Who are you and what do you do:
My name is Royal Wood. I am a Canadian songwriter, performer, arranger, producer and budding sommelier in training.
Current obsessions:
My current obsessions are old vinyl albums, wine, cooking, reading, exercise, furthering the organic farm movement, family, and last but not least, making art!
A song or a record that will always put you in a good mood, without fail:
I’d have to say Paul Simon’s “Graceland”.
Tell us about an album or artist you think is really under-appreciated, and why they are deserving of more praise:
I’d say currently in my heavy rotation, the most under-appreciated artist would have to be Gregory Alan Isakov. His latest album “The Weatherman” is without a doubt my favourite discovery of 2013.
Most played track on your iTunes:
Dan Griffin – Stars and Satellites from his album “Leave your love”.
Most cherished musical object:
That would have to be my childhood piano. It’s been in our family for 30 years and still stirs up feelings.
Proudest moment:
My proudest moment was being nominated for “Songwriter of the Year” at the 2011 Junos. I still remember where I was, and what I was doing when I got the phone call.
Most vulnerable moment:
The day I officially separated from my wife.
If you could score a film for anyone, who would it be any why:
That’s easy. Wes Anderson. Hands down. Period.
Your favourite use of a song in a film:
That would be Wes Anderson’s use of Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” in The Darjeeling Limited
Favourite venue to play in and why:
That is actually a tough one to answer. There are many for numerous reasons. Certainly the NAC in Ottawa because it is one of the most professional theatres I have ever had the pleasure of performing at. Second would be the Jackson Triggs Amphitheatre in Niagara. I performed there with the Niagara Symphony Orchestra outside and under the stars – I’ll certainly never forget that concert.
Dream venue to play in and why:
Massey Hall! Though I have performed there for a songwriter’s circle during the Juno’s, I have not headlined yet. It is certainly on the life list. I’d say mostly because you can smell and feel the atmosphere of artists like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. There are ghosts all around you on and off the stage.
First band t-shirt you ever purchased from a merch table:
If I’m honest? I’ve actually never purchased a band t-shirt.
Band you’d leave your bandmates for:
Since we are dreaming, and time and space doesn’t matter in dreams, I’d say The Beatles.
Album you want to expose your kin to whilst in the womb:
The soundtrack arranged by Elmer Bernstein for the film “To Kill A Mockingbird”
If for some reason you lost the ability to make and play music, what would fill that gap:
Nothing. I try not to think about it. Next question.
What was your last dream about:
I actually don’t remember. I so rarely do.
