Nick Cody on Collaboration and Crafting ‘Sweet Songs & Bitter Truth’
Leeds-based musician Nick Cody isn’t interested in the status quo. Backed by his band,
The Heartache, he has spent the last decade carving out a space for authentic, human-
led storytelling. His latest offering, the vibrant single ‘We are the Many’, featuring the
hauntingly beautiful cello of Liz Hanks, serves as the first taste of his upcoming album,
‘Sweet Songs & Bitter Truth’, set for release on April 17th, 2026, via Green Eyed Records.
Cody’s work has already caught the ears of industry stalwarts; Jim Glennie of James
describes his music as “wonderfully innovative and explorative,” while icons like Jon
Gomm and Chris Catalyst have shared their praise. With ‘We are the Many’ also slated
to appear in the film ‘All Kinds of Crazy’ this July, and a high-profile support slot for the
Martin Simpson Trio at The Old Woollen on May 17th, Nick’s momentum is undeniable.
We sat down with him to discuss the protest roots of his new single, the importance of
human expression over AI, and the ethos of Green Eyed Records.
We were lucky to catch up with Nick to explore the inspirations behind the new record
and the creative process that brings these unique acoustic sounds to life.
Thanks so much for joining us, Nick! You’ve been making music for a decade now;
what originally drew you to songwriting and where do you find your inspiration?
“I started making music a decade ago after many years of being a massive fan of classic
songwriters dating back to the 1970s. Most of my songs are inspired by live events and
observations of human behaviour, both the best and the worst on planet earth.”
Could you tell us a bit about the new project, ‘We are the Many’, and what the
upcoming album represents to you?
“The new track ‘We are the Many’ is included on the forthcoming album ‘Sweet Songs
and Bitter Truth’ which features Liz Hanks on cello. The album combines some sweet
love songs and some protest songs about world events. The focus is on sharp lyrics and
melodies to spark the brain and make you want to tap your feet.”
Were there any specific artists or mentors who influenced the direction of this
release?
“I’m a longstanding student of Martin Simpson who has been a major inspiration on my
writing. I also set up Green Eyed Records which is a platform to promote creativity
through collaboration. In recent years I have had great support also from Jon Gomm,
and Jim Glennie founder member of James. I’ve also had the opportunity to record with
many fantastic artists from all over the globe including Towse from CA, Laurent Zeller
from France, Liz Hanks from the UK and Michael Ross from Nashville.”
For those who haven’t heard it yet, how would you describe the specific “sonic
fingerprint” of this single?
“This new release is a vibrant acoustic provocative sound with a great hook for the chorus. The combination of acoustic guitar and cello makes for a unique sonic
combination.”
How did the songs for ‘Sweet Songs & Bitter Truth’ actually come together? Do you
have a set method?
“Sometimes the idea for a lyric comes first and sometimes it’s a melody. I’m lucky to
have learned some insights from Tim Booth of James who has of course written many
world class songs over the decades. I always have a notebook to hand to write down
ideas, and I have a great home recording studio that allows me to put down ideas as
well as most vocals for the final masters.”
There seems to be a strong message behind ‘We are the Many’—was there a
specific moment that sparked the lyrics?
“YES, this track was inspired by seeing TV footage of a protest in the UK where one group
shouted, “We are the Many, you are the few, shame on you” which I thought was a
powerful statement and would make a great chorus.”
In your view, what is the most vital ingredient in a great song?
“Songs need to capture the imagination and transport the listener to another place.
They also need to be well edited and come from the heart. This is why in my view AI and
teams of designated record company writers will never replace true human expression.”
Do you have any advice for bands and artists who are just starting out and trying to
make their mark?
“Find your unique voice and stick to your guns. There’s a lot of free advice on Green
Eyed Records for artists and the central theme is ‘creativity through collaboration’.”
What has been your best moment as a musician or band so far? What has the
reception to your latest release been like?
“Its early days, but so far we’ve had a great response.”
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with
and support you?
“Check www.nickcody.co.uk for all my social media links and latest news.”
Whether he is channelling the spirit of the 70s or capturing the raw energy of a modern-
day protest, Nick Cody remains a vital voice in the independent scene. Be sure to catch
Nick Cody and The Heartache live at The Old Woollen in Leeds this May for what
promises to be an unpredictable and melodic evening.
You can join Nick Cody & The Heartache on their website, where you can hear all the
latest music, keep up to date, and even get ‘This is Love & Heartache’ on vinyl.
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Interview with Bold Journey Magazine
Review of “The World’s Richest Man” Single
Rock and Reel magazine review
End Sessions Blog
Rock and Reel May 2024
“Consistantly engaging, delivered with
a warm, roots style accessibility, Covering
These Tracks II is rather lovely”
Rock & Reel Magazine
Full review below
“This album is a mosaic of musical exploration, blending classic hits with lesser-known treasures. Cody’s approach to this project was akin to a musical alchemist, transforming and transcending genres with a simple yet profound setup: a guitar, a violin, and the harmonious interplay of two distinct voices‘
A & R Factory on Covering these tracks vol II
New Single “Nobody’s Baby Now” (Nick Cave)
Reviews
Other Press
“Well crafted with fine musicianship and blended vocals “
Rock and Reel Magazine
(On “All is fine ’til the world goes pop” album)
Rock & Reel interview
Nick Cody Rock and Reel interview
Other press
From the way in which everything comes together to create a brilliant track, definitely making sure to really let the listeners enjoy everything that they portray. Letting everything come together in the best way to create a real stand-out piece of music. This is one of those that you definitely can’t get enough of, certainly a top track.
‘Maybe’ is a piece that you definitely feel gripped on as soon as it begins, making sure to keep the audience engaged. From the truly insane vocal ranges to the powerful instrumentals that flow alongside, everything works well in their favor throughout this track”
Strike a note music journalist
“Artfully, lyrically, and conceptually, All is Fine Until the World Goes Pop is a multi-faceted triumph.”
A and R Factory
“Uncertainty seems to be around every corner as of late; one of the only consolations is the latest single, ‘Maybe’, from Nick Cody & The Heartache featuring Towse.
The melodiously mournful single is the third one to be released from the forthcoming album, all is fine ‘til the world goes pop, due for release on September 30th via Green Eyed Records. Instead of sugar-coating future possibilities, the aptly glib lyrics pose possibilities of suffering in silence or hiding in the dark, giving up thinking or ceasing to put up a fight.
As the poignantly melancholic keys coalesce around the warm and gentle guitar chords, grief-stricken alchemy breathes between Nick Cody’s crooned folk pessimism and Towse’s haunted vocal timbre which carries an ethereal chill not all too dissimilar to Angel Olsen’s. They’re a match made in aural heaven. As for this timely single, consider it essential for your alt-folk-rock playlists.
The official music video for Maybe premiered on August 25th. Check it out on YouTube.”
Review by Amelia Vandergast
A and R Factory
“Towse (Grace Fellows) and Nick Cody make a special sound together. Two artists from different backgrounds who have found each other through the joy of music and songwriting.”
Lendmeyourears
“UK singer-songwriter Nick Cody is set to unleash his forthcoming album, “All is Fine Until the World Goes Pop”; the plaintive piano mockery of the state of our being at this crushing crux of humanity”
Protest Musica
All is fine ‘til the world goes pop’ is a magical piece, and the album cuts across folk to rock to americana.
The 13 tracks album, serves nothing else but classic music that takes you to another dimension,
a world where nothing else matters.
Mister Styx of Musicarenagh
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