Elijah Woods is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter and producer from Perth, Ontario, best-known for his exceptional voice and string of hits like “24/7, 365”, “everything everywhere always”, and “fingers crossed”. The 31-year-old is due to perform at Samyan Mitrtown Hall in Bangkok on August 5th for what will be his second-ever show in Thailand’s capital city!
With an 11-year career in music, Elijah is currently one of Canada’s top musical talents, first emerging in 2014 as one half of the duo, Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine. Since he went solo in 2020, he’s amassed over one billion streams across his discography – a remarkable feat.
Globe recently sat down with Elijah, who’s among the biggest breakthrough artists in pop, to discuss the huge fanbase he has grown in Asia, what he is looking forward to the most about coming back to Bangkok, and what typically goes on backstage prior to his shows.
Hello Elijah! This forthcoming concert will be your second time performing in Bangkok. If we gave you a disposable camera to document your most unforgettable moments in Thailand, what are the kinds of scenes or experiences you would want to photograph?
Definitely the little everyday things – like waking up jet-lagged and wandering through an interesting market, my band sampling some crazy street food, and sunsets from the hotel balcony. I would love to take a shot of the crowd from stage, obviously, but I’d also like to capture all of the random stuff that happens, which makes touring feel like an adventure!
The strong connection forged with your fans in Asia is impressive! You’ve said you find it strange that music crafted in your Canadian bedroom resonates globally. What have you been surprised the most about your avid listeners, based in this part of the world?
It blows my mind how passionate and present everyone is. My fans over in Asia know the deep cuts – not just the singles – and they sing every word louder than I do! That kind of love, especially being so far from home, was never expected – but I feel very lucky for it.
Your songs often revolve around themes of love, loss, and longing. Is there a particular feeling you haven’t touched on yet in your songwriting but would like to in the future?
I’ve been thinking to write more about the okay parts of life. Not the highs or lows but the weird, quiet in-betweens. There is something very special about the moments where you know that nothing major is happening but you still feel something phenomenal going on.
We have heard you recently married the love of your life – our sincere congratulations! Has that experience influenced the emotions or stories you tackle in your songwriting?
Thank you! Yes, for sure. Being in love, and feeling that kind of steady support, it certainly shows up in my writing, even when I am not particularly trying. I think that the songs have noticeably a bit more heart now – and even the sad ones, they are more raw and honest.
Your name often gets mixed-up with the actor Elijah Wood of “Lord of the Rings” fame! In fact, you even tried to get him into one of your music videos. How do you feel about being forever linked to one of Hollywood’s most infamous characters, Frodo Baggins?
It is hilarious at this point. I’ve heard “Where’s the ring?” more times than I can count. Yes, we did try to get him in a video once – so let’s see. Frodo, if you are reading this, call me.
What is something people might not expect about the backstage moments, just before you step out under the lights – are there any rituals, nerves, or maybe you stay silent?
I get pretty quiet. I like to drink lots of tea, and really just chill for a sec. We’ve got a dumb routine before shows of saying the most random thing we can over a shot of whiskey, it’s somehow kept going for years. It helps to loosen things up right before we get out there.
Elijah Woods brings the “Give Me The Sunlight! Tour” to Samyan Mitrtown Hall on August 5th. See: www.livenationtero.co.th or call: 02-262-3838 to catch this star live in Bangkok.
