“Nearly a week has passed, and I’ve written a few things, but they’re not particularly good, or perhaps they are.” Nick Cave has announced that he has begun production on a new Bad Seeds record, and he has shared some early lyric ideas in the process. Cave stated last year that he intended to write a new album once his touring obligations were completed. “It’s about a man sitting down in his space and confronting a complete lack of ideas about things,” he explained on stage at London’s Southbank Centre. “I don’t collect ideas, I don’t write things down, I don’t come up with catchy titles, or whatever.” That’s not something I do. I just choose a date and sit down to start writing an album.”
Cave has now revealed that the album-writing process is in full swing. In response to Fred’s question regarding his 2023 intentions, Cave commented on his blog, The Red Hand Files, “My plan for this year is to make a new record with the Bad Seeds.” This contains both good and negative news. That’s great news, since who doesn’t want a new Bad Seeds album? I’m sorry, but I have to write the bloody thing.” He went on to say that he began the process at 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day. “January 6th has arrived.” “I’ve had nearly a week and I’ve written a few things, but they aren’t very good, or maybe they are, it’s difficult to tell,” he added. “I feel that familiar feeling of lack with every record, like I’m a big, dumb blank thing in a suit.” Susie [Bick] has left for a week, so I’m grumpy as fuck. Anything that resembles a creative urge is dormant in some mossy, froggy hole.”
Cave went on to remark that he needs to “wake [inspiration] up from its slumber.” It turns into a horrible, hard, bleak business.” “Like a madman, I’m starting to get an infuriating sing-song voice in my head that actually rhymes.” “Like sadness,” he added, before revealing the first lyrics he composed for Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds’ next album. “Ushering in the year, he knelt down/And crushed his brother’s head with a bone,” Cave wrote. “That seemed like an okay way to start a record, but it also felt kind of terminal and didn’t really go anywhere.” “Ushering in the new year, he knelt down / And crushed his brother’s head with a bone / It’s my great privilege to walk you home / In the rain / Hop inside my coat,” he said. “The frogs in the gutter are jumping for God / Amazed of love, amazed of pain / Amazed to land back in the gutter again.”
“And it felt like that summed things up,” Cave continued. “Writing lyrics is hell. It’s like frog jumping, Fred. It’s a shitstorm. The bogs are to blame. It really aches. It comes in bursts, but they are few and far between. There is something filthy about the entire situation. As in crimes that rhyme. I’m hoping this doesn’t last too long. “I’m actually terrified.” Cave has stated that creativity “doesn’t find you or offer itself to you.” Nick Cave’s most recent album with The Bad Seeds, ‘Ghosteen,’ was released in 2019. “Many people have remarked that Ghosteen is a sad album, but I don’t think it is at all,” Cave said at the time. “In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a more upbeat, joyous record.” What do you believe is causing such disparities in reactions? “I almost feel like I misunderstood it.”
