Canadian folk and country singer-songwriter

Amina Ahmed

Donovan Woods, the artist behind the albums “Without People” and “Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now”, is a singer-songwriter of a mix of folk, country, and pop music. He was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and draws upon his interpersonal connections and experiences within his music.

Woods' prominence grew in 2020, when he released his breakthrough album “Without People”, which was a wide success. Woods’ delicate vocals combined with his exquisite storytelling skills is what makes his music special and unique. His fans certainly were not disappointed by his latest release either, his 7th studio album: “Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now,” which elicited a variety of emotions from the listener.

Woods, who has always been in tune with the body language and actions around him, writes about his observations of people within the album. He tackles difficult topics about expression in different relationships—how do we express anger or conflict? How about love and affection? Nostalgia and longing? Woods' astute examination of the human condition is unparalleled and communicated flawless throughout his album.

The artist speaks openly about his struggles with mental health and experience with therapy. Many of the songs within Woods’ latest album reflect his journey through life: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Through therapy, Woods was able to come out on the other side, and articulate his experiences in his way: music. His candidness about the challenges of his own life is sincerely conveyed to his audience, who equally appreciate not only his frankness towards the chaos of all our realities, but his acceptance of them as well; after all music is often the best tool towards healing.

Tell me a little about yourself! For those that don’t already know, what made you want to make music/what inspired you to begin making music seriously?

Donovan: I’m a singer/songwriter from Toronto. I’ve written songs my whole life. It just seemed like a thing I should do. I started to take music seriously when my songs got used in a few movies and tv shows. But, really, I took it way too seriously the whole time. Was very hard on myself.

How would you describe your musical style? Has it ever changed? How did you know what genre was ultimately for you?

D: I would say I make folk music. It gets called different things in different places. In the UK I’m often called a country artist. It’s never really changed. When I started writing songs, they just came out this way. I wish I could be cooler, but, you know, we work with what we get.

What are some artists that inspire you and why?

D: Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Bon Iver, Aoife O’Donovan, Lori McKenna. People who are in pure pursuit of expression.

Your songwriting is loved and praised by your fans, what is your writing process like? What do you feel is important to the art of songwriting as a whole?

D: I think songs are really useful. People use them and it makes their lives better. Whether it just makes you feel cool or makes you feel ruminative. My writing process is to just notice when I’m having a feeling I can’t quite describe in words. And then I try to describe it with a song.

What is the inspiration behind your most recent album, Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now?

D: When I started writing it, I was hoping it would be a laid-back affair. But real life interjected and it became more of a record of a crisis. I always try to be honest in my writing but this time, thanks to a lot of therapy, I think I got to push off from the actual bottom of myself. I feel much better these days, so it's strange to be promoting an album written when I was as lost as I've ever been.

What can we look forward to in the future for your career? Is more music already cooking?

D: Already working on the next album of course. Can’t stop now. Even though I sometimes dream of going to massage therapy school.