Ahead of his debut Australian tour this June, Canadian artist Donovan Woods has released brand new music in the striking track, ‘Back For the Funeral’. Taken from his recently-announced seventh studio album, ‘Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now’, the single is another fitting insight into the performer and songwriter’s musicality and great grip on lyricism.
An intensely emotive song, ‘Back For The Funeral’ was written by Woods, along with Grammy-nominated songwriter Lori McKenna (Big Little Town, Taylor Swift, Maren Morris) and Platinum-selling songwriter Matt Nathanson. Throughout an album of heart wrenching songs, none hit harder than “Back for the Funeral.” Taking place in a small town, a group of friends who haven’t seen each other in years return to memorialize a schoolmate after they overdosed on pills.
“There’s so much writing done about being back in your hometown and what it does to you, But there’s the idea that you only go there with bad news—which can be true—and what it does to your feelings about your hometown.” DONOVAN WOODS
Woods’ popularity has built consistently over the last decade, testament largely to his heartfelt storytelling and live performances to match. A Juno Award winner, Woods’ audiences have grown significantly in recent years, thanks to the success of 2020’s Without People album, tours with artists including The Gaslight Anthem, and US TV syncs (‘Portland, Maine’ featuring on The CW’s Legacies) establishing Donovan Woods as an artist to watch in a number of different markets.
Long known as a masterful storyteller, Woods is at his absolute best on ‘Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now’. Across the album’s 12 sparse, intimate songs, Woods finds himself reflecting on the ups and downs he has been through since his breakthrough in 2020. Through his songwriting, Woods opens up and addresses the complexities of life, and all that he has been going through. He notes, this album serves as “a funeral to the life I was living.” Woods was joined in the studio by a number of friends on the album, co-writing lead single ‘Rosemary’ with Connor Seidel, ‘I’m Just Trying To Get Home’ with Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran, Kacey Musgraves, Noah Cyrus) and Matt Prime (Sam Smith, Aloe Blacc, Charlie Puth), and featuring William Prince.
‘Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now’
12.07.24
PRE-SAVE
The release of ‘Back For The Funeral’ gives Australian fans another chance to get to know Donovan Woods better, before his arrival on our shores in just a few months’ time. Sydney singer-songwriter Hayley Warner has recently been added to the tour, and will be joining Donovan on each show during his time down under.
The tour, which will take the artist to venues right around the country, also sees Donovan partnering with Support Act. $1 from each ticket sold will go towards the music industry charity to support music industry professionals doing it rough; offering crisis relief, mental health support and aid.
DONOVAN WOODS LIVING WELL TOUR
w/ special guest Hayley Warner
TICKETS
Thursday June 13th Milk Bar, Perth WA
Friday June 14th Jive, Adelaide SA
Saturday June 15th Northcote Social Club, Melbourne VIC
Sunday June 16th – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave VIC
Thursday June 20th Stag & Hunter Hotel, Newcastle NSW
Friday June 21st The Great Club, Sydney NSW
Saturday June 22nd Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane QLD
