Explain who you are for those who don’t know.
I’m simply an artist. I just love to create. And I love seeing the things I visualize in my mind come to life.
How did you come up with your name?
Initially, I didn’t go by Woods, the Mighty. It began with corny names like “Zero” and “Absurd”. Eventually, my motives matured and it developed into something more personal. As I first started to collect myself I went by just “Woods”. As I went on, I learned that between Google and iTunes “Woods” wasn’t going to work because there was a folk band named “Woods” and way too many pictures of trees. Over time it just clicked. I loved the Mighty Ducks movies as a kid and I was looking for a dope logo to empower my name and establish my brand. With a little bit of elbow grease, it stuck.
Where are you from?
Originally, I’m from Philly. But in sometime in elementary school, we ended up moving to Southern Illinois to be closer to extended family. Sophomore year of Highschool I ended up moving back to the East Coast (NJ) and I’ve been here since then. It was tough switching locations at such pivotal points but I’m grateful for it. I think growing up in three very different places gave me a broader scope of the world, it taught me to not get too attached to my surroundings and just do me.
What’s it like growing up where you’re from?
Philadelphia is amazing, it’s the kind of place you’re made to be passionate about. Theres’ a lot of history is in the city and it really is a beautiful place. There weren’t too many defining moments for me there except that I used to get my bike stolen all the time. In Illinois, I had this friend that exposed me to a lot of music early in Highschool and that’s where I found a sincere interest in rap.
How did you get into music?
I used to be heavy into Wayne and Asher Roth when I first found rap music. “Seared Foie gras” and No Ceilings” were the most insane mixtapes to me and they’re still CLASSICS. A part of me wishes I could tell you I came up on Nas and Biggie and how I studied the 90s legends but that just wouldn’t be true. I mean, I’m definitely aware of some hits but I think coming in at such a weird time is what makes me different though. When I moved back to Jersey for the last time it just was the beginning of summertime and I had NO friends here. So, I I would stay in my room all summer and play with my laptop and use my webcam as a mic and just send corny songs back to my friends in Illinois. It was just me being a goofy little white kid who was super lonely. Then I eventually met friends and made a team who believed in me. 6 years later, here we are.
What makes you different than other artists?
I think what makes me different is my perspective on the world. I always try to see people and situations in a positive light. The world really lacks an objective narrative. Everyone is so quick to be sarcastic or judgmental I think we’ve lost sight of what’s important. In my music, I like to think I have a distinct taste for specific melodies and wordplay.
What are you currently working on?
Visuals. Lots of Visuals. I just released an all original mixtape called ‘#FREEWOODS’ so we’re trying to crank out videos for those tracks. Aside from that, I think I’m aiming for live sets, dope singles and some new collabs with really cool people.
Anything you would like to say?
‘#FREEWOODS’ available everywhere right now. Digital music stores, streaming services, and mixtape sites.
