THEY’VE finished their studies and entered the big bad world – but Huddersfield University formed band Feeds have decided to hang around in Yorkshire.

The former Music Production course mates all graduated last May.

But having had a fragmented run of gigs and recording sessions during their time on campus, the band took advantage of the rest of 2012 and had their best year ever.

Lead singer, Frazer Merrick, said: “Considering it was our final year at university we managed to get a lot done.

“About a month before our dissertations were due in we finished recording our EP, the last deadline we had was May 5 and we went on tour on the May 6.

“We did a few gigs in our hometowns, as we’re from all over the place.

“2012 was really fun as it was the first time we focused on doing just the band.

“From May onwards we did three music videos and put our CD out.

“We played festivals for the first time, it was really fun and everything was done ourselves.

“Two of the festivals we did we won competitions to get there.

“We won battle of the bands at the university to play at Summer Saturnalia and then we won a competition at The Duchess in York, which got us an opening slot on the main stage at Galtres Festival.

“That was brilliant as it was the same night that Ash headlined.

“The festivals were definitely the highlight of last year.”

Guitarist, Sam Prowse, added: “For a band that’s only been around for a two-and-a-half years I’m pretty pleased with how we’re doing.

“We’ve got two EPs, four music videos and more coming all the time.”

Another highlight for the band was playing to 8,000 scouts, cubs and guides at the annual Jamboree in Essex.

Frazer said: “It was this massive 40ft stage with this big screen at the side.

“There was a big crowd, it was a scouts thing, but they were there to enjoy it.”

Sam added: “It was really rocking.

“It was nice to see them enjoying themselves.

“In the past we’ve either played to three people or a room full of people but none of them are really into it.

“To be able to play to such a large group of people and for them all to be jumping about and screaming was good.”

The five piece say they draw their influences from the progressive sounds of Porcupine Tree, through to the catchy hooks of Bombay Bicycle Club, with their sound combining a blend of three part vocal harmonies, driving guitars and catchy choruses.

Sam said: “We’ve got a lot of different influences.

“We don’t have one specific genre that we’re pinned down to – we try and keep it open, incorporating all of our styles.

“Our music can be uplifting but we also have some dark tendencies and some really heavy middle eight sections.

“But some are really poppy and lively, there’s a lot of variation.”

Frazer said: “There’s a bit of a songwriter feel to it but we also like rock out sections.

“It’s not melancholy but we do like to do things that are a little bit moody.

“But we’re really conscious about not making it inaccessible, we like having hooks and songs that are four minutes long.

“But within that we like to do things a little bit weird.

“Some songs have odd time signature changes or jarring chord progressions, which are more niche but it’s wrapped up in this more popular package.

“I think that’s a really nice fusion as it keeps it interesting.”

Now having decamped to Leeds the five piece are set on continuing their momentum into 2013 and are hoping to revisit their undergraduate home in June.

Frazer said: “The Huddersfield scene is great.

“Bar 1:22 is great as that’s one of the only places you get a university audience and locals mixing.

“It’s a local hotspot for everyone and there’s a lot of really cool stuff going on there.

“We supported Extra Curricular there last year and it was amazing.

“I’m putting the feelers out for more gigs now and we’re hoping to get our new CD done.

“We haven’t been contacted by people by saying here’s a record contract we want to give you loads of money – that doesn’t really happen any more.

“What we’re finding is it’s us approaching people and saying ‘we want to do this, do you want to get involved?’

“That’s worked with our videos, they’re all collaborative with film-makers who wanted it for their showreels.

“That’s better value for money as we haven’t got any money!”

Web: www.wearefeeds.co.uk