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'{{Short description|American musician, singer-songwriter and comedian}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}} {{Similar names|Willie Wood (disambiguation)|William Wood (disambiguation)}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Our Lord and Savior | image = Will Wood 2018.jpg | image_upright = 1.15 | alt = Will Wood playing the keyboard | caption = Will Wood performing live in 2018 (Roxy and Duke's Roadhouse, Dunellen, NJ) | instrument = {{flatlist| * [[Piano]] * vocals * [[ukulele]] * [[guitar]] * [[kazoo]] }} | years_active = 2011–2023<ref name=":1" /> (on indefinite hiatus) | website = {{URL|https://www.willwood.net}} | embed = no | label = [[Say-10]] | birth_place = | genre = {{flatlist| * [[Independent music|Indie]] * [[Folk music|folk]] * [[jazz]] * [[rock and roll]] * [[avant-garde]] * [[punk rock]] * [[alternative rock]] }} | occupation = Singer-songwriter, filmmaker, artist, comedian | current_members = * Will Wood * Mike Bottiglieri * Matt Berger * Vater Boris * Mario Conte * Rob Schaefer<ref name="ICIMI Liner notes">From ""In case i make it,"" liner notes.</ref> | past_members = Dan Chetnik<ref name="EIAL Liner notes">From "Everything is a Lot" liner notes.</ref> * James Horvath<ref name="EIAL Liner notes">From "Everything is a Lot" liner notes.</ref> * Thomas Finch<ref name="EIAL Liner notes">From "Everything is a Lot" liner notes.</ref> * David Higdon<ref name="SELF-iSH Liner notes">From "SELF-iSH" liner notes.</ref> * Matt Olson<ref name="SELF-iSH Liner notes">From "SELF-iSH" liner notes.</ref> * Jonathon Maisto<ref name="SELF-iSH Liner notes">From "SELF-iSH" liner notes.</ref> }} '''Will Wood''' is an American musician and singer-songwriter.<ref>{{cite web|date=August 19, 2020|title=Avant-pop artist Will Wood stimulates discussion on how pop culture regards mental health |url=https://www.palabastayo.com/2020/08/19/avant-pop-artist-will-wood-stimulates-discussion-on-how-pop-culture-regards-mental-health/|access-date=May 7, 2021|website=PalabasTayo|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web|date=May 28, 2020|title=Will Wood Talks Process, Funding, and New Tune "Love, Me Normally"|url=https://americansongwriter.com/will-wood-talks-process-funding-and-new-tune-love-me-normally/|access-date=May 6, 2021|website=American Songwriter|language=en-US}}</ref> Wood has released five studio albums; ''Everything is a Lot'' in 2015, ''SELF-iSH'' in 2016, ''[[The Normal Album]]'' in 2020,<ref>{{cite web |date=July 4, 2020 |title=A Perfectly "Normal" Interview With Musician Will Wood |url=https://bleedingcool.com/pop-culture/a-perfectly-normal-interview-with-musician-will-wood/ |access-date=April 3, 2021 |website=bleedingcool.com}}</ref> ''Camp Here & There: Campfire Songs Edition'' in 2021, and ''"In case I make it,"'' in 2022, as well as two live albums. On the former two albums Wood was billed alongside his backing band '''the Tapeworms''' under the name '''Will Wood and the Tapeworms'''. == Style == Wood's piano-led style often changes from one song to the next, drawing influence from [[Folk music|folk]], pop, [[jazz]], [[rock and roll]], [[latin music]], and [[klezmer]]. He is also known for his unconventional use of [[Ukulele|tenor and baritone ukulele]]. When recording in studio or performing live with his band, "The Tapeworms", he has mostly been accompanied by Mike Bottiglieri on [[Electric guitar|guitar]], Matt Berger on [[alto saxophone]], Mario Conte on [[drums]], Vater Boris on [[Double Bass|bass]], and Rob Schaefer on [[trumpet]].<ref name="ICIMI Liner notes">From ""In case i make it,"" liner notes.</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|date=January 30, 2021|title=Under the Radar: Will Wood and the Tapeworms|url=http://thesmokesignal.org/2021/01/29/under-the-radar-will-wood-and-the-tapeworms/|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=The Smoke Signal|language=en-US}}</ref> The band is known for high energy live performances.<ref>{{cite web|last=Reilly|first=Erin|title=Morris County musician performing at Rock Circus|url=https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/2017/06/14/morris-county-musician-performing-rock-circus/102861112/|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=Daily Record|language=en-US}}</ref> Currently, Wood primarily performs solo, his shows featuring a combination of music, monologue, and stand-up comedy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hsu |first=Caitlin |date=December 2, 2021 |title=Review: Will Wood's live show was as delightfully unhinged as expected |url=https://nyunews.com/arts/music/2021/12/02/willwoodreview/ |access-date=2022-04-23 |website=Washington Square News}}</ref> == Personal life == Wood has been described as "[[Recluse|reclusive]]",<ref name="auto">{{cite web|date=July 8, 2020|title=Bringin' it Backwards: Interview with Will Wood|url=https://americansongwriter.com/bringin-it-backwards-interview-with-will-wood/|access-date=May 6, 2021|website=American Songwriter|language=en-US}}</ref> and is known to avoid social media. Little is known about his personal life, and sources about Wood contain conflicting accounts of even basic information about his personal and professional life.