Felt (band)

Felt was a British indie pop band, formed in 1979 in Water Orton, Warwickshire, England, by Lawrence (born Lawrence Hayward). Throughout its career, Felt underwent numerous lineup changes, with Lawrence being the only constant member. The band is characterized by its distinctive sound, which evolved over the course of its ten albums and numerous singles and EPs.

Early Felt was influenced by minimalistic post-punk and the sound of The Velvet Underground, featuring organ-driven melodies and Lawrence's distinctive, often melancholic vocals. The band gained a cult following for its unique blend of experimental and melodic elements.

Later in their career, Felt's sound shifted towards jangle-pop and more conventional song structures, incorporating elements of psychedelia and a stronger emphasis on guitar work. Key members during this period included guitarist Maurice Deebank (until 1985), whose intricate guitar lines were a defining feature of their early work, and guitarist Alan McGee (who later founded Creation Records) for a brief stint in the early 1980s. Martin Duffy, who later joined Primal Scream, was also a significant contributor on keyboards.

Felt deliberately ended its career after releasing ten albums and ten singles, as Lawrence felt he had accomplished his artistic goals. Their final album, Me and a Monkey on the Roof, was released in 1989. Despite never achieving mainstream success, Felt has remained influential, with many contemporary indie musicians citing them as an inspiration. Their discography continues to be reissued and explored by new generations of listeners.