Meet Cold Weather Company: The MIC Mag's December 2025 Musicians of the Month!
- Stefani M.C. Janelli
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Meet Cold Weather Company:
Cold Weather Company is an indie alternative-folk band blending the influences and experiences of three singer-songwriters (Steve Shimchick, Jeff Petescia, and Brian Curry) into a cinematic, storytelling soundscape. What sprouted from a serendipitous park bench meeting at Rutgers University grew roots through dorm-room and cabin recordings, branching out into performances near and far. With mirroring guitars on either side of the piano, the band’s symmetry reflects this balance between individuality and cohesion.
On their latest records and for select live shows, the trio is joined by percussion, brass, strings, and more instrumentation to expand their distinctive indie-folk foundation.
As they surpass their 12th anniversary with more than 12 million streams and a catalog of 70+ released songs, CWC continues to record, perform, and create for both old and new fans.
This month, The MIC Mag is celebrating Cold Weather Company as our Musicians of the Month!
Genre: Alternative Cinematic Folk
Members: Jeff Petescia: guitar/vocals, Steve Shimchick piano/vocals,
Brian Curry: guitar/vocals
Fun Facts:
Our first ever performance was 15 minutes long, it featured our first original song, "Horizon Fire," and covers of "Let Her Go" and "Get Lucky."
We've toured in a little school bus named Bluebird.
Jeff can juggle a soccer ball on beat while he plays guitar. He doesn't do it too often, but it’s fun to record clips of it here and there.
Two of us met while we had the same guitar case and brand of shoes on.
A few songs on our first album were written during long-distance collaborations between New Jersey and New Zealand while Jeff was studying abroad.
What makes Cold Weather Company stand out?
"Throughout our catalogue, all three of us sing lead. And, in some songs, we trade verses, choruses, and bridges. We have a symmetrical stage presence, thanks to a left-handed guitarist playing righty and a left-handed guitarist playing upside-down. This also means that the same chord played by both has a different sound, adding another layer to our music. In the middle, we have a classically trained pianist. And between the three of us, we blend elements from folk & singer/songwriter, rock, classical & orchestral, jam band, indie, and electronic influences. We have something for everyone across all of our songs, from mellow acoustic interludes to 8+ minute orchestral/synth builds."
What is Cold Weather Company most known for?
"We're often told that our music takes listeners on a journey, and we strive to write genuine music that connects with others in that way."
What has Cold Weather Company been working on?
We released our fifth full-length album, "In Time," in June, and recently released a live version of our original holiday song "Warmth in Winter."
"It's been the most rewarding thing I've done in my life, and led to so many of my most cherished friendships, connections, and moments." - Steve Shimchick
Do you have any advice for other aspiring independent musicians?:
"'Being a musician, especially today with so much noise on social media, can be difficult. But, that said, reminding yourself of the reasons why you write and share music with others, and the connection you can make with collaborators and listeners, can make all the difference and give you the staying power you need. Create from a genuine place first, and the rest will follow."
Listen to Cold Weather Company!