<ref>{{cite web |last=Makin |first=Bob |title=Makin Waves with Will Wood & the Tapeworms |url=https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/how-we-live/2016/10/16/makin-waves-wood-tapeworms/91869608/ |access-date=2021-12-06 |website=MyCentralJersey.com |language=en-US}}</ref> He is also known for early in his career having fictionalized his life, and appearing in character in some press appearances or onstage, and engaging in experimental live performance art, with his acts featuring simulated mental breakdowns, conflict with [[Shill|audience plants]], appearances from fictional characters, and intentionally botched performances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thepopbreak.com/2017/09/05/interview-real-will-wood/|title=Interview: Who is The Real Will Wood?|access-date=May 7, 2021|website=thepopbreak.com|date=September 5, 2017 }}</ref> Wood has consistently been open about his past struggles with drug addiction and [[Mental disorder|mental illness]], having entered recovery early in his career and later being diagnosed with both [[bipolar disorder]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Backwards |first=Bringin' It |date=2020-07-08 |title=Bringin' it Backwards: Interview with Will Wood |url=https://americansongwriter.com/bringin-it-backwards-interview-with-will-wood/ |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=American Songwriter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Armus |first1=Isabella |last2=Hsu |first2=Caitlin |date=2022-04-29 |title=Will Wood wants to be authentic, whatever it takes |url=https://nyunews.com/arts/music/2022/04/29/will-wood-interview-in-case-i-make-it/ |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=Washington Square News}}</ref> Wood donated 50% of ticket sales from ''The Real Will Wood'' to the [[Brain & Behavior Research Foundation|Brain and Behavior Research Foundation]], a [[mental health]] charity, saying, "I’ve gotten a lot better. I want to try and do something to help others get there."<ref>{{cite web|date=January 16, 2018|title=A Real Interview with The Real Will Wood on The Real|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126062135/http://www.njracket.com/feature/real-interview-real-will-wood-real/ | access-date=May 7, 2021|website=New Jersey Racket|language=en-US}}</ref> ==Public image== Will Wood has been known to exhibit an exaggerated, [[theatrical]] public character, particularly in his earlier work. His image in [[pop culture]] has been heavily influenced by his [[drama|dramatic]] performances earlier on. However, the [[artist]] has spoken out against holding [[Rigidity (psychology)|fixed]] images of his work, expressing that his work and [[persona]] will continue to change.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 29, 2022|title=Will Wood Releases the Long-awaited Full-length Album 'In Case I Make It' | url=https://behindthecurtainsmedia.com/will-wood-releases-new-album-in-case-i-make-it/|access-date=April 11, 2024|website=|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2020, following the release of [[The Normal Album]], Will Wood gained a significant [[fanbase]]. This album contains Will's most popular song, I/Me/Myself, also a source of [[controversy]]. The contents of the song explored Will's relationship with [[gender expression]] and [[gender identity]].<ref>{{cite web|date=July 10, 2020|title=I/Me/Myself |url=https://genius.com/Will-wood-i-me-myself-lyrics}}</ref> ==Releases== Wood began releasing music under the eponymous band "Will Wood and the Tapeworms" with two studio albums: ''Everything is a Lot'' in 2015, ''SELF-iSH'' in 2016, along with the live album ''The Real Will Wood'' in 2018, which later served as the soundtrack to the [[mockumentary]] [[concert film]] of the same name. In 2019, a [[crowdfunding]] campaign began for ''The Normal Album,'' which had invitations to record gang vocals for the album as well. It raised $27,631 and was released in 2020 under his name.<ref>{{cite web|date=August 19, 2021|title=Will Wood Launches Massive Indiegogo Campaign for 'The Normal Album|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226012855/https://dentalrecordsmusicnews.com/post/186072512043/will-wood-launches-massive-indiegogo-campaign-for|access-date=August 19, 2021|website=PalabasTayo|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2021, Will Wood worked on the soundtrack for the fictional horror/comedy podcast “Camp Here And There”. A "Campfire Songs" edition of the soundtrack, with lyrical versions of three of the initially instrumental tracks, was released in 2022. His newest studio album, titled "''In Case I Make It,''" was [[Crowdfunding|crowdfunded]] on [[Indiegogo]] in October 2021. Wood has described the collection of songs as being his most personal yet, saying: “I've always tried to consistently re-invent myself as an artist, I think. But this time is different, because for lack of a less dramatic phrase… I've reinvented myself as a person. I couldn’t be more different than I was even a year or two ago."<ref name=louis>{{cite web|author=Louis|date=September 22, 2021|title=WILL WOOD HATES "SEX, DRUGS, ROCK N ROLL" – exclusive interview!|url=http://theafterhoursreview.com/2021/09/22/will-wood-hates-sex-drugs-rock-n-roll-exclusive-interview/|access-date=2021-11-26|website=The After Hours Review|language=en-US}}</ref> Six singles from "''In case I make It''," were released prior to the album's full release.