Michael Wood Band

Canadian rock crew the Michael Wood Band have released their long-awaited LP album, “Rubble Town.” The album contains eight original tracks and represents the definitive Michael Wood Band experience so far. It has been proudly published on the eponymous Michael Wood Band independent music label outside the influence of the corporate music industry. Part pop, part alternative rock, part contemporary rock and distinguished by the raw, genuine character of the band's sound and style, “Rubble Town” by the Michael Wood Band is a record rock fans of all ages will agree on.

Bandleader Michael Wood cites as main artistic influences a spread of indie-pop and rock bands such as Hey Rosetta, Kings of Leon, the Killers, Tragically Hip, Arctic Monkeys, and Foster the People. Like the music of these mainstream heroes, Wood's songs are catchy, evocative, and written with an unfailing good taste which endears audiences to his music instantly.

However, beneath the surface of what at first listen sounds like simple pop runs an audible undercurrent of punk-rock principle and emotional power. This emerges in the naked honesty of Wood's lyrics, the minimalist approach to his rock composition, and especially in the one-two punch of songs like “Cowards a Question,” which opens their new record, and their extremely popular single and music video, “End of the World.”

The combined impact of these attributes is undeniable, as one can easily tell from their calendar of scheduled appearances (viewable on their official website, link provided below). In the earnest tradition of hardworking professional rockers everywhere, the Michael Wood Band manages to play live at pubs, festivals, charity gigs etc. twice and thrice weekly, sometimes all on the same weekend. Clearly, the MWB are in quite some demand.

Asked to describe his start in music, Wood muses over humble beginnings.

“As a 10-year old, we had a crappy neighbourhood guitar that we shared. Thomas Bobbin taught me how to play 'Smoke on the Water' and I was hooked.”

Consistent with the direct voice he uses to speak through his songs, the themes of his songs are also plain to see (hear).

“I write mostly about real life experiences,” he explains. “They may or may not have been mine. They could have happened to you.”

This last may be the key quality of the Michael Wood Band's “Rubble Town.” A room full of persons listening to this music together listens together, by God, drawn inward and forward toward a sound and sensation they all understand. This music has a social effect as well as a personal one – and the feeling is warm, alive, thriving and true.

“Rubble Town” by the Michael Wood Band is available online worldwide. Get in early, rock and pop fans. Very early.

-S. McCauley
Lead Press Release Writer
www.MondoTunes.com

“Rubble Town” by the Michael Wood Band –

http://www.amazon.com/Rubble-Town-Michael-Wood-Band/dp/B00UP0OITO/

Website -

http://www.michaelwoodband.com/ - Sean McCauley Senior Editor MondoTunes

Published: June 27, 2013 1:00 PM
Updated: June 27, 2013 1:19 PM

Michael Wood Band – This emerging quartet’s song Take Me Away was recently chosen as a semi-finalist in the 2013 International Song writing Competition from more than 20,000 entries. Catch them opening for rock legends Platinum Blonde July 2 at Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre. The band is also playing a free show July 19 at noon in Centennial Square. Michaelwoodband.com

See more (about the other bands) at http://www.mondaymag.com/entertainment/music/213371081.html - Monday Magazine

Victoria musicians rock the charity stage

Victoria's Michael Wood BandThe Calgary Stampede and many other musical events around town brought in a lot of fundraising dollars for those in need after the 2013 flood, with many bands donating their time and talent to entertain and raise much-needed money for the victims. The Michael Wood Band was no exception.

The indie rockers from Victoria, British Columbia, took their place onstage at the Cowboys tent on July 7 to help raise money for the Red Cross as well as open for the award-nominated band Buckcherry.

Lead singer and guitarist, Michael Wood, was impressed by Calgarians' desire to support one another.

"The whole thing was really great, it felt like everyone was coming together to help each other out around town," said Wood. "Being part of the Buckcherry flood relief show was an amazing experience, and probably the biggest show we've played to date."

Alex Campbell, the band's drummer, explained that towards the end of June the band had a layover in Calgary on their way back from a gig in Halifax. They had a good view of the surrounding areas and could see the damage everywhere – farmers' fields riddled with puddles, rivers that had cut new edges in the river bank, flooded golf courses as well as the incredible images of the damage displayed on the news.

"When we returned to Calgary for the Stampede, you could hardly tell that such immense damage had taken place so recently," said Campbell. "The city still bustled with life, the Stampede was well attended and the shows were still packed and that positive and determined attitude really showed up at the concert – people were happy, the crowd was enthusiastic and very supportive of all the bands that took the stage that day."

"It was a great event to be part of, we were very grateful to have the opportunity to support flood relief by playing music. It's a good day when doing what you love can be used to help those in need," Campbell added.

Guitarist Josh Weed agreed with Wood and Campbell about Calgary's never-ending strength.

"Everyone was in high spirits, and the atmosphere was fun to be in," Weed said. "They did a wonderful job of pulling together to help with flood relief, the whole city goes wild during Stampede and this year was no different, hell or high water."
STARTING AT THE STAMPEDE

The Michael Wood Band is no stranger to Calgary and they're often here for shows. Campbell explained that ever since the band started up two years ago, they've been getting more requests to play.

"When we started as a band, we were at the Stampede and ended up getting a lot of connections and had a network going and just expanded out from there," Campbell said.

Bassist Jon Burgundy said that "Calgary has a really good music scene compared to Vancouver and Victoria and there are more opportunities to play.

