Artist Spotlight Interview: Cold Cave
All images by Travis Shinn
Cold Cave is the creation of Wesley Eisold. His solo project, started while he was living in Philadelphia, combines elements of darkwave, noise, and synthpop. The project released its first EP in 2008 and has since recorded a few full albums starting with their 2009 debut, which includes the well-known title track, “Love Comes Close.” The music quickly drew comparisons to bands like Joy Division and new order, driven by its post-punk and electronic-infused sound. Additional hits like“Glory,”(You, Me & Infinity EP)and “Confetti” (Cherish the Light Years) followed. The band tours extensively around the world and will be joining Depeche Mode on their current run of dates in 2023.
I had the opportunity to sit down and ask Wesley some questions about songwriting, his experiences touring, and more. Check out our interview below!
1. You released "Cold Cave's" first song "The Trees Grew Emotions and Died" in 2008 through your relationship with Gibby Miller of Dais Records. Can you tell me about your experience starting Cold Cave to where you are now? You were in Philadelphia at the beginning of starting and have since moved to LA. Has the location you create in affected your process or music at all?
Wherever I go I’m still there so location hasn’t altered much of anything. In the beginning I only showed a few friends my new music. They both had labels, Dais & Hospital. I was in Philly. I didn’t have much of a social life. It was easy to stay inside and create your own world. When I think back it’s strange what it all grew into. I’m mostly happy with the trajectory.
2. You're also the singer of Hardcore Punk band, American Nightmare. What drew you to writing the more synth-pop/darkwave sound that is Cold Cave?
Isolation, depression and chasing my first love.
3. Do you find that the songwriting process is easier when you're writing for your own solo project vs. a band? Do you approach writing differently at all in each situation?
No I don’t. I find the opposite actually. It’s easy to write for a band and it’s a challenge to write for yourself, for me anyway.
4. The topics of songs you've written range from confessions of dealing with depression, to more hopeful outlooks on life and love, or even religious or political ideas. As a songwriter, do you ever feel pressure to give listeners a sense of catharsis with your music?
I don’t. The only pressure I feel is what I put on myself.
5. In following you on social media you share some about your personal life including your son. How have becoming a parent affected your music and your approach to creating it?
It’s changed me in that I’m relieved to no longer be living only for myself. It’s dangerous and I had no idea that life is bigger than you. I’m thankful for that. Sound wise it hasn’t impacted me.
6. You've toured quite extensively internationally. Do you have a favorite place or venue to play live?
I’m just comfortable in motion. I love waking up on the bus in a new city and walking it in the early morning. It’s too hard to pick a favorite venue.
7. Having a lot of technical elements to a live show comes with a lot of benefits as well as risks. Has there ever been a performance where something went wrong or didn't work properly? What did you do if such a situation occurred?
It’s just part of the process. You stay cool and problem solve on the fly.
8. I've read in other interviews that you feel the song "Glory" is the song that can let new listeners know what Cold Cave is all about. Do you still feel that is accurate?
Probably. Lyrically anyway.
9. What can people expect to see next from Cold Cave? Do you have any final comments for readers or anything you'd like them to know?
Thanks for listening. We are about to tour with Depeche Mode and then more music and more tours. Always cherish the moment.