- The Woods -

The Woods are a true throwback to the songs and influences that initially inspired their varied musical pursuits, and they continually pay homage to the music that moves them through a style that is, at once, both familiar and progressive… newness and nostalgia in every song.

As the world was just beginning to close its doors due to the pandemic, three seasoned musicians came together to continue their love and passion for creating and making music. This brand new group quickly realized they had stumbled upon something special. Dan O’Rourke brought together Raquel Cole and Leland Rooney, and as of 2021 they officially formed a three-part harmony group known as The Woods. From living rooms and home studios, the trio found a way to bring their songs to a world desperate for live music.

Dan’s musical roots are steeped in the folk-revival era and classic rock of the 60’s and 70’s, and the fingerprints of those influences are unmistakable in both the melodic style and lyricism of his songs. Raquel Cole is a seasoned musician with her own successful career as a Canadian country solo artist. Leland Rooney is an inspired virtuoso whenever there is a guitar in his hands. However, it is the dynamic blend of vocal tones in the trio that are, perhaps, most compelling to listeners. Cole, Rooney, and O’Rourke each have their own strengths as vocalists—and the lyrics of their songs are both mesmeric and profound—but the convergence of their tones is absolute magic.

The Woods have been hard at work in the studio for the past several months recording and producing an array of new music that is scheduled for release throughout 2022. They have emerged at the top of their lyrical game with a distinctive arsenal of textured, soulful tones at their disposal; and audiences can expect big things from them in the upcoming months. The Woods are—without question—a contemporary classic.

Dan’s musical roots are steeped in the folk-revival era and classic rock of the 60’s and 70’s, and the fingerprints of those influences are unmistakable in both the melodic style and lyricism of his songs. However, it is the dynamic blend of vocal tones in the trio that are, perhaps, most compelling to listeners. Cole, Rooney, and O’Rourke have each their own strengths as vocalists—and the lyrics of their songs are both mesmeric and profound—but the convergence of their tones is absolute magic.

As venues closed and performances waned in the growing wake of Covid-19, The Woods were hard at work on the interwebs, providing opportunities for eager listeners to hear their songs through a Livestream aptly named World’s on Fire. From living rooms and home studios, the trio found a way to bring their songs to an audience desperate for live music—and they certainly didn’t disappoint! The Woods are a true throwback to the songs and influences that initially inspired their varied musical pursuits, and they continually pay homage to the music that moves them through a style that is, at once, both familiar and progressive…newness and nostalgia in every song.

The Woods have also been hard at work in the studio for the past several months recording a four-song NPR Live Sessions video (posted in early February) and producing an array of new music that is scheduled for release throughout 2021. Despite the odds against them in 2020, The Woods have persevered to emerge at the top of their lyrical game with a distinctive arsenal of textured, soulful tones at their disposal; and audiences can expect big things from them in the upcoming months. The Woods are—without question—a contemporary classic!