"One of the coolest things about starting to get recognized is being able to do things like charity fundraisers or benefit shows. For all of us it's a cool thing to do is to give back and be able to do what we love to do and, in return, help others," he added.

The band played a total of five shows over Stampede and will be back in Calgary in September to play at Mount Royal University for frosh week with more shows to follow.
THE ENERGY ON THE STAGE

The Michael Wood Band has a certain energy they bring to the stage that is contagious. With a mix of cover songs and originals, this indie rock band is fun to watch and listen to. The Michael Wood Band has a certain energy they bring to the stage that is contagious. With a mix of cover songs and originals, this indie rock band is fun to watch and listen to.

Photo by Hannah CawseyThe Michael Wood Band has a certain energy they bring to the stage that is contagious. With a mix of cover songs and originals, this indie rock band is fun to watch and listen to.

A typical show includes covers of The Killers, MGMT, Black Keys and Adele as well as songs from their first album.

"We really try and cater what songs we play to the crowd," said Burgundy. "When we're in Calgary we play a little bit more rock and roll and some oldie classics versus playing in Victoria and Vancouver where things seem to be a little more indie rock."

But the set list always depends on the venue according to Campbell.

"We do a mix of covers and originals, we're starting to incorporate more original tunes as well as do covers that are more specific to our sound," Campbell said. "It depends on how long the gig is, longer gigs will have more covers and for showcases we'll have more originals."

Since the band was created, they have recorded their first album, Occupy This, which covers topics from political themes to light-hearted teenage rebellion.

"It ranges f - The Calgary Journal

Victoria's Michael Wood Band is being warmly embraced by fans from across the country. Having performed in small towns and large cities from the Pacific to the Atlantic coasts, they will be in Courtenay to play at the Mex Pub on Saturday, November 16 at 9 pm. "It's really great to see people responding so positively to our music." says frontman Michael Wood. "People hear the songs and see our video for the single "End of the World" and are excited to have us out to play."

Michael Wood Band has an alt-rock sound described as "Hollerado meets Kings of Leon", and an enthusiastic stage show which has gained the approval of their audience. Fans are often struck by the insightful lyrics, and are ultimately won over by Michael Wood Band's attention to all the elements that make for great music. The live show is pure energy, with animated guitar leads, potent rhythms, and a seriously infectious groove, providing a showcase for Michael Wood's fresh youthful vocals and perceptive lyrics. The band's sound reflects multiple influences, and diverse topics, such as the Arab Spring (Should We Be Afraid), over commercialism (End of the World) and finding your own path (I Think I'll Just Go to Bed). "It's definitely got some political themes," said Wood. "But we weren't trying to communicate any specific message, just being conscious of what's going on in the world; being aware of our surroundings."

The past year has been a busy one for MWB. Their first album "Occupy This" was released in 2012, and has been called "astoundingly good" by music critics. The band has played everywhere from Tofino to Halifax, at small charity shows and large festivals, including a performance at the Calgary Stampede and opening spots for Buckcherry, Platinum Blonde, Faber Drive and Prism. Response from industry experts has also been positive. Recently MWB was selected as a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition from 20 thousand entries worldwide, nominated for two Vancouver Island Music Awards, and recognized as one of Victoria's hottest bands of 2013 by Monday Magazine. Receiving radio play nationwide, MWB was voted New Artist of the Month on Ontario's CKXS FM.

For more please visit www.michaelwoodband.com - Comox Valley Echo

The Michael Wood Band, an alternative rock group with a message, hits the stage at The Root.
The British Columbia band features Michael Wood (vocals/guitar), Josh Weed (guitar/vocals), Jon Burgundy (bass/vocals), and Alex Campbell (drums/vocals). Their first album, Occupy This, was released in May 2012 and touches on themes such as the Arab Spring, commercialism and finding your own path.
The band will be at The Root this Friday, Sept. 13. For Michael Wood making people think as well as entertaining them is part of the plan.
“I am not sure if it’s important to me as an artist, but it’s important to me as a person and I find that really, that can come through often times,” he says. “It’s not one of my main goals to write political songs, but I don’t have any problem with it. I like to think I am politically aware so it tends to come through.”
Wood tries to stay up to date on current events as much as possible, something that should come through in the band’s second album, which they hope to release in the spring of 2014. Wood believes it is important to realize what is going on in the world in order to keep governments in check and also to support them.
In between playing charity shows and large festivals, this summer the band performed for the Alberta Flood Relief at the Calgary Stampede. Wood says it was a really great show and a positive experience that allowed them to use their music to make a direct difference in people’s lives.
“We got to play the flood relief show, so there was a number of local Calgarian bands and then also Buckcherry headlined so that was really cool to be there helping out because I was born in Calgary originally even though I moved to Victoria. It was really great to see the community coming together and everybody helping out and doing the best that they could and being able to be a part of that.”
As Michael Wood Band is an up-and-coming act, the touring experience is something new for its members, but Wood says it has been good overall. They have been on the road for a while this year, traveling everywhere from Halifax, N.S, to Tofino, B.C. So far they have had no accidents on the road and are coming up on show 120.
There are no plans to rest as the band hopes to get another 100 shows under the belt this year and continue working on their album.
Their work has been well received, with the band being selected as a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition from 20 thousand entries worldwide, and nominated for two Vancouver Island Music Awards.
Admission price for Michael Wood Band’s performance at The Root this Friday is $10. For more information on the band visit their website at www.michaelwoodband.ca or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/michaelwoodband.

