The beloved band, well-known for their song “First” and “Hang Me Out to Dry,” among so many more, stopped in ATX at the start of their tour and brought the house down at STUBBS. When performing in Austin, singer of Cold War Kids, Nathan Willett, tells us how the band loves “how hungry people are for live music despite how much access they have. They are still so energetic, I was amazed!” No surprise there; Austin loves a good show!

Cold War Kids founding members: lead singer Nathan Willett and bass player Matt Maust PHOTO BY SEAN FLYNN

Post-concert, we caught up with CWK—comprised of Willett, Matt Maust, David Quon, Matthew Schwartz and Joe Plummer, who have created magic since 2004—and it turns out they are doing more than touring the world. “This feels like a new chapter for us,” says Willett. “There’s a big sense of gratitude and appreciation.” With a new EP coming out this May, they are continuing their legacy and are thrilled to release their hard work to the public.

With a somewhat hoarse voice from the show, Willett acknowledged, “Some people only get to make 2-3 albums, but because we have lasted this long, we kind of exist in the grace of a lot of mystery.” Lucky them and lucky us that they have had such a long and fruitful career.

When asked about their day-to-day, Willett replied, “It’s rough-its work! It is a privilege and an honor but also hard.” Evidently, the band loves what they do, and you can tell they give their all to fans when they are on stage; it’s palpable. “We are happy to jump on whatever action,” adds Willett, “you have to be your own producer of energy and inspiration.” coldwarkids.com