Magpie Brain & Other Stories

Will Wood is a Hardcore Troubadour straight out of New Zealand preserving the traditions of country/folk story-telling all wrapped up in a punk rock attitude. By day he works as a psychiatric nurse and spends his spare time rescuing and rehabilitating neglected dogs. As a musician he has collaborated both on and off stage with artists like Tami Neilson, Hopetoun Brown, Delaney Davidson, Marlon Williams, The Eastern and Skyscraper Stan as well as playing support for international acts like Shakey Graves, JD McPherson, The Handsome Family, Wagons and Mick Harvey. Will's adherence to the values of minstrels like Woody Guthrie has seen him adopt a willingness to play anywhere at any time. He's just at home touring with large acts - playing festivals & concert venues, as he is at playing in living rooms / basements and busking on street corners all over the world.

'Magpie Brain & Other Stories', Woods' second, is an album with a focus on the craft of songwriting and keeping this craft fresh and unique, featuring much of the storytelling aspects that go hand-in-hand with this genre of music. Many tales of life on the road are featured, as well as the usual tried-and-true country themes of heartbreak, death and alcoholism. Some of the dark aspects brightened up somewhat by Wood's wry delivery and ability to marry heavy lyrical content with uplifting musical backing, aided by his small team of superb musicians.