Bands & artists like Nick Cave

If you like Nick Cave, these artists play in similar sounds, ideas, or styles. Use this as a starting point to branch out and find something new to listen to.

Artists to try next

Tom Waits

Tom Waits

Like Cave, Waits combines gritty storytelling with a blend of blues and experimental sounds, often featuring sparse instrumentation and a haunting vocal style.

blues experimental music jazz
Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen

Guide

Cohen's deep, resonant voice and poetic lyricism create a similarly atmospheric tension, often exploring dark themes with minimalistic arrangements.

blues folk music folk rock
PJ Harvey

PJ Harvey

Guide

Harvey shares a penchant for dark, brooding themes and powerful vocals, often accompanied by raw instrumentation that evokes a similar emotional depth.

alternative rock folk rock rock music
Swans

Swans

Swans' music features heavy, atmospheric soundscapes and an exploration of dark themes, resonating with the intensity found in Cave's work.

alternative rock art rock avant-garde music
Mark Lanegan

Mark Lanegan

Lanegan's deep baritone voice and blending of rock, blues, and folk elements create a similarly haunting atmosphere as Cave's music.

alternative rock grunge
David Bowie

David Bowie

Guide

Bowie's later work incorporates dark, atmospheric elements and complex narratives that align well with the sonic landscape created by Cave.

alternative rock ambient music art pop
Joy Division

Joy Division

Their post-punk sound is marked by somber melodies and introspective lyrics, creating an emotional weight akin to that found in Cave's music.

post-punk
The National

The National

Guide

With their rich instrumentation and melancholic lyrics delivered in Baritone vocals, The National evokes a similar mood to Nick Cave’s darker tracks.

indie rock post-punk

Common questions

Who sounds like Nick Cave?

Artists similar to Nick Cave include Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, PJ Harvey and Swans. Each shares elements of Nick Cave's sound while bringing their own perspective.

What genre is Nick Cave?

Nick Cave is primarily known for alternative rock, blues and country. With sparse instrumentation and an insistent rhythm, his music creates an atmospheric tension that draws the listener into its haunting depths.

Where should I start if I like Nick Cave?

If you enjoy Nick Cave, start with Tom Waits — their album "Beautiful Maladies" is a great entry point. Like Cave, Waits combines gritty storytelling with a blend of blues and experimental sounds, often featuring sparse instrumentation and a haunting vocal style.