What I’ve Been Listening To: Woodes

Australian singer-songwriter Woodes is a fan of Ethel Cain, Carook, Mallrat – whom she also played in around the USA and Australia, Paris Paloma, Caroline Polachek, Sufjan Stevens, Martin Luke Brown; and the artist would really like to feature on any songs by James Blake and Jon Hopkins because she thinks that would be really cool!

Listen to Woodes’ new EP below before you learn more about the Australian artist. You can also read Eat This Music’s review here.

Who is Woodes and how did your namesake come about?

I think it’s just always been a part of who I am. I collect pinecones and seedpods; I love going on hikes and watching and reading fantasy. I like knowing facts about animals and terrains. I wanted to create a project that was a stronger version of myself, that combined my interests in music, visuals, and world building.

What artists or bands are on your must-listen to list lately and why?

Ethel Cain “Crush” is a favourite this year.

Carook “Ok Getting Older” is beautiful.

Mallrat – I just came off tour playing bass and keys in her band around the USA and Australia. Have a lot of really fun memories playing Graces’ songs.

Paris Paloma – a new artist I’ve been loving. Really great lyrics.

Mitski – Loving her new album. She’s in a lane of her own.

Caroline Polachek – big fan of her new song “DANG”. It’s been in my head all day. Also her song “Smoke” will be in my top played this year.

Sufjan Stevens – loving his new album, and one of my favourite artists of all time.

Martin Luke Brown – “Love is a Black Hole” is gonna be on my top played this year. Love his voice.

When you go into the recording studio to work on new material, what are your must-haves?

Mood-boards of imagery and film references. Google documents, my laptop, a keyboard or piano, my Apollo interface, a cup of tea, a nice vocal mic.

Which song, or songs, of yours would you recommend to a first-time listener and why?

This year I’m really proud of putting out two EPs back-to-back. I love “Forever After”, “Don’t Look Back” and “Heavenly”. In my previous EPs I’m really proud of “Dots” and “How Long I’d Wait”. I also love “This Is My Year” and “Still So Young”. I feel like I’m either writing vulnerable ballads or cinematic darker anthems. I want to write things that transport the listener to another world.

Which song of someone else’s (artist or band) would you have liked to feature on and why?

Featuring on a James Blake song or Jon Hopkins song would be really cool.

What led you into becoming a musician and why do you keep making music?

I first fell in love with writing songs inspired by Missy Higgins, Delta Goodrem, and Dido –more singer songwriter/piano and synth stuff – then I got into music production from Imogen Heap and James Blake. I keep making music because I honestly can’t really help it. When there is silence, I’m writing melodies. When I am doing boring chores, I’m making up songs and stories. It’s just always been how my brain works. I feel very grateful to do it as a job and to have lovely people listen to what I make. In a time where the world can feel uncertain and dark, I feel like a job as a songwriter or artist is to provide joy and connection – an escape or a shared sense of experience. I love song writing and processing that stuff with music. It feels very natural and comforting.