Simon Arseneau
Thursday, September 12, 2013 1:27:52 MDT PM

- Meridian Booster

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Michael Wood Band) Michael Wood Band gives you music that draws you in right away through vocals, lyrics and instrumentation. This Canadian-based band has got it all covered quite nicely. With their new 12-track album out, 'Occupy This', Michael Wood Band is looking to grow and really come into their own in 2013.

The group is made up of four talented members: Michael Wood on vocals & guitar, Josh Weed on guitar & vocals, Jon Burgundy on bass & vocals and Alex Campbell on drums & vocals. As soon as you start listening to the record, you can't help but notice how in sync they are from a vocal & musical standpoint. Michael Wood Band is singing & playing together in unison throughout 'Occupy This' as you definitely sense the camaraderie factor in a BIG way.

The styles lie within Rock, Pop & Alternative but Michael Wood Band puts an original twist on each of the songs. For instance, on "Gotta Save Somebody" one will hear an excellent rock groove to go along with dynamite guitar riffs and then they turn around and jam out like there literally is no tomorrow on "End of the World". Things get a bit more deep on "In Bad Light" but then all of a sudden it just all feels so good and so right on "How Does It Feel".

Michael Wood Band offers an incredibly catchy sound and their music really moves. Lyrically, vocally and instrumentally these musicians are not missing a beat on their debut release 'Occupy This'. I highly recommend Michael Wood Band and the new record as I feel this band will continue to get better and better over time. And considering 'Occupy This' is such an impressive start, the potential for Michael Wood Band is just flat out scary!
09/07/2013 - T4C Top40-Charts.com

ROKLINE ARTIST SPOTLIGHT, I'm listening to Occupy This now and MWB has a nice tight POP/ROCK sound!
Jeff Burns
ROKLINE
July 1, 2013
- ROKLINE

The Michael Wood Band will play Port Coquitlam's Castle Park at 8 p.m on July 1.
The Michael Wood Band may be from Victoria but when it comes to playing hometown gigs, they don't see much action.

"There are a ton of bands in Victoria," Wood said. "I think we're kind of over-saturated with musicians."

Luckily for Wood (vocals/guitar), Josh Weed (guitar/vocals), Jon Burgundy (bass/vocals) and Alex Campbell (drums/vocals), they get a lot of attention in the interior of B.C. and Alberta.

This summer, besides headlining the Canada Day celebrations at Port Coquitlam's Castle Park, the two-year-old rock band will be busy on the road: On July 2, they will open for Platinum Blonde in Sidney before making their way to Calgary for a number of Stampede dates.

They return to Victoria for an all-ages concert mid-month then back to the Okanagan, Revelstoke and Alberta in August.

Speaking in Halifax last week, where they played the Canadian Organization of Campus Activities (COCA) and the Oasis night club with My Living Will and Brite-VU, Wood said the band intends to head back into the studio this fall to cut its sophomore EP.

Currently, it's writing about dozen songs for the album, though only half will be included. Wood said its new work is "more upbeat" than the debut album, titled Occupy This, released last May.

"It's defined more as us. My lyric writing has been a lot more focused. I guess over time you find your voice and it gets refined along the way."

As for the PoCo show, Wood said it'll be fun and tailored to an all-ages audience.

"It's a little different playing for families than in a rowdy bar," he joked.

• The Michael Wood Band takes to the stage at 8 p.m. with the fireworks to follow. For the day's line-up at Lions and Castle parks, visit portcoquitlam.ca.

Published: June 25, 2013 3:00 PM
By Janis Warren
jwarren@tricitynews.com - The Tri-City News

Rock music is one of the few fields where being young and inexperienced can actually lead to a better product.

This is something that Michael Wood, the 18-year-old leader of the Michael Wood Band, represents all too well. His group will be playing at The Root: Community Emporium tomorrow night (April 12).

“We actually got together as I was coming out of high school,” Wood told the Source, just after completing the final exams of his first year at University of Victoria.

At first, he encountered some difficulties in chasing a music career at such a young age.

“In the beginning it was a little bit difficult sneaking into bars to play,” he said.

But for a talented kid with the ability to crank out power-pop anthems, age is nothing but a number. The band's debut album, Occupy This, came out last May and features 12 original songs primarily written by Wood.

“It's kind of a Killers meets Foo Fighters sound,” he said.

The video for the lead single, End of the World, shows the band playing live intercut with clips of soldiers and military imagery.

“It's definitely got some political themes,” said Wood. “But I don't know if we were trying to communicate anything specific, more just being conscious of what's going on in the world, being aware of your surroundings and trying to do good.”

For Wood, the best part of shooting the video was getting to play at the Mary Winspear Centre theatre in his hometown of Sidney, B.C.

“I loved it actually it was awesome, we got to record the video in Mary Winspear just before we did our album release show, and that's my favourite theatre so it was nice to be there,” he said.

The upcoming concert at the Root is part of a series of shows for Michael Wood Band that runs right through the summer. With this kind of hectic schedule, Wood has been forced to take another look at his priorities.

“I didn't expect to be as busy as we are with music this year, so it didn't quite work out with my schooling,” he said. “I'm taking a year off next year to pursue music so it should be a little bit better.”

- Jacob Morgan - Lloydminster Source

Michael Wood boys are back in town

Well received at their last Hideaway Pub appearance, the Michael Wood Band returns April 19.

