12/04/2007
Exclusive Interview with Cold War Kids
Every now and then a band comes along that reminds you original, honest music is still being made. Even in today's popular culture of indulgent superficiality, there are still a handful of musicians who make music simply because they have to, not because they need to be fashionable or popular. Enter Cold War Kids, a foursome out of Long Beach, California with a penchant for hollow body guitars, Sam Cooke, and writing songs that make you move. Last week the Kids East Coast tour took them to Philly with fellow Long Beach-ers We Barbarians and Nashville poet Derrick Brown. I caught up with Cold War frontman Nathan Willett for a chat before his set.
Dressing Room glamour at the TLA
Emily: Here is an easy question to get this going. What are you reading right now?
Nathan: Well, I'm trying to get through The Savage Detectives right now, but I might give it up. I don't think it is the right time for it and I can't really get into it.
Emily: I'm having the same problem trying to finish The Fall by Camus myself. Either you are into a book or you aren't; there is no in-between ground.
Nathan: Exactly.
Emily: Are you having a good time touring, or does it just feel like work for you?
Nathan: Right now I'm having a good time. I'm also in a good mood and that helps my perspective, but it's odd. Sometimes this feels so much like work when it's thoughtless, mindless touring. Other times I think I've accomplished so much and I've gotten so much done that I feel I've gotten better at touring.
Poet Derrick Brown rocking an Art In the Age T-Shirt
Emily: California is where you were born and raised? Yes? Are you a West Coast loyalist?
Nathan: Yeah, I was raised in Hayward in the Bay Area of Northern California. By virtue of growing up there I'm a loyalist but I could move if I wanted to. Now I have a chance to make it happen and in the next year or so I might take that opportunity.
Emily: I've always wanted to ask this question, so here goes! What makes for an annoying interview question?
Nathan: Well, it is kind of hard to say. I guess if something is too vague, or if someone is asking about something more than just the basics it can be weird. In the Paris Review of Books, this journal where ex-pat writers like Gabriel Garcia Marquez write, there are these 2 big volumes of interviews that are focused on how writers work. I think more journalists should read some of those interviews to get a better idea on how to pose questions while still writing an interesting piece.
Emily: Thanks for that tip! I'll make sure to pick up a copy before my next interview. Okay, last question. What do you want for Christmas?
Nathan: I guess I really want to see the new P.T.Anderson movie.
Emily: Really? That is what you want for Christmas? To see a movie?
Nathan: Well, I guess what tops the movie would be to be home and have a fresh palette for writing. I'd like that a lot more.
I don't understand the
Cold War has a couple more shows before their tour is over.
Tonight they are in Boston, Mass at the Orpheum.
12/6 they are in Columbus, Ohio for a sold out show at the Newport Music Hall.
12/7 they are in Chicago, Il for another sold out show at the Metro.
Check out this video of three kids performing Cold War's "St. John" at their talent show.
Robbers & Cowards is a Cold War album you will be happy to own. Believe me.
Posted by Emily on 12/04/2007 10:50 AM in Interview
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