Interview: The Feeling

The FeelingMonday 7th October sets off a busy month for pop-rock band The Feeling, who return with their new album ‘Boy Cried Wolf’, release their new single “Rescue” and embark on a UK tour. Ahead of that, Carly Dutton caught up with frontman Dan Gillespie Sells to get his views on this, playing Glastonbury and the band’s October 30th date at O2 Academy Bristol. ‘Boy Cried Wolf’ was made at the recording studio at Dan’s house; how was that experience and what was the inspiration for the album? The experience was great. It was really relaxed and really lovely. It was nice to be in our own environment. It was just us, having fun, bunch of guys, and it was an old converted pub so we felt really at home. How long did it take to complete? We were worked on the record for about a year. That included writing as well. Some people spend a lot longer on records, but I think if you’re a band who writes and records and produces everything like ourselves then it does take a bit longer. If you’re a pop artist who uses lots of producers then you can turn it around much more quickly. Was it more fun doing it all on your own then? I suppose you have more control? Yeah, it’s just what we do. It’s the way we’ve always worked. Keep it going for those reasons. The first single to be released from the album is “Rescue”, so can you tell us what it’s all about? I don’t know really. I don’t usually think about these things, I normally just write them, but I think it’s a song about friendship and just going out and having fun. When you’re feeling a bit down you need someone to come and help you. How do you decide which songs you’re going to release as a single? You just have to go with a gut feeling really. I find that you just have to judge it based on lots of different elements as there are so many factors involved. You just need to make sure it’s a good song and the right one to show off the band and the album. How’s it working out with the new label, BMG Chrysalis? Wonderfully. They’re really, really wonderful. They’re such professional people to work with and so excited as well. Everyone’s excited; that’s what you want, for everyone to be on the same page. And I think we’re all doing it for the love of the music, which is great. We think the album teaser video on your website and YouTube is a great idea to get fans excited about the release. Whose idea was it to do that? It just came about through chatting with the people involved. We thought “what could be a fun, interesting idea?” and that’s what came about. Instead of doing something like an interview like we normally do, we thought we’d something a bit fun. In the teaser, you joke about calling the band #TheFeeling as that’s the best way to get noticed these days. Do you partake in social media? Do you think it’s important? It definitely is very important. I don’t do much myself; other members in the band do more than I do. It’s not something that comes naturally to me because I’m quite shy.  I’m a quiet person, so I never really think I’ve got much to say that’s interesting and if I do have something to say then I tend to do it in my songs. You will be performing at O2 Academy Bristol on 30th October so lots of fans from our local area will be travelling up to see you. What can they expect from the gig? It’s been a long time since we’ve toured so we’re quite excited to get back out there. We usually play quite a lot of big shows on big stages, but this is going to be something that is much smaller, so because of that it’s going to be more rock ‘n’ roll and in your face. It’s going to be up close with us making a lot of noise and a lot of fun. And you’ll be playing all the hits? We always play the hits. When people come to see us, that’s what they expect and do you know what? I’m not really bored with playing them despite how many years we’ve been doing it. Glad to hear it. So what’s your favourite part about touring? It’s really good to see the country and other parts of the world you wouldn’t normally see. It could be Japan or Australia or a town in the UK where we normally wouldn’t visit. I’m also quite excited about Bristol in particular because my brother lives there. Going back a few years now, but is it true that you recorded your debut album, ‘Twelve Stops and Home’ in Kevin and Ciaran’s (fellow band members) garden shed? Yeah. Well, it wasn’t a garden shed it was a small out house. Could you have ever imagined the success that followed after? No, not at all. It’s crazy. I’ve dreamt of having my own small studio and now I’ve got my own big studio. To think back then we’d end up with that much success is crazy, but deep down there’s always part of me that believed it could happen. It’s what drives you on. Before we go, we have to ask you about some of your performances in Glastonbury as that’s where we’re based. In 2008, you played at the Glastonbury Festival and the Glastonbury Extravaganza held in the Abbey grounds. What are your memories of these events? I remember it very well. I’ve always dreamt of playing the festival because I’ve been going since I was a youngster because my Dad used to take me. Glastonbury Festival was my first ever gig and I was five. I played on the cabaret stage. I barely remember it but my brother tells me about it regularly. I’ve got great memories of being at Glastonbury. It was a real honour to play the Extravaganza and to play a local gig when you consider the history of The Abbey and Glastonbury. One last question; are there any bands or artists that you particularly like at the moment? There are loads. I went to Glastonbury Festival this year as a guest with Rufus Wainwright who was playing on the main stage. He was brilliant. I have my own campervan. I parked it up back stage and Rufus stayed in it with me and a couple of mates the night before he played. Thanks for your time, Dan. Good luck with the tour. Thank you! We’ll look forward to seeing you in Bristol. Find out more about the band at www.thefeeling.com Tickets for their gig at O2 Academy Bristol are now on sale from www.o2academybristol.co.uk