Interview: Grant Nicholas of Feeder (Wales)
Feeder: A Journey Through Music and Memories
Feeder, the iconic band from South Wales, has been a significant force in the music industry for over three decades. In a recent interview, Grant Nicholas, the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter of Feeder, shared insights with Sheldon Ang Media into their journey, achievements, and upcoming plans.
The Influence of South Wales
Growing up in South Wales played a role in shaping the band’s musical education and songwriting. However, Grant emphasised that they never wanted to be confined to a specific scene. “I think growing up in a small town in South Wales may have had some effect on my musical education and songwriting, but I don’t think we were ever really part of the so-called ‘Welsh music scene’. I’m proud to be Welsh but have always wanted the music we do to be more universal and not just part of a scene the press might have created at the time,” Grant explained.
Accolades and Achievements
Feeder’s hard work and dedication have earned them several prestigious awards. In 2001, they won the Kerrang! Award for Best British Live Act. Reflecting on this achievement, Grant said, “I guess that they must have seen something and acknowledged us as being a good live act and a band with a loyal and forever growing fanbase. Kerrang were very supportive since the release of our first mini album Swim in the mid-90s”.
Just two years later, in 2003, Feeder won the Kerrang! Best British Band award. When asked about the key ingredients to their success, Grant attributed it to “hard work, a great fan base, vision, and drive. We have always been about the songs as trends come and go”.
Recognition and Future Plans
Feeder received the Kerrang! Hall of Fame award in 2019, a testament to their long-standing career and continuous passion for music. “It was nice to get that award, especially after being a band for over 30 years. I think Kerrang recognized how many albums and singles we have released and the band’s history over the years. We’ve never taken our foot off the pedal and are still inspired and enjoying what we love doing. There is still also so much to do and so many more places to play before we leave the party,” Grant expressed.
Excitement for the Upcoming Tour
“We can’t wait to get back to Australia and it’s hard to believe it’s been 14 years, it’s certainly not from the want of trying,” Grant shared. The band has fond memories of their previous trips, including touring with Muse and being part of the Soundwave festival lineup. “Australia is a wonderful place to visit, great audiences, nice weather, and good food. It also always feels super relaxed and we are definitely hoping to come back to build on these Black/Red club shows after so long”.
The tour will feature a mix of new material from their album “Black/Red” and some classic hits. “We appreciate people will want to hear some of our older material as well as some new, especially after being away so long”.
As they prepare for their upcoming tour across the capital cities of Australia in April, fans can look forward to an unforgettable experience filled with both new and classic hits. Tickets are available from ThePhoenix.au
“a band to keep it real in a world of fakes, you could do a lot worse than to put it all on Feeder.’’ – Kerrang
“I have a renewed zest. They totally surpassed my expectations. A fantastic night!” – Joyzine
“Atmospheric, powerful and intense” – Cult Following
“The show was everything you could hope for. Feeder’s personality, musicianship and ability to recreate the studio sound of their songs have made them a great live band for such a long time” – Red Brick
Supporting Artists have now been confirmed:
Perth‘s Death By Denim blend chaotic energy, shiny synth driven dance rock, and brooding lyrics, the band’s unique sound has racked up over 13 million streams and earned them eight high rotation tracks on Triple J. With numerous headline tours and sold out shows under the belts, a much talked about BIGSOUND showcase and a major label deal, Death By Denim have more than earned their place.
Adelaide locals Sunsick Daisy have a genre diverse sound that’s earned them a fast growing fanbase and critical acclaim. Their debut Someone Like You made them finalists in Triple J’s 2022 Unearthed High, while their debut EP scored regular Triple J airplay and also spins on Seattle’s KEXP. They’ve shared stages with Ball Park Music, The Buoys, and Teenage Joans as well as a host of their own headline shows.
Melbourne’s Pisco Sour are all about high energy and crowd interaction earning them a reputation as one of the cities most riveting and charismatic live acts. With a non-stop work ethic that’s seen them play every possible space around town, culminating most recently with the opening slot for both of Kasabian’s Forum shows, the band are as on point as they can be.
Wollongong locals Satin Cali will open the Sydney show. Emerging to become one of the country’s premiere beach grunge rock bands, they fuse raw energy with coastal cool and have built a loyal following with their mix of huge sing along anthems and chilled, introspective vibes. From local gigs to global stages, they’ve toured with The Terrys across the UK/EU in 2024, selling out shows, while notching up multiple sold out shows in east coast capital cities.
Brisbane‘s Dopamine are one of Australia’s fastest rising acts. Their nostalgic pop-rock tunes have landed on some major global Spotify playlists and the airwaves both at home via Triple J and in the UK. After recent explosive sets supporting Spacey Jane, Alex Lahey, and Teenage Dads, they are on point to deliver a killer set for the Feeder crowd.
About the Writer: Sheldon Ang, photographer, writer and the founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to over 150 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP and P!NK with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro (pictured below), Angry Anderson, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
