Interview by Carol Wright | Photos Courtesy of Elijah Woods
Singer-songwriter and producer Elijah Woods creates songs that easily get stuck in your head. His latest single, “2 thousand 10,” is no different. Woods talked to NYOTA about his decision to pursue music professionally, growing up in Toronto, and opening up for Niall Horan.
Growing up in Toronto were you surrounded by a lot of music? Do you come from a musical family?
I come from a very musical family! My dad has been playing in bands my whole life and he taught me how to play the guitar when I was 8 years old. I originally never thought I was going to end up being a musician, but I guess the writing was on the wall!
When did music go from a hobby to something you knew you wanted to take seriously and pursue professionally?
I first started DJing when I was 14, and that was when I realized music was all I wanted to do. It still didn’t really feel like a viable career for me until I decided to drop out of college. I started gigging and even ghost-producing for a few dance music artists, and there was no turning back from there.
Your newest song “2 thousand 10” touches on the simplicity of being a kid. Do you feel that nowadays with the rise of social media and people feeling disconnected a lot of us are yearning for simpler times?
I’m not sure it necessarily has any specific relation to social media, but I think the simplicity of being a kid is something everyone yearns for a little bit. I think as I get older the world gets more complex but the creative parts of me try to stay that same wide-eyed playful teenager.
What are some of your childhood memories that inspired the lyrics?
Going to the beach with friends, staying up too late on the weekends looking for something to do in a small town, going to school and the only issue I’d encounter was what game to play with my friends at recess.
Are your songs often influenced by personal experiences?
Definitely. 99% of the time it’s a direct narrative of my life or inspired by something I’ve experienced. The few times I write something that seems unrelated to my life, by the time it’s done it usually ends up being the most profoundly personal piece anyway!
You opened up for Niall Horan on tour. What did you learn from that experience?
It was wild! Opening for Niall was such a bucket list thing for me. It reassured me how real manifestation can be!
Who are some artists you admire?
Kacey Musgraves, Role Model, and Dominic Fike.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
Keep being you, and don’t let the world change your mind. And trust your gut, it’s always right.