P&P Holiday Special: Cold Weather Company

'Tis the season for snow, hot cocoa, gathering around the fireplace, reuniting with our families, and of course Christmas music! To ring in the best time of year and capture the true meaning of the holidays, New Jersey-based alternative folk trio Cold Weather Company arrive with "Warmth In Winter," a joyful, cinematic soon-to-be seasonal classic that celebrates the spirit of community and connection. This track reminds us that no matter the temperature, you'll always feel warm when you surround yourself with the people you love!

Ahead of its release, Playlists & Polaroids got the chance to catch up with Cold Weather Company. We loved hearing about the band's twelve-year musical journey, the making of "Warmth In Winter," the members' favorite holiday traditions, and more. Keep reading for our full interview with them!

Image credit: Kris Khunachak, graphic created by Karly Ramnani

First of all, we LOVE hearing that a band called Cold Weather Company has a  holiday song - it feels super on brand. Tell us about the origins of the band name!

JEFF: Yep! We were so excited when we were first jamming on the idea that would turn into “Warmth in Winter” years back. Like most of our songs, it started with a riff, and as we were adding chords to it, we looked at each other and one of us said, “Wait…are we writing a holiday song?” We always joked it was a matter of time before we released a holiday/winter seasonal song, and it was awesome when it happened organically. The original version will always be special to us, and we’re thrilled to finally be releasing a live version of the song this year!

The name Cold Weather Company was the result of a two-week group text brainstorm back in 2013, after going back and forth on band name options. When the name was proposed, we were all instantly intrigued by it. It just felt like our brand. We had an indie-folk sort of sound, writing music that fit well with fall/winter scenery. Creating this music together felt like company during the colder season, during those periods where lower moods would sometimes be present. The hope with our music was, and still remains, to create honest songs that connect with listeners and bring them comfort as well.

Celebrating the band's 12th anniversary must be a surreal moment for you guys! Could each of you share your favorite accomplishment or memory from your whole Cold Weather Company journey so far? 

JEFF: It’s hard to choose, but I instantly think of playing at certain venues in NYC that were a dream come true, including Music Hall of Williamsburg and Brooklyn Bowl. Going over to the UK for a tour with the Bouchard Brothers, founding members of Blue Öyster Cult, was a pretty big milestone for us as well.

STEVE: I have to agree on the UK tour being a special opportunity, but (and maybe this is cheating), there have just been many moments where we’ve received such a kind message from a listener somewhere in the world—I don’t think I’ll get over that feeling. I’m grateful technology allows us to reach people we haven’t played for in person yet (though hopefully we can get to them one day soon).

BRIAN: It’s really tough to pick a favorite moment when there have been so many glimmering lil’ memories along the way. For me, I think one of my favorites was the overarching feeling during our first tour in our 1991 short bus, Bluebird. We broke down at least a few times a day, and somehow the excitement of touring and the journey we were charting as a band outweighed the anxiety I was feeling trying to keep the bus running. That trip felt pivotal for my own growth, and for our development as a band looking to spread its wings for the first time.

In what ways have your New Jersey roots shaped you guys as artists? 

JEFF: The music scenes here in New Jersey are what shaped us. Through them, we’ve met such wonderful people and made so many great connections. From fellow musicians, other artists, and local businesses we’ve worked with and continue to work with, to thoughtful show promoters, to so many supportive listeners, NJ has given us so much.

What made you guys choose to initially record an original holiday song, and now revisit it with a live version, rather than an EP or album full of classic covers? 

JEFF: Warmth in Winter just came naturally. We always covered holiday songs when playing shows during the season, and actually, in college, Steve recorded two albums of holiday covers with friends (including a CWC cover of Silver Bells). The unique element to Warmth in Winter is that we were able to include our listeners by having them record and submit the “ba ba ba da da” part. We also always talked about working with a choir and had the chance to work with one here as well. I think these additions added a layer of creativity that came from knowing we were working on something new together, compared to putting our spin on a classic cover.

Image credit: Kris Khunachak

The title "Warmth in Winter" feels ironic, but truly carries so much meaning - what does the concept of "warmth" mean to each of you? 

STEVE: Much of the song focuses on a sense of nostalgia. To me, it’s those moments that give a sense of warmth anytime I revisit them throughout the year (but, of course, especially in colder months)—time spent with loved ones, and a general coziness. And that, no matter what happens, I can always bring myself back to those feelings.   

BRIAN: I think Steve said it well. The song is a call to find whatever flame within or around us that can serve as a shelter through a freeze. Winter can feel so isolating, making it all the more important to remember those you love and are loved by. 

JEFF: To me, it’s about appreciating who and what you have in your life—remembering to count your blessings.

