Music discovery · Influence explorer

Artists like The Bad Seeds — and the music that made them

Post-Punk/Alternative Rock · 1983–present

Gothic post-punk storytellers weaving darkness into biblical grandeur

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have crafted haunting, literary rock for over four decades, blending post-punk intensity with gospel, blues, and chamber music arrangements. Their apocalyptic ballads and Cave's baritone preaching have made them one of alternative rock's most enduring and influential acts.

Essential tracks

►Red Right Hand

►Into My Arms

►The Mercy Seat

Did you know

The band has had over 20 different members throughout its history

Red Right Hand was featured in every Scream movie from 1996-2011

Nick Cave wrote the soundtrack for the Western film The Proposition which he also scripted

“Biblical apocalypse meets cabaret noir in Cave's theatrical darkness”

generations
of influence

If you like The Bad Seeds, try these

Swans

They share the same apocalyptic intensity and ritualistic approach to dark songcraft.

1980s · Experimental Rock

Tom Waits

Both craft theatrical narratives with gravelly vocals over atmospheric, cinematic arrangements.

1970s–2010s · Experimental Folk

Leonard Cohen

They share literary songwriting, spiritual themes, and deep baritone delivery styles.

1960s–2010s · Folk/Art Rock

The Gun Club

Both blend punk energy with gothic Americana and noir storytelling sensibilities.

1980s · Punk Blues

Bauhaus

They share gothic atmosphere, dramatic vocals, and theatrical post-punk sensibilities.

1980s · Gothic Rock

PJ Harvey

Both create intense, literary rock with raw emotional power and experimental arrangements.

1990s–present · Alternative Rock

But where did the sound actually come from?

Influence tree

Trace The Bad Seeds's roots back through history

Every sound has a source. Click any node to hear the connection.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

1983–present

The Birthday Party

1977–1983

cited

Johnny Cash

1954–2003

cited

Joy Division

1976–1980

sonic

The Velvet Underground

1964–1973

cited

Bob Dylan

1961–present

cited

Iggy Pop and The Stooges

1967–1974

cited

The King James Bible

1611

cited

Hank Williams

1946–1953

cited

Elvis Presley

1954–1977

sonic

↑ Click any influence node to see the connection and where to start listening.

What makes the sound

Sonic elements

Cave's deep baritone vocals and narrative storytelling

Atmospheric piano and organ arrangements

Gothic post-punk guitar textures

Biblical and literary lyrical themes

Start with these tracks

The Mercy Seat

Into My Arms

Red Right Hand

Henry Lee

About this page

Music like The Bad Seeds — Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have crafted haunting, literary rock for over four decades, blending post-punk intensity with gospel, blues, and chamber music arrangements. Their apocalyptic ballads and Cave's baritone preaching have made them one of alternative rock's most enduring and influential acts.

Artists like The Bad Seeds today include Swans, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, The Gun Club.