Published: April 09, 2013 4:00 PM
Updated: April 09, 2013 4:53 PM

Warmly embraced by fans across the country, Victoria’s Michael Wood Band (MWB) is returning to Salmon Arm.

The group recently kicked off a western Canada tour, and will be playing at the Hideaway Pub on Friday, April 19.

“It’s really great to see people responding so positively to our music,” says frontman Michael Wood. “People hear the songs and see our video for the single End of the World, and are excited to have us out to play.”

The band has an alt-rock sound described as “the Killers meets Kings of Leon,” and an enthusiastic stage show that engages the audience.

Fans are often struck by the evocative lyrics, and are ultimately won over by the band’s attention to all the elements that make for great, classic-sounding rock music.

The live show is pure energy, with smoking guitar leads, melodic rhythms, and a seriously infectious groove.

The four-piece band features Wood (vocals/guitar), Josh Weed (guitar/vocals), Jon Burgundy (bass/vocals) and Alex Campbell (drums/vocals).Their sound reflects multiple influences, ranging from jazz to pop to classic rock, and diverse topics, such as Arab Spring (Should We Be Afraid), over commercialism (End of the World) and finding your own path (I Think I’ll Just Go to Bed).

The past year has been a busy one for MWB. Their first album, Occupy This, was released in May, and has been called “astoundingly good” by music critics.

The band has played everything from small charity shows to large festivals, including a performance at the Calgary Stampede.

MWB was selected as a semifinalist in the International Songwriting Competition from 20,000 entries worldwide, and nominated for two Vancouver Island Music Awards.

Recorded at the Barn Recording Studio (Randy Bachman, Buffy Sainte-Marie) Occupy This continues to bring them new fans, proving that the MWB are as dedicated to writing and recording great songs as they are to playing an incredible live show. - Salmon Arm Observer

…they had a great sound and the set list was awesome!”
Mia Sheldon, Pogue Mahone, Kamloops
- Club owner

“We had an incredible response from the patrons and staff which all had nothing but great things to say. We even had a few members of some other bands that play our venue and they were blown away by their ability and diversity. Anytime they are coming through Calgary we would love to bring them back. We wish the Michael Wood Band the greatest success in the future!!!”

- Club owner

Victoria at-rockers Michael Wood Band is feeling the warm embrace of fans across the country.

“It’s really great to see people responding so positively to our music,” said frontman Michael Wood. “People hear the songs and see our video for the single End Of The World and are really excited to have us out to play. It’s been really encouraging.”

The Michael Wood Band has an alt-rock sound described as the Killers meets Kings of Leon with an infectious groove said the frontman.

This past year has been a busy one for the band who have taken their enthusiastic live show on the road that includes smoking guitar leads and melodic rhythms in a four-piece band package.

Wood, lead vocal and guitarist, has been living and making music in Victoria for the past five years. He said the members of the band (Jon Burgandy plays bass and carries vocals, Josh Weed is on guitar and vocals and Alex Campbell plays the drums and also is on vocals) met through word-of-mouth connections in local musical circles.

Their first album Occupy This was released in May and they laid out an extensive touring schedule playing everything from small charity shows, large festivals to a date at the Calgary Stampede. The album was written while the band members were still in high school and their songs reflect diverse topics from the Arab Spring (Should We Be Afraid) to over commercialism (End Of The World) to finding your own path (I Think I’ll Just Go To Bed). Their End Of The World video went viral internationally with more than 38,000 hits in its first month on the internet.

The band is also receiving national radio play with their song I Think I’ll Just Go To Bed, which won them the new artist of the month on an Ontario radio station. Recently they were selected as semifinalists in the International Songwriting Competition from 20,000 entries, representing 119 countries for their song Take Me Away.

“We’re having a lot of fun,” laughs Wood, who is looking forward to bringing his band and his music to his second home and his family, who have listened to him play for many years. “I think it’s got to the point where I think I’m not bugging my family with my guitar.”

Michael Wood Band and guests Count Me In will be performing on Friday, 7 p.m. at Voodoos.
Published: February 28, 2013 9:00 AM
-With files from Barb Brouwer - Black Press - Penticton Western News

Just wanted to tell you that the guys played a great gig and everybody thoroughly enjoyed them!
We loved them and would have them back anytime. Thank you!
- Club owner

The Michael Wood Band Live at The Club
Published January 29, 2013 |

Well Australia Day at The Club was a big one, and it was all thanks to a young band that goes by the name of The Michael Wood Band. Aussie’s, Locals & tourists all in one venue, all partying, and all having a great time. - The Snowbum Life

Six Victoria bands/songwriters have made the list of 1883 semi-finalists for the 2012 International Songwriting Competition (ISC). They were “narrowed” down from more than 20,000 submissions.

The International Song Writing Competition is “an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena.” There’s over $150,000 in cash and prizes to be awarded in the competition. Winners will be announced sometime in April (2013).

The Victoria based finalists are:
Amy Wood – Symphony (http://www.amywood.ca)
The Archers – The Sun Will Rise (http://www.thearchersband.com)
Acres Of Lions – Reaction (http://www.acresoflions.com)
Michael Wood – Take Me Away (http://www.michaelwoodband.com)
Miriam Sonstenes (of The Sweet Lowdown)- Don’t Walk Away (http://www.thesweetlowdown.ca)
Steph Macpherson – Bells & Whistles (http://www.stephmacpherson.com)

For a full list of the 1883 semi-finalists CLICK HERE.

