Donovan Woods (ON)

“…this guy should be everyone’s favorite right now because he sounds like Donovan Woods and not like everyone else and writes to beat the devil…”
– No Depression

Through tales of love, rejection and triumph, Donovan Woods’ has the rare ability to distil complicated situations and emotions into songs that are intriguing and relatable: commitment to family, the understated romanticism of blue-collar towns, having to face up to harsh realities. Says Woods: “The writing I always liked is about things that are indicative of a world but not the entire world. They lead you into the room and then let you fill in the details.”

And his voice is as remarkable as his lyrics: evocative and rich.No Depression describes his vocal style as “as fresh and captivating as any out there.”

Woods is widely-acclaimed and in-demand as a recording artist, performer and songwriter. He splits his time between Toronto and Nashville, where his songs have been recorded by country music royalty such as Tim McGrawn and Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, along with a range of Canadian indie artists and the likes of Great Big Sea’s Alan Doyle.

He’s been nominated for the Polaris Prize and JUNOs. His single “What Kind of Love Is That?” climbed to No. 1 on the CBC Top 20 Chart, and his catalog has accrued nearly 45 million streams. His newest album, Both Ways, hits the streets on April 20 – and he will be found hitting the stages over the weekend of July 13-16 at the VFMF.

 Put him on your “must see” list.