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PreludePress: Will Wood – Cicada Days |url=https://preludepress.com/featured/2022/05/26/will-wood-cicada-days/ |access-date=2022-06-04 |website=www.preludepress.com|date=May 26, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PREMIERE: Will Wood and the feral folk chamber poised "Tomcat Disposables" (Official Video) – AMERICAN PANCAKE |url=https://www.americanpancake.com/2022/04/premiere-will-wood-and-feral-folk.html |access-date=2022-04-30 |website=www.americanpancake.com}}</ref> In September 2021, prior to the crowdfunding of the album, Wood released a single entitled "Sex, Drugs, Rock 'n' Roll" (also featured on the album).<ref name=louis/> On June 10, Wood released the single ''You Liked This (Okay, Computer!)'', a spoken word [[black comedy]] track about social media platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Will Wood – You Liked This (Okay, Computer!) Lyrics {{!}} Genius Lyrics |url=https://genius.com/25586835 |access-date=2022-06-23}}</ref> It stars voice actress Bev Standing, whose voice was allegedly used by the video-sharing social media platform [[TikTok]] for their text-to-speech feature without her consent.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kastrenakes |first=Jacob |date=September 29, 2021 |title=TikTok settles lawsuit with actress over its original text-to-speech voice |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/29/22701167/bev-standing-tiktok-lawsuit-settles-text-to-speech-voice |access-date=2022-06-23}}</ref> On July 27, the full album was released to positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Graeme |date=2022-07-29 |title=Album Review: Will Wood – "In case I make it," |url=https://yorkcalling.co.uk/2022/07/29/album-review-will-wood-in-case-i-make-it/ |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=York Calling |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-29 |title=Will Wood In Case I Make It Review |url=https://preludepress.com/album-reviews/2022/07/29/will-wood-in-case-i-make-it/ |access-date=2022-12-18 |language=en-US}}</ref> On August 19, 2022, Wood released a single entitled "Ferryman" with singer-songwriter Shayfer James.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shayfer James & Will Wood: Ferryman |url=https://shayferjames.com/blogs/news/posts/7033360/shayfer-james-will-wood-ferryman |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=shayferjames.com}}</ref> This single also appeared on Shayfer James' album "Shipwreck" released on March 10, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shayfer James' album "Shipwreck". |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/7oeYBOWTUIRAe6uzbloZFg?si=GHg31CS7RzCgDZuMf8rM2Q |access-date=1 November 2023 |website=spotify.com}}</ref> On September 1, 2022, Wood was featured on the single "Wealth & Hellness" by Human Zoo.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Human Zoo's single, Wealth & Hellness, featuring Will Wood. |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/6cyjwvqokANpV5Arf8pBMM?si=v5KrIcEsRMKKLpcW0g_mbQ |access-date=1 November 2023 |website=spotify.com}}</ref> This single was later included on an album by the same name, Wealth & Hellness, released on October 5, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Human Zoo's album, Wealth & Hellness, featuring Will Wood on the song "Wealth & Hellness.|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/5vPw1JfXiq4kzdGdx8bxel?si=s-YEUV-7QyGIcB25_XBdeg |access-date=1 November 2023 |website=spotify.com}}</ref> On January 13, 2023, Wood released the album ''IN CASE I DIE,'' a live compilation of songs recorded at US tour dates in 2022. According to a guest blog post on V13, after the release, he would begin an "indefinite break or possibly retire from [his] music career."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Gonda |first=Christopher |date=2023-01-08 |title=Will Wood Details His (Final?) Album 'In Case I Die' and Indefinite Hiatus from Music |url=https://v13.net/2023/01/will-wood-guest-blog-album-in-case-i-die-and-hiatus-from-music/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=V 13 |language=en-US}}</ref> On June 12, 2024, Wood, in collaboration with Human Zoo, released the song called "Aphrodite, Your Electric Sexiness (Upgrade)" which is a version of Human Zoo's song with the same name (excluding the "(Upgrade)" part) that features Will Wood. ==Discography== '''Solo albums''' * ''[[The Normal Album]]'' (2020) * ''Camp Here & There Soundtrack: Campfire Songs Edition'' (2022) * ''"In case I make it,"'' (2022) ** Rereleased as ''"in Case I Make It,"'' in May of 2024<ref>According to his Amazon Music page</ref> '''With the Tapeworms under the name of "Will Wood and The Tapeworms"''' * ''Everything is a Lot'' (2015) * ''SELF-iSH'' (2016) '''Live albums''' * ''The Real Will Wood'' (2020) * ''In Case I Die'' (2023) ==References== {{reflist}} * {{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/9266773-William-Sunshine?superFilter=Releases | title=William Sunshine | website=[[Discogs]] }} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Wood, Will}} [[Category:American male pianists]] [[Category:American male singer-songwriters]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]] [[Category:Artists from New Jersey]] [[Category:Musicians from New Jersey]] [[Category:People with bipolar disorder]] [[Category:American musicians with disabilities]] [[Category:American stand-up comedians]]'