In a recent chat with MOJO magazine, the legendary Nick Cave opened up about the grueling process of songwriting, describing it as “a f**king nightmare.”
Cave didn’t hold back, confessing that he often delays writing songs because the process is far from enjoyable. “I don’t like writing songs. To write a song is this deeply mysterious, abstract, anxiety-ridden process that’s just not fun. Playing around with the kid is fine but to get the kid out is a f**king nightmare. So I put it off until I can’t put it off any further.” he admitted.
The conversation inevitably turned to his critically acclaimed album "Ghosteen", often linked to the tragic loss of his son Arthur in 2015. Reflecting on its creation, Cave shared, “I’m happy that it exists but it was a painful thing to make. I f**king hate hearing bands talk about the pain of making a record, because I don’t believe them. But "Ghosteen" had its attendant agonies for sure, and not something I’d want to repeat.”
This interview comes as Cave and The Bad Seeds gear up to drop their 18th studio album, "Wild God", on August 30. Packed with 10 tracks, the album promises a blend of traditional themes and bold experimentation, showcasing Cave’s knack for rich imagery and emotive storytelling.
Fans have already had a taste with the singles "Frogs" and the title track. Cave describes the upcoming album as “complicated, but it's also deeply and joyously infectious.” He continued, “There is never a masterplan when we make a record. The records rather reflect back the emotional state of the writers and musicians who played them. Listening to this, I don’t know, it seems we’re happy. There’s no f**king around with this record. When it hits, it hits. It lifts you. It moves you. I love that about it.”
In preparation for the release, the band has unveiled the first part of "The Making Of Wild God", featuring Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood. Directed by Megan Cullen and shot at Miraval Studios in France, this behind-the-scenes footage offers a glimpse into the creation of the album.
Fans will also get a chance to engage with Cave directly during a special Q&A event hosted by Rough Trade at Kings Place in London on August 29. .
In addition, Cave has announced a 2024 UK and Europe tour, kicking off in Germany this September and wrapping up in the UK in November.
Photo: Venetia Scott/Mojo
