Nashville-based trio The Woods joins the Bar Conversations for a wide-ranging chat about music, friendship, songwriting, and the unlikely paths that brought Dan O’Rourke, Raquel Cole, and Leland Rooney together. Dan shares the wild story of winning a karaoke contest at a retirement community in Arizona before going on NBC’s The Voice, while Leland and Raquel talk about their own journeys through Nashville and what drew them to build something together as a band. The trio also discusses forming The Woods during the COVID lockdowns, their three-part harmonies, musical influences, growing up in different parts of North America, and the story behind their name.

The Woods also take us inside their latest single “Same Boat,” the making of its music video, and their upcoming song “Break It.” They discuss their love of putting their own spin on cover songs, balancing multiple lead singers and guitarists, Dan’s background as a history major and its influence on their songwriting, and what’s next for the band. From Nashville residencies and touring with Tim McGraw to The All-Star Nashville Road Show, the trio reflects on life onstage and what makes performing together special.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Bardstown Cascadia Garryana Oak