Stay up to date on the International Songwriting Competition at their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalSongwritingCompetition - Victoria Music Scene

Victoria alt.-rockers the Michael Wood Band are making their way up Silver Star Mountain this weekend as part of the band’s cross-country tour.

The band, led by Michael Wood, has already played Kamloops’ Sun Peaks Resort as well as shows in Kelowna and Salmon Arm, where Wood has a local connection as his family is the pioneering Ritchie family of Salmon Arm, and his grandmother, aunts and many cousins still live there.

An active humanitarian as well as musician, Wood and the band, including Jon Baergen (bass/vocals), Josh Weed (guitar/vocals), and Alex Campbell (drums/vocals) have a sound described as “The Killers meets Kings of Leon with an infectious groove,” reflecting multiple influences ranging from jazz to pop to classic rock.

Their debut album, Occupy This, recorded at the Barn Recording Studio (where Randy Bachman and Buffy Sainte-Marie have both recorded) was released in May, and was written while the band’s members were still in high school.

The songs reflect diverse topics such as the Arab Spring (Should We Be Afraid) to over commercialism (End of the World) to finding your own path (I Think I’ll Just Go to Bed), and are receiving radio play nationwide.

“It’s really great to see people responding so positively to our music,” said Wood. “People hear the songs and see our video for the single End of the World and are really excited to have us out to play. It’s been really encouraging.”

More than 66,000 fans have also viewed the band’s YouTube channel, and in particular, the video for End of the World, and I Think I’ll Just Go To Bed won them the new artist of the month on Ontario’s CKXS 99.1 FM.

Extensive performing has also ensued, with the band playing everything from small charity shows to large festivals, including a performance at the Calgary Stampede.

More recently, they were selected as finalists in the Amp Records and Fox FM Band Fight held this fall in Vancouver.

The Michael Wood Band takes the stage at the Saloon in the Vance Creek Hotel at Silver Star Mountain Resort, Saturday Feb. 9 at 9 p.m. Seating is limited, so best to arrive early. Cover is $2. Published: February 08, 2013 1:00 AM - Vernon Morning Star

It’s difficult to not feel lazy around Vancouver Island’s Michael Wood Band. Before even graduating from high school, the quartet wrote, recorded and released its debut album End of the World. It has won the band accolades and won over fans. Less than 30 days after the album release, the guys were voted New Artist of the Month by a radio station in southern Ontario and the video for the album’s title song had 38,000 views in its first month. Now, less than a year later and while attending first year university, the guys are heading out on a Western Canadian tour that will land them in Toronto for Canadian Music Week at the beginning of March.

There is no need for qualifiers like, “For a first album...” End of the World stands strongly on its own two feet, and doesn’t gaze too heavily into its own navel. Lyrically diverse, the band’s tight and catchy rock ‘n’ roll touches on everything from news fatigue to the Occupy Movement.

“I find just that whatever happens in the first few lines really dictates what the song is going to be about, and so sometimes you do get a songs like, ‘Should We Be Afraid,’ which is a song I wrote about the Arab Spring uprising,” guitarist/vocalist Michael Wood explains. “There was this one moment where the Christians in the crowd protected the Muslims during their time of prayer, because they have to pray towards Mecca at the same time every day. So they held hands and they made a human shield around them to protect them from the violence that was going on, and then on the other hand, you get a song like ‘How Does it Feel’ which is just about friends and how we went out in the middle of the night hanging out in the park.”

With its early successes, the band – rounded out by Jon Baergen (bass/vocals), Josh Weed (guitar/vocals) and Alex Campbell (drums/vocals) – is pushing forward, crisscrossing BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan over the next six weeks. Wood admits that he’ll miss a couple of days of school during this tour, but he doesn’t seem too fussed.

“We’re writing more than ever,” he says. “Actually I’ve been in a good space creatively. I’ve been writing a lot with Alex, the drummer, and yesterday, we were working on one of the new songs that we’ve started. We’re going to try and play it at Saskatchewan next weekend, actually. It should be fun.”
Carolyn Nikodym - Fernie Fix

The Michael Wood Band is a leader among Victoria's intense alt-rock bands. The band's live show, Wood's powerful voice and evocative lyrics, and their well received first CD album have provided them with a solid grounding for the cross country tour they are about to launch.
Michael's formative years go back to his father's old trunk that was filled with classic vinyl rock records. He also relishes his deep roots in Salmon Arm where he spent many summers with relatives as part of the pioneering Ritchie family.
Michael and his band look forward to playing at the Hideaway Pub on February 8 as part of the BC leg of their tour. The young foursome that also features Josh Weed, Alex Campbell, and Jon Baergen have preformed for many humanitarian benefits during the past year.
- Friday AM, Salmon Arm BC, February 1, 2013

Clare Anderson, Minstrel Café & Bar

- Club owner

They’re young, they’re edgy and they’re coming to Salmon Arm.

Long a fan of the Shuswap, Michael Wood spent most of his growing-up summers with family in Salmon Arm, and now he’s bringing his music and his band to perform at the Hideaway Pub Friday, Feb. 8.

The Michael Wood Band (MWB) has only been together for a year and all of the members are under 22 years of age – but their music, timely and relevant lyrics speak of a much greater depth.

Lead vocalist and guitarist, 18-year-old Wood is joined on-stage by Josh Weed on lead guitar, drummer Alex Campbell and Jon Baergen on bass.

