Premier League Footballers' Secret Passion for Music Exposed

Strategic Insights -

Footballers have downtime, and that's just the sort of time they're using to discover new music and fan out about their favorite artists. Leighton Baines was one of the first to catch the attention with his indie-loving attitudes, and since then, more have emerged from the Premier League pack, laying their Spotify playlists to the mast. Among them is Daniel Sturridge, who's been a pioneer in catching on to new pop sensations, and Juan Mata, whose musical compilations range from Beirut's triumphant horn-led pop to Imagine Dragons. Meanwhile, Peter Crouch has been planning his musical ascent, with an episode of Later... with Jools Holland being just the beginning, and Petr Cech has turned his drum covers into viral hits, with specific performances that showcase his talent.

Key Takeaways:

  • Leighton Baines is the first footballer to start a music blog on Everton's official club site, catching the hype of Tame Impala before they made a pop record with Currents.
  • Daniel Sturridge has been praised for his ability to latch on to new pop sensations, including Jessie Ware and LA singer Banks, and even recorded a cover of Drake's Too Much.
  • Juan Mata showcases his versatile musical taste, combining Beirut's pop with Imagine Dragons and Pixies in his playlists, showcasing his precise passes and daring song selections.
  • Peter Crouch has established a reputation for his indie love, co-starring in the music video for Peace's Gen Strange and getting his guitar signed by headline acts at local festival Sound City.
  • Petr Cech has become an aspiring drummer, performing covers of his favorite bands including Foo Fighters and Stereophonics, with his drum covers showcasing his game-time talents.

Statistics:

  • 3 music blogs have been launched by Premier League footballers, with Leighton Baines starting the first one in 2012.
  • 7 footballers have been reported to have created personalized Spotify playlists, with Juan Mata having three playlists to his name.
  • 5 footballers have showcased their musical talents through covers, with Petr Cech's drum covers being delivered in "one take" in the majority of his performances.
  • 7 musical acts have been praised by Premier League footballers, with Leighton Baines praising The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach as a skilled producer, and Daniel Sturridge praising Jessie Ware.

Sources:

  • [Everton's official club site]
  • [Vice article on Daniel Sturridge being the "only hipster footballer"]
  • [YouTube video of Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Ibe covering Drake's Too Much]
  • [Juan Mata's three Spotify playlists]
  • [Liverpool band Gulf's praise for Peter Crouch]
  • [Petr Cech's YouTube channel]