It's no secret that you guys value the theme of balance overall - it's right there in your stage layout too, with a piano in the middle and mirroring guitars on either side. How does this theme show up in "Warmth in Winter"?  

JEFF: The songwriting process for the song really does feel like a balance. We each contributed equally to it, and it showcases all of our vocals (with us each having a lead verse) and instrumentation. When we’re just jamming in a room, it’s easy to tell when that balance really ‘clicks’ and we sync to a new melody/chord progression, and then we (often unspokenly) shift from ‘jamming’ to ‘writing.’

If you guys could pick one holiday movie to add "Warmth in Winter" to the soundtrack of, which one would it be and why? 

BRIAN: I’d definitely say How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the OG animated version). I’ve always secretly heard our “ba ba ba da da’s” as sneaky “ba-hoo-bor-us’s”. (IYKYK)

JEFF: I would love it to be in Christmas Vacation. That movie is a family tradition, and it’s hilarious. Maybe Aunt Bethany could be singing the “ba ba ba da da’s” at the dinner table.

STEVE: It’d have to be Elf for me, my all-time favorite holiday movie. I could definitely see all of the characters joining in on the ‘ba ba ba da das’ at the end, including the puffin and Mr. Narwhal.

For each of you guys, are there any particular holiday traditions or memories that inspired "Warmth in Winter"? 

STEVE: I was in a chamber choir as part of my high school, and each holiday season we would go around and sing holiday carols at various establishments. I definitely think that contributed to trying to create something that was accessible enough for anyone to join in and sing along with.

BRIAN: As obvious as it may sound, the simple holiday tradition of gathering together and sharing meals and moments is what inspired the song on my end. For me, winter has always been tracked by the holidays and parties that happen within it. When I was a kid, I’d rely on those gatherings to break up the solitude the season can bring. 

JEFF: I’m a very nostalgic person, and the holidays always make me think of my childhood, each year thinking “wow” as I do the math of how many years have passed. My verse in the song conveys this as well, how your memories get preserved and you have the opportunity to revisit them whenever you want to.

Steve, it's super cool and special that this track features your alma mater high school's choir! Why did it feel important to you to include them? 

STEVE: Thank you! The process for the song had a quick turnaround, and so, determining if a choir addition was possible was fairly last-minute (though, like Jeff said earlier, we’ve discussed how special it would be to work with a choir for a while). It really ended up just being serendipitous that one of my oldest friends (Burjis Cooper) happened to be teaching the choir program at our old high school at the time. He and I were in ‘West Singers’ from 2008-2011 (led by Christine Bass, who truly helped shape my love of music).Burjis was supportive of CWC since we formed in 2013, so this collaboration felt like the perfect opportunity to combine the nostalgia of childhood and high school memories with a new generation of the school’s students—hopefully starting a new tradition with them as well. Burjis was the utmost professional and it was an honor to work with him and the students, I really feel they elevate the song.

"Warmth in Winter" single cover. Image credit: Cold Weather Company

In the spirit of the holidays, what are you all asking Santa for this year? 

JEFF: Likely coffee, wine, pistachio things. Maybe a new guitar cable, actually, since a friend’s cat sort of ate mine recently (he’s okay). 

STEVE: I’m definitely at the age where I really enjoy a nice pair of warm socks.

BRIAN: I’m just asking ol’ Santa to surprise me at this point. 

Finally, the P&P classic! What’s a lyrical contribution from each of you in “Warmth in Winter” that stands out to you the most? Walk us through the process of writing it, and how does it speak to you personally?

JEFF: I think “When there is a wonder, there is a way, and there is a hope when there is gray” is my favorite contribution to the song. Winter can be gray and dull at times, and this line recognizes that, but conveys motivation and a positive outlook that is helpful in these colder months.Steve: Mine would be “Every flake that falls below has somewhere to go.” I think what can be so beautiful about the holiday season is its ability to encourage others to open their doors, physically and emotionally, to those who may be missing others. There’s a feeling of connectedness that you really don’t see at any other time of year.

BRIAN: Mine would be “The frost forces the growth that keeps us whole.” It encourages one to see a moment of struggle as an opportunity for evolution. In winter, so many plants lose their leaves and pull their essential energy within to weather the cold, sparking a new cycle of growth in spring. Tribulation can lead to transformation, as long as faith is kept in one’s self and loved ones. 

"Warmth In Winter" marks only the latest achievement in Cold Weather Company's extensive musical career, one that's capturing the hearts of new and longtime fans alike. As usual, we strongly encourage you to keep up with the band's journey, and we'll leave you with a playlist - but this time, it's entirely composed of our favorite Christmas songs. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season, filled with joy and the music you love!