The Fed Pennies have been breaking through the independent music scene since their 2004 inception. Founders Jake Smith and Aaron Farr, previous ECMA winners with Halifax international recording artists The Jimmy Swift Band, decided it was time to branch off on their own in order to explore a new musical direction. Backed with solid melodies, disenchanted lyrics and playfully angry bass lines the group is influenced by various genres of rock including: punk, garage and alternative with musical influences varying from Black Sabbath to the Beatles.

The Fed Pennies consist of Jake Smith (guitar, vocals), John Matthews (bass), and Paul Gallant (drums).

“To Your Senses”, the first single launched from The Fed Pennies self titled debut CD created a platform to reach a wider audience and was heard in regular rotation on many radio stations including Halifax’s Q104 and various university and college campuses.

The Fed Pennies have toured heavily throughout Atlantic Canada and Ontario which has led to the support of a large and loyal fan base. Other accomplishments include a Molson Canadian Extreme Band Slam win, a showcase at Canadian Music Week and a Junofest showcase opening for Inward Eye and Silverstein at the Marquee Club in Halifax NS.

In early 2008, The Fed Pennies played the show of a lifetime when they opened for Ozzy Osbourne at the Halifax Metro Centre. From the moment the house lights went down the band captivated the audience with a powerhouse set. Fueled with adrenaline after meeting Ozzy backstage the band delivered a high energy performance that warmed up the crowd of thousands for the “Prince of Darkness” himself.

The Fed Pennies have recently released their second full length CD called “Brain Disaster”, a collection of songs inspired by small town trash and rock n roll debauchery. The CD was released (including a full bonus EP) on November 24, 2009 on Sound of Pop Records with national distribution in Canada by Fontana North/Universal Music Canada and a worldwide publishing deal through Sound of Pop/ole. The single “air guitar” has charted Top 10 on the nationally syndicated East Coast Countdown program and the song “Buzzing in My Head” was recently chosen by major UK video game developer SEGA for their multi platform game “Vancouver 2010 – The Official Game of the Olympics” released on January 12, 2010. The band also received substantial college radio airplay at over 150 stations throughout the United States in 2010.

The Fed Pennies won the East Coast Music Award for “Loud Recording of the Year” in April 2011.

Press Quotes:

…The Fed Pennies have a very different vibe with distorted vocals and catchy chords. Good solid songs.
– Famous Music Publishing UK

…Great songs, very suitable for radio…
– Mike Bordin (Ozzy/Faith No More)

I’ve been a fan of these guys since the get go. Definitely a must see live
– Anna Zee (Q104 Music Director

From the opening blitzkrieg of Buzzing In My Head,
The Fed Pennies easily and genuinely cast images of early Seattle into the minds of listeners
– Bill Adams (Ground Control Mag)