It was 2007 when Toronto singer/songwriter Donovan Woods released The Hold Up; an album that Exclaim! called “an engaging and articulate window into the heart of an extremely unique writer“. Three years later, Donovan has pushed his ‘gruff but surprisingly tender’ voice up front in the 12 songs of this year’s “The Widowmaker“. This time around, expect touches of piano, banjo, synth tones and female backing vocals to his signature acoustic guitar led songs. A great follow-up showcasing the growth of a talented songwriter.

Good On A Mixtape With: Damien Rice, Elliott Smith, Alexi Murdoch, Sufjan Stevens, Ray Lamontagne

Key Tracks: Phone, Your Daughter John, Let Go Lightly, I’m Still Sweet, Lawren Harris

Lawren Harris

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I’m Still Sweet

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Let Go Lightly

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Donovan Woods (from Sarnia, Ontario) starting writing songs after graduations from university. Drawing comparisons to Bright Eyes, Damien Rice and Ani Difranco, he describes his music as an amalgamation between the folk music he grew up with and the pop music he couldn’t stop himself from listening to during the late 90′s. His music is intense and melodic, telling stories of frustration and unrealized potential in love and life.

Genre: Folk, Singer/songwriter

Sounds Like: Damien Rice, Elliot Smith, Ryan Adams

“Though occasionally punctuated with some lightly plucked banjo, sad piano or a quick boost of volume, this record is all about Woods’ voice, which rarely rises above a murmur. This is an engaging and articulate window into the heart of an extremely unique writer.” - Exclaim!

Once A Week

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Brand New Gun

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Car Won’t Start

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