The Check-In with Cold Court

Tour Stories/The Check-In with Joe Plummer29mMay 1, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of 'The Check-In with Joe Plummer,' host Joe welcomes Cold Court—fronted by JoJo Mini and Minnie—to discuss their debut EP 'Hands Up,' set for release on Juneteenth. The band reflects on their journey from early childhood musical experiments in Jersey to forming Cold Court during their senior year of high school in 2022. They dive into the creative chaos behind their sonic evolution, moving from raw no-wave and noise rock influences to a more layered, production-heavy sound that blends glitch, pop, and aggressive textures. A deep dive into the song 'Nina' reveals a lyrical narrative inspired by Nina Simone, framed as a dreamlike, apocalyptic love letter to a divine figure. The band shares the emotional and technical struggle of capturing the right energy in the studio, ultimately turning to Ableton and JoJo’s remixing genius to unlock the song’s full potential. They also discuss their evolving live setup, incorporating Ableton, 808s, and backing tracks, while remaining open to future experimentation. With a tour launching in three days in Philadelphia, the conversation ends on a warm, collaborative note, full of local tips and excitement for the future.

Key Takeaways
1

Cold Court’s debut EP 'Hands Up' blends no-wave intensity with glitchy, pop-infused production, reflecting a mature sonic evolution from their earlier raw sound.

2

The song 'Nina' was inspired by Nina Simone and functions as a poetic, dreamlike narrative about divine revelation and existential desperation.

3

The band struggled to capture the live energy of 'Nina' in the studio until JoJo remixed it in Ableton, adding trap drums and 808s that unlocked the song’s emotional core.

4

They use a hybrid live setup with three guitars, 808s, samples, and a live Ableton operator, embracing technology without losing their DIY spirit.

5

The band values creative experimentation and emotional authenticity over nostalgia or imitation, even when influenced by icons like Kevin Shields and Escape the Fate.

…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Sponsor Intro: Kuma Coffee & DistroKid

Joe opens with a sponsor segment featuring Kuma Coffee, highlighting their direct-trade, fair-trade practices and new instant coffee line. He then promotes DistroKid’s new features including unlimited mastering, music video distribution, and Banzoogle for building artist websites.

1:55
3 min

Cold Court’s Origins & Dog Fostering

JoJo Mini introduces their foster dog Chase (a.k.a. Rufus), sharing their love for dogs and personal history growing up in Jersey and moving to Philadelphia for college. The band’s roots in music began early, with JoJo playing guitar and Minnie performing since childhood.

5:00
5 min

Early Musical Influences & Identity

The duo discusses their formative years—video games, walks in nature, and early concerts like Justin Bieber and Louis Ebert. JoJo reflects on being in a band at 12, feeling disconnected from music at the time, and not truly understanding it until later.

10:00
7 min

The Birth of Cold Court & Sonic Evolution

We didn’t know what we were chasing. Everything we love at the time—it’s just crazy.

Highlight
16:40
8 min

The Making of 'Nina' & Creative Breakthrough

I literally cried because like this is exactly what we should sound like.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
I literally cried because like this is exactly what we should sound like.
JoJo Mini21:56
Viral: 85.0
It’s like a love song about like God. Okay. A God who is this really hot girl.
JoJo Mini15:41
Viral: 80.0
We didn’t know what we were chasing. Everything we love at the time—it’s just crazy.
JoJo Mini15:20
Viral: 75.0
Speakers

Host

Joe Plummer

Guest

JoJo Mini
Topics Discussed
debut EP production and sonic evolution90%band formation and early music85%use of technology in music production85%songwriting process and live performance80%influences in rock and experimental music75%DIY culture and independent music scenes70%touring and live shows65%fostering dogs and personal life55%
People & Brands

Cold Court

other

45xPositive

JoJo Mini

person

30xPositive

Minnie

person

15xPositive

Philadelphia

place

10xPositive

Ableton

product

8xPositive

Kuma Coffee

brand

5xPositive

Chase (Rufus)

person

4xPositive

DistroKid

brand

3xPositive

Nina Simone

person

3xPositive

Schecter Guitars

brand

2xPositive

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