Andrew Fearn – Sleaford Mods
Andrew Fearn is the instrumentalist half of the minimalist English post-punk duo, Sleaford Mods.
Sleaford Mods have described their work as “electronic munt minimalist punk-hop rants for the working class.” Sleaford Mods songs have been described as embittered rants about such topics as unemployment, modern working life, celebrities and pop culture, capitalism, and society in general.
Sleaford Mods have released 12 albums since 2007, with Andrew Fearn replacing former member Simon Parfrement in 2012. Their music has appeared on documentary soundtracks and they have collaborated with legendary artists such as The Prodigy and Leftfield.
Fearn became vegetarian in his teens, due to the influence of The Smiths but it didn’t last until he found his own reasons to ditch the animal products. Andrew Fearn told the Viva! Vegan Podcast that he initially went vegan for health reasons after hearing the advice of nutrition experts such as Dr Michael Greger and watching documentaries such as What the Health. But now reducing animal cruelty is just as important to him.
Fearn can often be spotted wearing a vegan t-shirt on stage, including one representing Viva!’s Hogwood campaign.
Andrew Fearn, the quieter half of Sleaford Mods, opens up about his vegan journey, compassion for animals and trying to do what he can.
In this conversation, Andrew and Faye discuss topics, such as:
- austerity and poverty in the UK
- becoming very famous and what it feels like
- Andrew’s interest in charities, from Viva! to Shelter
- the best places for vegan food while touring
- playing the Sydney Opera House
- how he tries to use his platform to highlight causes he cares about
