Librarians with Hickeys: Where Bookish Cool Meets Power Pop Brilliance
On The Sophie Martin Show for NEWHD Radio—a network dedicated to creating jobs for autistic individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans—Sophie sat down with one of Big Stir Records’ most clever and catchy acts: Librarians with Hickeys. Known for their witty lyrics, jangly guitars, and melodic power pop sound, the band blends their “bookish cool” with rock and roll heart, turning everyday stories into timeless, toe-tapping anthems.
What’s in a Name?
Their name alone—Librarians with Hickeys—invites curiosity. “Ray’s worked in a library for nearly thirty years, and he’s seen things he can’t unsee,” joked bandmate Mike Crooker. “What happens in the stacks stays in the stacks.”
The quirky moniker reflects their approach to music: intelligent, tongue-in-cheek, and instantly memorable. “It’s unique and easy to Google,” said Ray. “Once you hear the name, you either laugh or want to hear more—and once you listen, we’ve done our job.”
The Sound of Jangle and Heart
Musically, Librarians with Hickeys channel a wide range of influences—from the 1960s jangle of The Beatles and The Monkees to the bright hooks of R.E.M., The Knack, and The Raspberries. “We were raised by AM radio instead of wolves,” Crooker quipped. “You’d hear Alice Cooper followed by Anne Murray—it was all over the map. That eclecticism shaped us.”
Their sound carries that spirit: guitar-driven pop with sparkling harmonies and enough variety to keep every record fresh. “It’s always power pop at its core,” said Ray, “but we’ve done garage rock, folk, and even country-ish songs. We like to explore the space.”
Crafting the Songs
The band’s songwriting process is a true partnership. “It’s like cooperative tennis,” Crooker explained. “One of us writes music, the other writes lyrics, and we keep the ball in play as long as possible.”
Some songs come together in weeks; others take years to perfect. “We’ve got a backlog of songs going back forty years,” said Ray. “Sometimes something from the trunk ends up being the missing piece on a record.”
That craftsmanship shines in songs like “No More Goodbyes,” which pairs an anthemic melody with lyrics about authenticity and acceptance. “It was inspired by a friend who came out and faced pushback,” Ray said. “It’s about finally being yourself.”
He added, “I tend to write stories rather than confessions. I’m more Paul McCartney than John Lennon in that way—it’s about creating a song that connects, whether or not it’s autobiographical.”
Pandemic Pivots and Creative Renewal
Like many indie acts, the band faced major challenges during the pandemic. Their debut album, Long Overdue, was nearly finished in March 2020 when lockdowns hit. “We thought, should we wait?” Crooker recalled. “But Rex and Christina from Big Stir Records said, ‘Move forward.’ So we finished it in isolation.”
The experience changed their workflow and sound. “We became more of a studio project, like a pop version of Steely Dan,” Ray laughed. “We couldn’t tour, so we focused on the songs.”
That focus led to their follow-up, Handclaps and Tambourines (2022), which deepened their sound and emotional reach. “It’s probably my favorite record,” said Mike. “We condensed everything and really found our groove.”
A Label Like Family
The duo credit Big Stir Records for fostering community and creative freedom. “They’ve been with us through everything,” said Ray. “They’re artist-first. It’s corny to say, but they really are like family.”
Big Stir’s Halloween compilation, Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Haunted Harmonies, features Librarians with Hickeys as the opening track—a distinction they don’t take lightly. “We’re honored,” said Crooker. “It’s got legends like Strawberry Alarm Clock and Graham Parker. I never thought we’d be on the same album as them. That wasn’t on our bingo card!”
Stage Stories and Local Pride
Though they play live sparingly, each performance is memorable. “We love playing libraries—it’s on-brand,” Ray joked. “But the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights was a recent favorite. It reminded me why I love being on stage.”
Their hometown of Akron remains a proud influence. “Akron’s music scene has deep roots,” said Crooker. “The Black Keys, The Pretenders—it’s part of our DNA. There’s something in the water here.”
Books, Humor, and Humanity
True to their name, both members are lifelong readers. Ray’s current pick: a biography of Flannery O’Connor. Mike’s shelves, meanwhile, lean toward folklore, cookbooks, and cultural studies. “I’m reading This Must Be the Place, about how cities can thrive through music,” he said. “It’s about how music connects everything—artists, venues, communities. That’s exactly what we try to do.”
A Spooky, Melodic Future
Their latest contribution—a seventies-inspired, radio-ready Halloween track—captures everything that makes Librarians with Hickeys special: melody, humor, nostalgia, and a touch of mystery. “We love a good spooky tune,” Crooker said. “It’s that AM radio vibe—catchy but a little weird.”
And as for what’s next? “We’re writing again,” Ray teased. “There’s always something in the works. Maybe even a bear suit for the next video.”
From their clever name to their shimmering songs, Librarians with Hickeys prove that wit and warmth never go out of style. They’re proof that power pop can still make you think, smile, and dance—all at once.
