UNCHAINED MELODIES

Multi-platinum Canadian singer-songwriter Elijah Woods will be greeted by the embrace of thousands when he returns to the region for his Southeast Asian tour in August.

- WORDS INDRAN PARAMASIVAM

THERE IS NO DISTANCE between Elijah Woods and me. That was my first thought as I took in ‘ilu’ for the first time. As the gorgeously filigreed strains of that sumptuously pining love song percolated my consciousness, I realised that even if I never met him, that song would transport me into an emotionally profound vista. It unspools as if he were performing it for me in real time, before my very eyes. I shortly gleaned that all his songs are like that: an extended arm that reaches simmeringly and sweetly into the heart of the listener.

A proven sensation in Southeast Asia, Woods recently announced a slew of 2025 dates for his upcoming Give Me The Sunlight! headline tour of the region, where he will undoubtedly be treated to a kingly welcome. He chats with us about the steps he took to find his sound and his message.

Isn't it remarkable that on Spotify, your top five best-performing cities are in Asia?

Yes! It's one of those things I just did not expect at all. It is just how the music has worked out. Things started clicking into place two years ago. When I met my Southeast Asia and East Asia fans, I realised how real and cool this was. I had never been to Asia before, despite being half-Australian. The food here is incredible, and the people are nice, which is great.

It was wild to see everybody in person and hear them singing my songs. I make all my music in a room by myself. So, I am grateful that it has transcended language and borders and reached places I have never been. I am excited to come back to tour here again!

It is undeniable that your music is a great equaliser. What was the single most important factor that led you to make music as your life's calling, and not say, being an insurance agent?