Canadian Music Week is days off from taking over Toronto for another year, with musicians from all over the world heading to the land of the Maple Leaf for a hectic music festival and conference series that will see new networks formed, new musical discoveries made and good times had all round.
We’re getting to know some more about the Australians heading out to Canada for the event and finding out where they’re going to be finding themselves on stage throughout CMW! First up, we meet Melbourne-via-QLD artist Woodes, who has been racking up the praise and cred off the back of some recent impressive single releases and collaborations!
Introduce yourself!
My name is Woodes, I live in Melbourne, originally from Queensland. I’m a producer/vocalist and solo performer.
Have you played CMW before? What are you expecting from the festival?
I haven’t played CMW before – in fact, this is my first international show! I’m expecting a week of racing around Toronto between performances and discovering new music. Hopefully [will] meet some new friends and collaborators too. A few friends have played and they enjoyed it immensely. Apparently, there’s a great energy around the festival; it’s easy to navigate and [to] make the most of the time there.
What are you hoping will come out of this year’s event for you?
I’m hoping I’ll be able to show what I’m working on to a new crowd. I’d love to meet collaborators or people interested in the project. There are a few Australian artists; I’m hoping [that] through the Aussie showcases, we can celebrate what’s happening with new music in Australia whilst supporting one another. Usually at these things, I also like finding artists with either a similar vibe or style and looking at all the gear on stage, piecing together additional aspects to my own live shows, or getting inspired by a way of writing or communicating a creative idea to an audience.
Why should CMW attendees come and see you?
I’m a one woman performer – I produce the music and play the instruments and sing. Sonically, I like the idea of creating a little bubble where my listeners can escape and be part of the world I’m creating. Perhaps it’s a time within the week to let thoughts wander a bit.
What is a track you think best represents where you are right now, and what audiences can expect from your sound and your set?
What made you want to showcase at CMW?
Canada has always been a place I’ve wanted to visit. My mother is American and we usually go to the East Coast on trips over there. I’ve always wanted to cross the boarder to visit Canada. One of my favourite artists, Grimes, calls Canada home too.
Do you have any dream collaborations?
I’d love to work with Imogen Heap, as it would most likely equate to spending a day talking to her in her home studio. I watch all of her vlogs and behind the scenes videos that she puts out along side her new releases and she’s got an amazing set up and personality. I think as a collaborator, she would be wise and experimental as well as a really lovely person. Similarly, Björk – maybe not on music, but as a multifaceted visual and sonic collaborator. To sit down and draw big maps and ideas and conceptualise an installation or something.
Either that, or a really beautiful instrumental release/soundtrack with an artist such as Nils Frahm, Olafur Arnalds or maybe Alexandre Desplat for a film score. I’d love to be a choir in a film. Or just collaborate on the soundtrack of a feature film.
How much more international touring is on the cards for this year?
I’d really like to do more. At this stage, I’m coming back to do some filming and release my EP in Australia, coinciding with some more shows here. I’d love to play Iceland Airwaves – hopefully I can make that happen to conclude this year.
How do you think/hope the Canadian crowd will receive your music?
Audiences will hear a bunch of unreleased new material I’ve been working on.
What other Aussie act playing CMW would you recommend the rest of the world needs to see?
Timberwolf. I think his music suits the Canadian landscape; I’m picturing a road trip, pines. I’m a big Fleet Foxes fan and I think elements of his music take me to that familiar place.
Please list your CMW showcases (to now) and give us a link where we can find your most up to date list!
May 4th | CMW Showcase – Drake One Fifty @ 4pm
Tickets
May 4th | CMW Showcase – Drake Underground @ 8pm
Tickets
May 6th | Sounds Australia Sound Gallery – Supermarket @ 10pm
Tickets
—
Find out more about Woodes HERE!
———-
