The Captain Meets Alex Feder (Linkin Park)

Conversation Summary

Lee welcomes guitarist Alex Feder, who has been touring with Linkin Park since the band’s return. Their conversation traces Alex’s path from trying to build his own band in New York to becoming a touring sideman. A friend’s call led to an audition with Enrique Iglesias, followed years later by gigs with singer LP and, eventually, Linkin Park. Alex jokes that his first Enrique audition came just two months after he tore his ACL: he left his crutches at home and hoped his walk looked cool.

The pair discuss what first drew them to guitar. For Alex, it was grunge, classic rock, and the sheer sound of an electric guitar. He recalls being blown away when a bandmate kicked on distortion during “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” He also demonstrates a Neil Young-inspired tone and riff, and explains that his musical heroes value feel and character as much as technical flash.

As a sideman, Alex’s approach is to serve the song, not show off. As he puts it, Linkin Park hired him to bring their music to life, not cover it in his favorite fuzz pedal.

Alex describes the realities of touring and making a living as a hired musician. His practical rule for taking gigs is that ideally, at least one of the music, the money, or the people should be great—and the older you get, the more you may want two out of three. He calls the Linkin Park job “winning the lottery,” praising the band’s care for its music and the people he works with.

He also discusses how he was brought in to tour while Brad Delson remained involved in the band’s creative work. To prepare for the heavier material, Alex took lessons and worked on his picking technique.

A big part of the conversation focuses on balancing respect for Linkin Park’s original parts with making them work live. Alex studies Brad’s playing and the album versions while leaving himself some room to shape solos in his own way. He laughs about fans noticing details such as whether he palm-mutes a part. After checking with Brad and Mike Shinoda, he adjusted how he played “A Place for My Head.”

The band’s carefully programmed Fractal rig helps recreate the sounds, while Alex’s own pedalboard, shown in the studio, is a more flexible and personal setup. He talks about his go-to Dane overdrive, beloved Carbon Copy delay, fuzz, modulation, and HX Stomp, as well as why he likes having a versatile rig ready for whatever gig might come along. His affection for pedals contrasts with his clear-eyed observation that most audiences are there for the songs, not the exact equipment.

The conversation wraps with jokes about Alex potentially taking on ever-heavier gigs—Lee suggests he might need more tattoos to fit a Pantera tour. Alex admits he’s still practicing every day and is happy to see what comes next.

Personalities Featured

• Lee Andertons — Host
• Alex Feder — Guitarist and guest