To grasp a better understanding of the geniuses behind the new single “Don’t Wanna Die” Chloe Addo spoke to My Federation’s front man Lee on his days stealing cars, the nasty habits of his band mates and who he thinks is soft as shit.

If you haven’t heard the latest tracks from My Federation er, why the hell not? Out of hundreds of CDs that come our way their latest single “Don’t Wanna Die” immediately caught our attention - with their fun indie pop rock, big guitar beats and catchy vocals.

Read on for views on Mika, Madonna and nose picking.

How would you describe your style?

A 20th century angle to 60s pop.

Who are your influences?

I’d say everything ranging from The Who to Daft Punk; I listen to loads of Timbaland and modern electronica.

Super grass- I’m a big fan of them too, they straddle the line between having fun with music by not disappearing to far up their arse.

George Harrison is another one. “All Things Must Pass” is a great album, it’s got a lovely uplifting feel to it. That’s what I want to achieve with our band.

You have been described as a combination of The Who, Daft Punk and Stevie Wonder. How does that make you feel?

Stevie Wonder - blimey that’s a compliment.

Well I think that’s not a bad description. With Stevie Wonder- I think it’s more a case that I’m a fan of their sensibility towards music and again the same attitude that the funkadelics of this world had- which was much more about enjoyment and celebration.

I went through quite a long time writing morose songs and I thank god I came out the other side, I feel a lot better for it. When the band came together there was a real feeling of, yeah we want to have fun doing this.

Is that what makes My Federation unique?

I think it would be arrogant to say we were unique for that but we are a rare breed these days. With a lot of bands you get the feeling that they look into mirrors and clinch their cheeks a little bit. I’m not about that I’m a bit too long in the tooth to do that.

Is there anyone you wouldn’t want to be compared to?

If you compared me to Mika I’d chop my foot off.

But the funny thing is if our band was at a festival and we were on a line up with Scissor Sisters, Mika and The Zutons I think we fit in from a rock angle quite well.

I’m sure if I met Mika he’d be a lovely guy.

How did you end up forging fine paintings?

I started doing it at art school just learnt how to paint and I found I was really frigging good at it- like all things I just stumbled across it.

I never got into it illegally I didn’t have the contacts unfortunately. I used to paint for wealthy people who could have afforded the real thing.

How did you end up thieving cars?

I used to customise cars when I was I kid and that’s how I got into painting actually. When I was 16 I bought a VW beetle and I spray canned the whole thing. I also lost the key and had to hotwire the thing to get it to start. I had to break into my own car and again got quite good at it.

So for a laugh when I was a kid- terrible to admit I don’t recommend it to anyone, I started nicking cars. Then I got caught paid the fine and moved on.

Are you a big car fan?

Couldn’t give a flying shit about them- I don’t even own a car anymore.

Inspired by the title of your album and new single “Don’t Wanna Die”- Are you paranoid about dying?

(Laughs) I’ve got no fear of dying whatsoever. I’ve got fear of the pain before dying; if someone took a blowtorch to me I would certainly wince.

I don’t mind dying. Although that doesn’t make such a good title- “I don’t mind dying I don’t mind dying” no doesn’t work and it’s a bit morbid.

If you could pick any other band or artist to play with who would you choose?

If Super Grass turned around and said they’d tour with us I think I would die. I think we would come across as a right bunch of pansies if we were to tour with them.

The Hives- like to gig with them, Led Zeppelin - doubt we’d give them much of a run for their money.

Met Jimmy Page by chance actually- so that would an absolute dream come true.

Who are you currently listening to?

The Raconteurs, George Harrison “All Things Must Pass”, MIA is there and In Rainbows.

Who do you think will make it big in 2008?

Gloria Cycles… just produced the album for them haha and Kidda on Skint Records just mixed his album- I’m slightly bias but they’re amazing really really good.

Visit:
www.myspace.com/gloriacycles
www, myspace.com/kiddauk

Who do you think would win in a fight between yourselves, The Flaming Lips and Super Grass?

To be honest I think we would win- we’ve got age on our side and I’ve got Neal our bass player he’s built like a brick shithouse he is and if I was in a fight I’d just hang on him like a rucksack and I’d be alright.

(Laughs) He’s a lovely bloke though, soft as shit.

Who has the most annoying habit in the band and what is it?

Dylan, he’s just the filthiest sod on earth. You’ve never heard such filth coming from anyone’s mouth especially in public because he doesn’t stop.

Neal, he’s a way better a bass player than me that’s annoying.

Robin has a habit of not turning up to gigs but we’ve learned to live with it. Robin also picks his nose.

Does he eat it?

No, but I’ve definitely caught him picking his nose on a few occasions, but no worries.

Are there any acts you love to hate?

Yeah Wings, they have a couple of tunes that I do like but yep the Wings. Oh and Madonna.

What do you think of Madonna’s new single?

Absolutely nothing, I have no opinion of that tune. “Music” and “Ray of Light” were wicked but her entire career just gets on my nerves.

What advice would you give to artists and bands trying to break into the industry?

Don’t hope for a miracle- classic line, look to the stars but keep your feet on the ground.
It’s hard graft, you’re gonna have to go out there and gig and gig for the rest of your life. Live music is where it is at now.

Recorded music is just a by-product of what we do and it always has been. It’s just that as time went on it was thrown into the universe as this big thing but now it’s just a ticket to a live gig, and that’s how it should be. Bands got complacent after a while.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Brain surgeon, I think 10 years is long enough to become an expert at anything, once the Feds have toured the world , made several albums and achieved everything I’m gonna turn my attention to brain surgery.

The new single and album "Don't Wanna Die" are out now.

Visit: www.myspace.com/myfederation