The Federation began life in 1991 when Si John (singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist) and Alex Swift (programmer, bassist) teamed up with Julie Lockhart (vocals) to produce "Life So Free" for the Bristol charity compilation LP "The Hard Sell"

After an initial run of local gigs building on their live reputation, Mo Wax's James Lavelle realised that The Feds had something that should be heard on a wider plain and so signed them as part of the initial stable of acts that formed a more jazz based feel to the Mo' Wax approach.

The debut long player, "Flower To The Sun" out sold all Mo' Wax releases up to that point of the label's history. To capitalise on their success on Mo' Wax, The Feds went on tour in the US, Japan and Europe and the band gained a reputation for live shows that were "heavier and more luxurious than a sea liner..." (Mixmag). Along the way they have played at legendary events such as Glastonbury and influential gigs at The Jazz Café, as well as supporting everyone from Galliano through to Roy Ayers and Gil Scott-Heron.

Since releasing more records on a soul angle, including the "Hold On" 12" and "Earth Loop" Long Player, The Feds changed approach to take on bass heavy business as a staple part of their make up. Drum & Bass with a jazz attitude became part of their live set. The final 12" that appeared on Indochina, the "Nocturnal EP", was an example of this new material.

The Feds then moved to Cup Of Tea for the release of the "See Through EP", with remix work for Purple Penguin's Memphis EP track under the guise of Finger.