Wood, who has been living and making music in Victoria for the past five years, says the members of the band met through word-of-mouth connections in local musical circles.

Describing their mostly upbeat, energetic music as alt-indie rock, akin to groups like the Killers and Kings of Leon, the band released their first CD last May to an enthusiastic audience and immediate radio play.

Their songs reflect diverse topics, from Arab Spring in Should We Be Afraid, to the Occupy Movement in End of the World, to shelving worries about the future in I Think I’ll Just Go To Bed.

MWB is getting nation-wide radio play and was recently voted New Artist of the Month by an Ontario FM station.

Their End of the World video went viral internationally with more than 38,000 hits in its first month on the Internet.

Wood says the band is dedicated to writing and recording great songs, with inspiration sometimes coming during practice, or from an idea one member brings to the group.

“Someone brings an idea and we’ll work it through, or someone might come with the lyrics already,” says Wood.

The band has already toured Saskatoon and Regina this month and has a busy Canadian tour coming up in 2013.

“We’re having a lot of fun,” laughs Wood, who is looking forward to bringing his band and his music to his second home and his family, who have listened to him play for many years. “I think it’s got to the point where I think I’m not bugging my family with my guitar.”

There is no cover charge for the band’s 9 p.m. performance.


By Barb Brouwer - Salmon Arm Observer
Published: January 30, 2013 8:00 AM
Updated: January 30, 2013 8:57 AM - Salmon Arm Observer

I’m sitting in a busy coffee shop with 21-year-old John Lennon look-alike Josh Weed when the namesake member of Michael Wood Band shows up, fashionably late as I’m told is customary. He’s just come from a class on The Beatles at University of Victoria and it’s immediately apparent that below their young and jovial exteriors these two are serious music men. January 25, 2013 By Rikki MacCuish

Michael Wood Band is from the Victoria area, and after releasing their debut album Occupy This in 2012 they’re off to a fast start. All band members are under the age of 22 and have already played over 30 shows since their album debuted, including the Calgary Stampede.

Next up on the tour roster Michael Wood Band heads to Sun Peaks to play at The Club on January 26, which coincides with Australia Day. I took the liberty of explaining the extent of Australia Day at Sun Peaks Resort to Wood and band-mate Josh Weed, after which Wood shared a story about a sample encounter during a show in Victoria.

“I used to have a regular gig at this café and the best time I ever had playing there was when these three Australian guys came and they were really stoked that I played an Australian song,” says Wood. “They got rowdier and rowdier until finally all three of them finally got kicked out.”

Sound like a familiar scene? Ensure that you make it to and through the Michael Wood Band’s show and you’ll see why this band is turning heads around the world. Wood and Weed both say that they have a European following and that they hope to get out that way to do a tour at some point as well.

Occupy This is an astoundingly good album. The fab four, comprised of Weed and Wood on vocals and guitars, Jon Baergen on bass and vocals and Alex Campbell on drums and vocals, have produced a modern-sounding rock album with catchy lyrics and hooks. Weed and Wood, both big Mother Mother fans, have ideas for their next release, which they say is currently in the works.

“I’d like to get a heavier, more analogue and roots-y sound to our next album; heavier but not darker,” says Wood, adding that they would like to release their Hendrix-inspired cover of “All Along the Watchtower.” Weed would like to up the tempo a bit to make it better for dancing.

And despite the politically-charged title of their album, both band members shy away from too much political advocacy, saying that it can take away from the music itself when not preached to the right crowd. Regardless there are hints of angst and socio-political awareness on the album, such as in “Should We Be Afraid” which is about the Arab Spring movement that took place in Egypt. Currently Wood is immersed in philosophy classes at the University of Victoria and Weed is a self-professed science and scepticism nerd, so time may tell where that will lead their music but for now it provides a firm basis and mature understanding of critical observance required for solid songwriting.

Give them a listen at: themichaelwoodband.bandcamp.com - SPIN Newsmagazine

I love this album! The lyrical poetry is so engaging. I think "Save Somebody" will be a hit. How much fun is "I Think I'll Just Go To Bed"?! But my favourite is "In Bad Light". It makes me think of a young Sting. I can hardly wait for the next album
- iTunes Review

The big crunchy guitar riffs are memorable. I love the energy and the raucous drumming. This is solid and the high energy guitar riffs
sets a solid backdrop for this singer. He delivers this with a blend of pop punk and the trademark vocal stylings of Paul Westerberg. I
love the energy and the unrelenting drumming that powers this tune's groove.
- Soundout.com

07-Oct-2012 18:29
Rock needs more artists like these guys here. When I heard their opening chords, I was brought back to Rush, but a few seconds
later, it became clear, these boys have a unique sound all their own. With a hard, driving guitar and an urgent drumbeat, this song
rushes on like a locomotive. The singer's voice has great tone; he will definitely grab young girl's hearts (and not-so-young girls as
well!). The lyrics are catchy, particularly the chorus. This song wouldn't quite be a dance song (unless, like almost every other
song, it was remixed) but it will be appealing to rock fans young and old.
- Soundout.com

The 4 members of the Victoria group, The Michael Wood Band are tight. Their original output has high energy and collectively they are working hard to get their music out to the Ends of the World. That’s easy when you start at one end of Canada, Vancouver Island. With a full length CD of originals now ready, they are booking gigs. Here’s a video teaser. http://youtu.be/FrT7bRigQ5c - SoundNebula

