I like the freedom to experiment

Tips on songwriting, gear and tone, by Grant Nicholas of Feeder

- By Grant Moon

When the new Feeder album Torpedo shot to number five on the UK chart in April, it was a sweet moment for a band that has been a fixture on the British rock scene since the late 90s. We were totally blown away with the response to it, says guitarist/vocalist Grant Nicholas. It was also something of a surprise. Honestly, it was going to be a fanbase-only record, a mini release that we weren't even going to take to radio, he says. But then some people heard it and told us we should definitely put it out. And we've got loads more material written, so there's going to be another record hopefully next year - it's kind of like a double album in two halves.

Talking from the band's rehearsal room in London, he explains how he keeps things fresh after all these years - offering advice on writing, soloing, and how pedals give a new twist to what he calls his 'hovercraft' sound...

Get yourself a nice acoustic and write what you like to play.