The Feeling’s Dan Gillespie Sells: ‘We didn’t want to be a super-cool indie band’
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Dan Gillespie Sells, the frontman of The Feeling, is reflecting on a common experience among young queer individuals – the journey of leaving close-minded hometowns in search of a more inclusive and vibrant city life. This sentiment is captured in the band’s latest album, “San Vito,” where Sells explores themes of coming-of-age and self-discovery.
“Call It Home,” a track from the upcoming album, delves into the universal theme of leaving behind familiar surroundings to pursue a brighter future. The album itself is a celebration of queerness, with songs like “The Right Wrong” and “War’s Not Won” advocating for love, equality, and acceptance in a changing world.
Despite The Feeling’s success in the music industry, particularly with hits like “Fill My Little World” and “Sewn,” Sells acknowledges that their journey has been marked by challenges. The band’s unique sound and colorful aesthetic set them apart from the typical indie rock scene of the mid-2000s, leading to mixed reviews from critics and a lack of recognition as queer artists.
Sells recalls the early days of playing in indie clubs and navigating a predominantly heterosexual music industry. While initially feeling out of place among more traditional rock groups, The Feeling eventually found their voice and embraced their identity as misfits in a world of conformity.
As the band matured and found success, Sells learned to prioritize joy and authenticity in their music. Despite the pressures to conform to industry standards, The Feeling remained true to their vibrant and melodic style, ultimately finding fulfillment in creating music that brought joy to themselves and their fans.
Looking ahead to the release of “San Vito” and their upcoming tour, The Feeling continues to embrace their unique brand of pop rock with pride. Sells emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and finding joy in the creative process, even when faced with criticism or societal expectations.
As the music industry evolves to celebrate LGBTQ+ artists, Sells reflects on the changing landscape of queer representation. While progress has been made in recognizing and uplifting queer voices, there is still a need for more nuanced and authentic portrayals that go beyond surface-level labels.
Ultimately, Sells envisions a future where artists are celebrated for their talent and creativity above all else. As The Feeling prepares to share their latest album with the world, they remain committed to spreading joy and positivity through their music, staying true to themselves in an ever-changing industry.
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Dan Gillespie Sells
