• 2004-

  Nathan WillettVocals, guitar, piano2004-

  Matt MaustBass2004-

  Jonnie RussellGuitar, piano, vocals2004-2012

  Matt AveiroDrums2004-2013

  Dann GallucciVocals, guitar2012-

  Joe PlummerDrums2014-

  Matthew SchwartzKeyboards, guitar, vocals2014-
• Although the members of Cold War Kids met at evangelical college Biola University, they insist that they are not a Christian band. Matt Maust says "We are Christian in the same way that Johnny Cash is Christian."
• Cold War Kids lead singer Nathan Willett says one of the boldest things the band has ever done was play right before Metallica at a festival in Belgium. The crowd was full of passionate Metallica fans and most of them didn't care to see Cold War Kids. Willett says the band just took it with a grain of salt and tried to go onstage and have some fun.
• Cold War Kids started in 2004 in Fullerton, California in guitarist Jonnie Russell's apartment above a restaurant. The eatery was called Mulberry Street and the band used the name for the title of their first EP.
• Nathan Willett used to be a high school English teacher. He was doing a teaching credential program when he realized that although he loved music, he had never given a career in the music industry a real shot. From there, the band started organically and they began booking their own tours.
• Cold War Kids bassist Matt Maust used to make pens to show his love for his favorite bands, like Blur and The Jesus and Mary Chain. According to frontman Nathan Willett, Maust also dressed like a punk rocker, wearing leather and bondage pants.
• Lead singer Nathan Willett says that 2011's Mine Is Yours is the first album he had expectations for. He said he'd be disappointed if the album didn't do well and that he has huge goals for the band. Some of those goals include touring Asia, playing at bigger venues, and joining some of his idols onstage, such as Elvis Costello.
• Drummer Matt Aveiro says his favorite cities to play in are Tokyo, Paris, and Mexico City. When he's not performing, Aveiro just likes to find a good place to eat in the city he's in and maybe a record store or bar.

Comments

More Songfacts:

Blame GameKanye West

Chris Rock appears on the Kanye West track "Blame Game."

Walk Like a ManThe Four Seasons

The Four Seasons' "Walk Like a Man," released in 1963, was the first Hot 100 #1 hit with a simile in its title.

Theme From ShaftIsaac Hayes

When "Theme From Shaft" won an Oscar in 1972, Isaac Hayes became the first African American to win in the Best Song category.

At This MomentBilly Vera & the Beaters

"At This Moment" was first released by Billy Vera & the Beaters in 1981, and hit #79. After it was used in two episodes of Family Ties in 1985-1986, it went to #1.

Brass In PocketPretenders

Chrissie Hynde got the phrase "Brass In Pocket" from a Northern England slang term meaning you had some money, "brass" meaning coins.

Opposites AttractPaula Abdul

MC Skat Kat was created for the remix of "Opposites Attract," which was released as the last single from Paula Abdul's Forever Your Girl album. The team that created the Kat also did a-ha's "Take On Me" video.

Editor's Picks

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."