Feeder Renegades Interview

Feeder Renegades Interview

Having been invited to join the line-up at this year's mammoth Soundwave Festival, Welsh / UK alt-rockers Feeder are heading to Australia for just their third ever visit in their 17 year career. Their first trip to OZ was way back in 2000, when they played a run of dates with friends of theirs, a burgeoning UK band called MUSE. The upcoming trip coincides with the Australian release of Feeder's seventh studio album Renegades, which is in stores Australia-wide this month through Big Teeth Music / Shock.

Released in the UK in August of last year, Renegades is an album that proves that even as one of the scene's elder statesmen, Feeder are still as fresh and inventive as ever. As observed by alternative music bible Kerang! in their 4 star album review; "Renegades is not just a terrific album, but a charismatically intriguing, odd, alluring and unusual one as well."

Over 17 years Feeder have tallied up a total of 25 top 40 hit singles, plus appearances in single and album charts in three separate decades (the 1990's, the 2000's and the 2010's). Worldwide, they have amassed over 4.5 million album sales. This includes a double platinum 'Singles Collection' in 2006, two platinum UK albums, 2 gold UK albums and a swag of awards to boot. From band member deaths to label collapses, they have weathered the sort of ups and downs that often destroy lesser bands yet, crucially, have continued to forge their own path regardless of passing scenes or fads, building a loyal and startlingly diverse audience along the way. Tracks like 'Just The Way I'm Feeling', 'Buck Rodgers' 'Feeling A Moment' and 'Lost and Found' are just some of their 25 chart hits.

With a return in part to the heavier guitars that characterized their early records, Renegades display's a revitalised sound that has ensured British press sat up and took notice. Clash Magazine commented of the album that it possesses "an invigorated surge of energy that oozes both passion and belief", whilst Look Magazine noted that "they've reignited the chemistry of their early days and produced a raw and honest album." The album's release has seen the bands Facebook friends increase from 6000 (pre release) to where it currently stands at 117,000 (and rising).

Renegades is an album that, unusually these days, was made to be listened to in its entirety and sounds all the more powerful for it. Outside of the UK, it has struck a chord with audiences on an international level as well. Since its release the band has been invited to play Lollapalooza (USA), Soundwave (Australia) and Fuji Rock (Japan) with many more international festivals soon tba.

Life has altered Feeder's course in ways they could never have predicted but really, very little has changed when it comes to the motivation behind it all. "The idea behind this band was that we were a very noisy three piece but with melody," singer, song writer and guitarist Grant Nicholas says of forming the band in Newport, Wales with original drummer Jon Lee, later meeting bassist Taka Hirose in London.

"But if you listen back to those first demos, it's not that different from what we're doing now, so I'm amazed when people say we've changed so much because actually we're still doing exactly what we set out to do."

Catch Feeder as they tour Australia as part of the 2011 Soundwave Festival:
Saturday February 26 - RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane QLD
Sunday February 27 - Eastern Creek Raceway, Sydney NSW
Friday March 4 - Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne VIC
Saturday March 5 - Bonython Park, Adelaide SA
Monday March 7 - Steel Blue Oval, Perth WA

www.soundwavefestival.com

Interview with Taka Hirose

Taka Hirose is the bass player for Feeder.

Question: How does it feel to hear your songs played all over the airwaves?

name: It still gives me smile.


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

name: I didn't have any of it particularly. I just thought that there were big challenges waiting for us.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

name: I love old reggae and funky soul. Need a break from loud guitars!


Question: What's next for the band?

name: Finish the recording and release the new album and out for the tour and festivals.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

name: By the time you get bored in the studio, you need to get out there. And vice versa.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

name: Making a fake smile on my face.


Question: What's a typical day like?

name: When we are on tour, wait, hang around and do the sound check and wait, hang around and do the gig. Glamorous?


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

name: Playing music became my job! Creating music and playing music in front of audience. That sounds simple but gives me a big pleasure.


Question: Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

name: Asking me for a healthy life?


Question: What message would you like to say to your fans?

name: This may sound boring but we truly appreciate our fan's support. Without them we don't exist here.


Interview by Brooke Hunter



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