Royal Wood’s playlist

Singer-songwriter Royal Wood is heading back into the studio next month to work on the followup to his 2011 Juno nominated album The Waiting.

Royal’s Juno nomination for Songwriter of the Year is his first, and he couldn’t have hoped to be recognized in a more rewarding category.

“It’s definitely an honor,” Royal says. “Every artist wants to be known as a songwriter above all else. All the artists I respect like Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, are known as songwriters.”

Royal has been penning songs since his teen years growing up on a farm in Lakefield, Ontario, but it wasn’t until he hit his mid-twenties that the 33 year old felt like he had something special to offer.

“It took me so long to feel that I was writing something valid, something that was my own, something that other people weren’t writing,” Royal remembers.

Those uninspiring days are long gone, Royal has since released two EPs, three full length albums and his music has been featured on a number of soundtracks like CBC’s This Is Wonderland and Grey’s Anatomy.

Here are some tunes from Royal’s playlist that he feels are like no other.

Rolling in the Deep – Adele

“I can’t stop listening to this song. The rhythmic drive of it and Adele’s voice are so infectious.”

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Day Too Soon – Sia

“The groove on this song is inescapable. It just makes me want to play piano along side. She is one of the best artists out of Australia right now.”

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The Old Chair – David Gray

“Such a sentimental song after my own heart. With haunting strings and a pulsing grand piano in 4/4 time, it is the kind of song I wish was all over the radio.”

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Charlie’s (Is Coming Down) – The Deep Dark Woods

“This group from western Canada is a roots throwback in the vein of the Band. It’s all about the feel of bandmates recording live off the floor. I love it.”

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Grounds for Divorce – Elbow

“I think this is one of the most underrated and unknown bands on the planet. This blows my mind on a regular basis. Their Live at Abbey Road session is unforgettable. Especially this song. So much power and angst, but with maturity and musicianship.”

Before Royal begins the recording process of his next album, he is giving fans a live preview on his Sneak Peek tour.

Royal plays Petit Campus Wednesday, October 12 with Danielle Duval. Royal’s Cover Sessions EP is on sale exclusively at shows on the Sneak Peek Tour. For complete tour dates, click here.

Posted by Marc Andrew on Oct 11 2011. Filed under Celebrity Playlist. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.