around the ground twice so far this season.

Matilda Shakes @MatildaShakes

What a result last night. Big love again to @SheffieldUnited & @sinclairgaz for playing ‘Fast Lane’ during Half time. Today we play @hmvmeadowhall we’re live at 5 and best thing is it’s free! Be great to see everyone down there. #twitterblades @hmvtweets #music #live #Band

We caught up with Matilda Shakes vocalist and guitarist James Hallam to find out a little more about Sheffield’s latest indie powerhouse and the process behind getting a song played at a packed Bramall Lane.