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Interview with
GRANT NICHOLAS
from
FEEDER

(18th December, 2024)

Interview with Dan Gray

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Watch the full interview below

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GRANT NICHOLAS of FEEDER:
An Exclusive Interview

For fans of alt-rock and British rock legends, Feeder needs no introduction. Formed in the early ’90s, the band has not only stood the test of time but thrived, producing a staggering 12 studio albums and captivating audiences worldwide. I recently had the chance to chat with the mastermind behind Feeder, lead singer and guitarist Grant Nicholas.

Our conversation took us through the band’s humble beginnings, their perseverance in the face of tragedy, and the inspiration behind their latest album. Here’s what Grant had to share.

The Origin of FEEDER

It all started with a cup of tea. Grant recalled meeting his long-time bassist, Taka Hirose, in a Camden café after spotting his ad in a local paper. “We auditioned so many bass players but couldn’t find the right fit until I met Taka,” he shared. “He’d recently moved to London from Japan, and though we were worlds apart, our love for similar bands connected us immediately.”

The foundation of Feeder, however, was laid in Wales, where Grant grew up with the late drummer Jon Lee. “We were playing in pub bands back then,” Grant reminisced. “Moving to London was the turning point. After a few lineup changes, Feeder as we know it came together.”

Finding Inspiration

Even after 30 years, Grant finds himself as inspired as ever. “Inspiration comes from everywhere—life experiences, family, and even just picking up the guitar,” he explained. “Some of the best songs I’ve written came quickly, almost as if they wrote themselves.”

Grant emphasized how much he enjoys the creative process. “It’s not just a job; it’s something I genuinely love. Writing keeps Feeder’s sound evolving and exciting.”

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Coping with Loss

Feeder faced a monumental challenge when drummer Jon Lee passed away in 2002. “It was devastating. Jon wasn’t just our drummer; he was family,” Grant said. “We weren’t sure if we could go on, but I found solace in writing. That’s how Comfort in Sound, our biggest album, came to life. It was a therapeutic process that allowed us to channel our grief into something meaningful.”

The Black/Red Era

Feeder’s latest double album, Black/Red, is part of an ambitious trilogy. “We’ve always wanted to release a double album,” Grant said. “Each part stands alone but also connects as a cohesive body of work. Fans have been incredibly supportive, and the reception has been overwhelming.”

When asked about his favorite songs to perform live, Grant highlighted tracks like “ELF” and “Playing with Fire.” “They’re great live tracks, but honestly, the entire album resonates well with audiences. We’re mixing new songs with old classics for our upcoming shows in Australia.”

Australia Awaits

Feeder fans down under, rejoice! After years of trying to return, the band is finally heading back to Australia. “We’ve been trying to make it happen for so long, and it’s finally coming together,” Grant said. “We had such a great time the last time we were there—amazing people, food, and weather. We can’t wait to play for our Australian fans again.”

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Looking Ahead

Despite their decades-long career, Feeder isn’t slowing down. “We’re not here to just go through the motions,” Grant assured. “As long as we feel the spark, we’ll keep rocking. The moment we lose that, we’ll know it’s time to stop.”

Feeder’s ability to stay relevant while maintaining their signature sound is a testament to their talent and passion. If their latest album is any indication, they’re far from done making waves in the rock world.

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And to finish, a few final questions:

Dan: Okay. Interesting. All right. So I’ve got some quick-fire questions just to wrap things up. Do you have to head off soon
Grant: Yeah. I’ve got another one after you. I think they’re coming in now, but I can just do these quick.

Dan: All right. I’ll ask three very quick questions. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Grant: Craziest thing I’ve ever done? My god, that’s quite tricky. There’s probably been quite a few things. I’m just trying to think…

Dan: What about jumping into a crowd?
Grant: Yeah, that’s incredible. I mean, I’ve done all sorts of crazy things, but I did a gig once where I was told not to go on stage because the mic was completely live and I could get an electric shock and be killed. But I was like, “Fuck it, I’ll do it.” It was either that or lose 15 minutes of our set. I wouldn’t do that now, though! I think we put a big thing on the mic to make it safer. That was pretty crazy.
Also, I once shared a private jet with Coldplay. That was a pretty rock-and-roll moment. We were on tour with them for A Rush of Blood to the Head, and I needed to fly back to the UK to see my girlfriend—now my wife. Chris or one of the guys found out I was flying budget and said, “Hey, do you want to take the Coldplay private jet?” That was pretty epic.

Dan: Feeder to private jet any day now!
Grant: [Laughs] I’m not sure it’s great for the environment, but yeah, there have been lots of wild moments.

Dan: That’s a great answer! Okay, what’s one topic you could talk about for hours?
Grant: Music, guitars… Oh, and fuzz boxes.

Dan: Fuzz boxes?
Grant: Yeah, distortion pedals. I also love cats. I’m a big animal lover, but I’ve got a soft spot for cats—Burmese ones especially. I could talk about them for a while too!

Dan: That’s a great contrast! All right, final question: What’s your favorite place to visit in Australia or your best memory here?
Grant: That’s tough. I’ve had some great times in all the cities we’ve played. I really liked Perth—so laid back—but I also loved the excitement of Sydney. If I have to pick one, maybe Perth. I’ve got good friends there and spent more time with them.

Dan: [Booing]
Grant: Where are you from?

Dan: Sydney.
Grant: Sydney it is, then!

Dan: Good man! Well, everybody go see Feeder. They’re touring Australia in April next year. Go see them live—it’ll be epic!
Grant: Yeah, come see us before we’re too old.

Dan: Peace out, everybody. Take care.
Grant: Thank you. Bye!

Stay tuned for Feeder’s tour dates and don’t miss the chance to see them live—it’s bound to be a show to remember!

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FEEDER
April 2025
Australian Tour Dates

Saturday 5th April – PERTH, The Rosemount
Sunday 6th April – ADELAIDE, Lion Arts Factory
Wednesday 9th April – MELBOURNE, 170 Russell
Thursday 10th April – SYDNEY, Manning Bar
Friday 11th April – BRISBANE, The Triffid

Tickets: HERE

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Grant Nicholas’ Feeder Picks
If you’re diving into Feeder’s music for the first time, Grant suggests starting with these tracks:

• “Buck Rogers” – The unexpected hit that brought Feeder into the mainstream.

• “High” – A fan favorite from their early days.

• “Hey You” – A standout from their latest album.

Discover more at Amnplify, and keep rocking with Feeder!

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Follow FEEDER
Twitter – Facebook – Instagram
Website – YouTube – TikTok

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Watch the full interview below

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AMNPLIFY – DB