Great video... It made me think
Can not get over this song..... one of my favorites
This is so *#@% addictive :)....AWESOME
this particular track... is just amazingly splendid on so many levels.
I really like the video... telling so much true about modern world
Absolutely a musical gem
I have already listened to this at least ten times today and I still love this
finally a time spent well on ytube :)
ATTRACTIVE... ESTHETIC... HARMONIC... SEXY...
new rock star? I think so!!
Ear Orgasm :))
need to have it on my mp3 player
how this jewel did not is not becoming more popular is a mystery
this is material for a really big hit
- Youtube

Michael Wood returned home to Sidney from humanitarian work in Nepal to put the finishing touches on his break out CD, “Occupy This”. The album is now complete and is receiving enthusiastic response from fans and industry insiders.
Wood was part of the Stelly’s High School Global Perspectives 12 class who recently returned from 18 days in Nepal. The students raised over 20 thousand dollars to buy farm land for a women’s collective supporting victims of domestic violence.They spent days digging out terraces, planting tomatoes and rice, plastering walls, and helping to build housing. Global Perspectives is a course for students who are passionate about making a difference in the world, and helping those in need locally and internationally. “We have worked with orphans in Haiti (2000 and 2001), refurbished at a refugee centre in Toronto (2002), built a play area at a retraining centre for single mothers in Cuba 2003),
constructed a cancer clinic and taught literacy classes in Belize
(2004 & 2005), and most recently, built six schools in remote mountain
villages in Peru (2006 through 2011).” Says teacher Tim Storm, adding
“Our program was recognized by Maclean’s magazine in August 2005, when Stelly`s was named the best high school in Canada in the Community Outreach category.”
The students are planning another trip to Nepal, in March 2013 to build
a women’s shelter in a remote village. Over 64% of Nepalis are currently living in poverty, and many Nepalese women live in squalor as victims of
abuse and isolation. The Stelly’s students are working to change that by
building a women’s shelter outside of Kathmandu, Nepal.
“Occupy This” is receiving enthusiastic response from critics. The
single “End of the World” is enjoying immediate radio play, and Aaron Bethune of HItquarters raves “Shockingly fresh, strong songs with a
great delivery. Infectious grooves that bring to mind The Police,
Kings Of Leon and Red Hot Chilli Peppers with undertones of Hendrix,
the Ramones and Tom Petty. I had to listen to the music from
start to finish...then press repeat.” Wood’s video, a guitar driven cover
of “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People has received over 20 thousand views. A singer / songwriter with an evocative voice, Michael Wood’s emotionally charged lyrics speak of universal themes in a frank and infectious manner. A fresh alternative rock sound mixing classic elements with the edginess and bite of modern concepts, the album “Occupy This” has energy to burn. The Michael Wood Band is rock for the new age. - Saanich Voice

Hailing from B.C, this group of talented musicians bring to you their new LP. Frontman Michael Wood and his band bring to you “Rubble Town”. An engaging record that is full of addictive melodies and a refined alternative rock sound that could feel very pop at first, but represents influence from a collection of classic genres.

“Rubble Town” is Michael Wood and his band’s second studio effort and just like the first release, the musical ability, fresh vocals and perceptive lyrics are ever present. In such a saturated industry, Michael Wood Band will deliver a contemporary take on something that feels delightfully familiar.

Musician/Producer Shaun Verreault (Wide Mouth Mason) lends his production chops on to the group on the record, with Doug Naugler providing the engineering. Both of which have praised Wood for his talents, calling him the “quintessential songwriter” and one that will immediately connect to his fans with all the elements that make this music great.

While I was giving this album it’s first spin I found myself drawn in from the first verse and striking guitar rifts. This is a young man that is has made it clear this is what he is meant to be doing. “Coward’s a Question,” the up-tempo folk-esque rock track that acts as the album opener is guaranteed to get people on their feet feeling the groove. The one-two punch style of the lyrical content sets a tone right off the bat giving a ton of energy to feed off of.

As the album plays, “On Our Way Down” continues with the up-tempo start and sounds like it will be a fan favorite when played live. An addictive crowd-sung echo of Wood’s lyrics have this effect on you that feels like it will be a hit for any party. The group slows it down a bit and Wood gets a bit more personal next, with one of my personal favorites “Lonely and Dreaming.” The mid-tempo arrangement and dreamy vibes of this track sound like they are taking us back to the airwaves of the late 90s.

The title track of the band’s second album “Rubble Town” comes in right at the sweet middle of the LP’s runtime. Introspection seems to come to Wood so easily, allowing listeners to get lost in the uplifting presence and personal reflection this song delivers.

The latter half of the album plays just a smooth on the way out as it does leading you into their world of pop-rock. The last moments of the record deliver high enrgy acoustic and percussion driven tracks that you just can’t fight the urge to want to shout and sing along.

Wood delivers 8 original tracks, albeit on the shorter side of playtime, the album is a completely cohesive piece of work that feels very definitive to who Michael Wood is, and just how talented he, and his band are.

With “Rubble Town” seeing it’s official release this past March, the group is about to get real busy with a handful of tour dates across Canada starting at the end of this week! Be sure to check their website here for the upcoming dates and bring your dancing shoes out as the show is sure to check be full energy. They’ve got some great videos up on their YouTube page from live gigs to get an idea of what your in for.

They’ve got some great videos up on their YouTube page from live gigs to get an idea of what your in for. Michael Wood band is not to be missed!

“Rubble Town” is available now via iTunes and other digital media markets. You can also stream the record over on the band’s website. Be sure to give it a spin! - Bandmark

Music

Michael Wood Band | Hopeful Alt-Rock
By Mister Riley James | May 5, 2015 0 Comments
13

LOVES

Hailing from B.C, this group of talented musicians bring to you their new LP. Frontman Michael Wood and his band bring to you “Rubble Town”. An engaging record that is full of addictive melodies and a refined alternative rock sound that could feel very pop at first, but represents influence from a collection of classic genres.

“Rubble Town” is Michael Wood and his band’s second studio effort and just like the first release, the musical ability, fresh vocals and perceptive lyrics are ever present. In such a saturated industry, Michael Wood Band will deliver a contemporary take on something that feels delightfully familiar.

Musician/Producer Shaun Verreault (Wide Mouth Mason) lends his production chops on to the group on the record, with Doug Naugler providing the engineering. Both of which have praised Wood for his talents, calling him the “quintessential songwriter” and one that will immediately connect to his fans with all the elements that make this music great.

While I was giving this album it’s first spin I found myself drawn in from the first verse and striking guitar rifts. This is a young man that is has made it clear this is what he is meant to be doing. “Coward’s a Question,” the up-tempo folk-esque rock track that acts as the album opener is guaranteed to get people on their feet feeling the groove. The one-two punch style of the lyrical content sets a tone right off the bat giving a ton of energy to feed off of.

As the album plays, “On Our Way Down” continues with the up-tempo start and sounds like it will be a fan favorite when played live. An addictive crowd-sung echo of Wood’s lyrics have this effect on you that feels like it will be a hit for any party. The group slows it down a bit and Wood gets a bit more personal next, with one of my personal favorites “Lonely and Dreaming.” The mid-tempo arrangement and dreamy vibes of this track sound like they are taking us back to the airwaves of the late 90s.

The title track of the band’s second album “Rubble Town” comes in right at the sweet middle of the LP’s runtime. Introspection seems to come to Wood so easily, allowing listeners to get lost in the uplifting presence and personal reflection this song delivers.

The latter half of the album plays just a smooth on the way out as it does leading you into their world of pop-rock. The last moments of the record deliver high enrgy acoustic and percussion driven tracks that you just can’t fight the urge to want to shout and sing along.

Wood delivers 8 original tracks, albeit on the shorter side of playtime, the album is a completely cohesive piece of work that feels very definitive to who Michael Wood is, and just how talented he, and his band are.

With “Rubble Town” seeing it’s official release this past March, the group is about to get real busy with a handful of tour dates across Canada starting at the end of this week! Be sure to check their website here for the upcoming dates and bring your dancing shoes out as the show is sure to check be full energy. They’ve got some great videos up on their YouTube page from live gigs to get an idea of what your in for.

They’ve got some great videos up on their YouTube page from live gigs to get an idea of what your in for. Michael Wood band is not to be missed!

“Rubble Town” is available now via iTunes and other digital media markets. You can also stream the record over on the band’s website. Be sure to give it a spin! - Bandmark

Victoria group, the Michael Wood Band is going all the way across the country to bring their music to Canadian Music Week. We had a nice chat with the boys about their upcoming show in Toronto.


Hammer Records: Tell us what you think of when you think Canadian Music?

Michael Wood Band: I think of killer good times. Canadians for whatever reason have this quality that sets us apart from the rest of the world. At every level you can just find amazing music from Wintersleep to the Dudes all the way up to Drake and the Weekend, Canadian music just has this energy to it. That one of the coolest things about CMW is the whole country getting together and acknowledging how hard we all f**king rock.




Hammer Records: How did you get involved in Canadian Music Week?

Michael Wood Band: Growing up touring and playing music in Canada CMW was always the goal. Just like every Canadian musician dreams of winning a Juno award or making it on to CBC’s Q playing CMW in Toronto is one of our earliest ambitions and we absolutely love it. It’s a highlight of the year and not just from a touring perspective. The people involved and the people of the city of Toronto are the perfect hosts. It really says a lot about the festival and the city that small town Victoria boys can come play and stay in a city that some of us have never been to and feel perfectly at home welcomed by the music community and by the people as a whole. This is our third year in a row playing here, and we will always include Toronto on our tour dates.




Hammer Records: What do you have planned for Canadian Music Week?

Michael Wood Band: Well we very much plan on being the hardest rocking and the most memorable band at the venue for the night. Pints will be drank, glasses will be smashed, dances will be danced and good times will be had by all. Come on by and we will buy you a beer.




Hammer Records: What message do you want to send to Canadians listening to your music?

Michael Wood Band: Have a good time. Music is fun it should always be fun and if we can get across and help people find even half the good times we get out of making and playing music for people across the country we’ll consider our job done. Life’s to short to not enjoy every second.




Hammer Records: Whats coming up for you?


Michael Wood Band: We’re always working on new music. Right now we are working on our third album, although we may release an EP ahead of that just because of all the new material. We will be in laying down tracks soon. Right now we’re just in the process of planning our summer tour , that will once again take us from coast to coast of this great country. Looking forward to seeing you Toronto.



As for where you can find our music the best experience is always going be live but make sure your ready to rock hard. Also we have these lovely links:



https://www.facebook.com/michaelwoodband/?ref=br_rs

https://themichaelwoodband.bandcamp.com/

https://twitter.com/michaelwoodband

https://www.reverbnation.com/themwb - Hammer Records