Woodsmen
Woodsmen are an emerging Dublin based independent Folk-Rock band looking to make a lasting mark on the Irish music scene
Woodsmen are an emerging Dublin based independent Folk-Rock band looking to make a lasting mark on the Irish music scene. The band was formed in BIMM Institute by songwriter Arron Woods (Rhythm Guitar/ Vocals) who recruited renowned musicians Cam Teehan (Drums) and Josh Hackett (Lead Guitar). They create an exciting Rock & Roll sound that honours the distinct history of Irish Rock merged with the philosophical freedom of the Folk landscape. Their implementation of considered melody will entice you to sing along to their songs regardless of how many times you’ve listened to them. The band's amalgamation of genre creates a nostalgically fresh and engaging sound, making you think you’ve been listening to them for years. Woodsmen pays homage to the Folk Rock sphere of the late 60s and early 70s, through the fusion of acoustic and electric instrumentation, earthy natural drum tones, the utilisation of harmonies and the multitude of electric guitar textures associated with country, roots rock and rock & roll,
Since their inception, Woodsmen have had the pleasure of playing alongside some of Ireland's brightest talent including Casey Harris (The 2024 Dublin Rose) and have had the privilege of playing support for the late Christy Dignam and Joe Jewell on their intimate acoustic show Some Songs and Stories. The band have had considerable success with features from renowned outlets such as Hot Press, IMRO and radioplay on Dublin City FM as well as multiple Spotify playlist adds from the likes of First Music Contact and Genuine Irish. They have garnered notable acclaim as a band capable of exhibiting exhilarating and versatile live performances having been booked for festivals such as Jameson’s ‘Whelan’s Ones To Watch’ and ‘Fair Days’ at Camus Farm. Woodsmen have played a range of live venues across Dublin while achieving multiple successful headline shows in Whelan’s.
With their third single ‘Brighter Love’, releasing May 16th, Woodsmen comment on the current, daunting social climate both within Ireland as well as the wider world. The song is a rock anthem against the growing acceptance of hate, homelessness and violence that makes everyday life all the more uncertain thus marking a new chapter on their journey through the Irish Music Industry.
Born To Run - Bruce Springsteen
Arron: The song is a fiery energetic, classic rock n roll track that encapsulates a yearning for freedom. Springsteen draws on his working class roots depicting a repressive town that will beat you down and take everything from you and with his ragged, gritty, unpolished vocal hammers home the need to leave, romanticising the prospect of potential escapism. The subject matter of class and escapism is similarly something we regularly try to explore in our music and for me Springsteen’s Born to Run and so many others is a key influence. In general Springsteen to me is a voice for freedom, wisdom and reason, when you listen to his music you feel part of it, it speaks to you. There’s an accessibility in his writing that I try to kind of learn from.
This Is - Aslan
Arron: As a Finglas Native, the influence that Aslan has had on me, could not be understated. They were always on in the house, you know. For me, This Is, is so beautifully written, it takes you on a journey through all these different souls that are trying to find themselves and it’s so descriptive. It’s a fantastic example of marrying exceptional lyricism with melody. The live version from Made in Dublin 1999 in Vicar is one of the best examples of crowd engagement I’ve ever seen. It’s just an honest song and that's why Aslan are a band that are so beloved by the Irish people and more, because they’re an honest hardworking band that we identify with! For me Aslan definitely had an influence on the sound and feel we were going for on Brighter Love. May Christy rest in peace. What a voice both in and outside the song.
Let In Outside - The Bures Band
Cam: A band I've recently come across that surprised me when I saw this particular tune was only released in 2023. Instantly I could hear some influence from the 70s giants such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as elements of James Taylor demonstrated in the pretty masterful acoustic guitar performance throughout the whole song. Also a huge fan of songs with a harmonised lead vocal throughout the whole track!
Mellow Peaches - R.L Burnside
Cam: For me, it all starts with the likes of R.L Burnside. One voice, one guitar, all recorded live - rough and ready. The infectious groove of this track is so impressive to me. You can really sense the dedication to his performance. At the core of my musical interest has always been the Delta blues, and this has been a standout track to me forever.
Lodi - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Cam: It was hard to pick a song of the "Green River" album as my highlight track, but I opted for Lodi as it's a great reminder to me as to how talented John Fogerty was as a writer, not only at folk music, but pop music! Whenever this album is on, I find myself jealous of the people who would've heard this for the first time on the radio. The simplicity of the instrumentation on this particular song helps the melody shine through, one I find myself whistling pretty often. Creedence are a great example of an inspiration to our group too, always brandishing earthy tones and honest, narrative lyricism.
Subtle Art Of Past - Sarah Crean
Josh: Love the blend of sounds in this. Great production. Her voice is amazing, and the percussive picking sound in the verses is like lovely branches hitting off a window in my ears. Catchy Irish Tune that feels like listening to Stevie Nicks through a wormhole to a parallel universe - one which I've had on repeat
Sundown - Gordon Lightfoot
Josh: Recently been listening to this album all the time, feels like a good companion to the scorching weather we've been having. The glassy, tape-y 70s acoustics really stand out. Those harmonies when they come in hit you like a wave. Great songwriter!
Hey, Hey what can I do - Led Zeppelin
Josh: Feels like a hidden gem to me, only for the fact I've never heard it until a few months ago. Nothing like finding a shiny new (to you) song from a band you feel like you've heard everything from. The unison Mandolin and bass riffs are particularly juicy. It's Led Zeppelin, needn't say much more.
Carole King - You’ve Got a Friend
Arron: I chose this song because it’s a beautiful song that sums up loyalty and friendship. It’s so well arranged too, the way the song builds up in arrangement with the string quartet, James Taylor’s guitar, congas and Joni Mitchell’s backing vocals is stunning. The arrangement gets brighter towards the end and it correlates perfectly with the subject matter of being there for a friend in need. That album Tapestry is a phenomenal album, so powerful and delicate. I have worn out the vinyl. Carole King was such a big part of that Laurel Canyon Folk Rock scene of the 70s, which in my opinion is one of the golden eras of songwriting, a huge inspiration for us.
Christine’s Tune - Flying Burrito Brothers
Cam: The characteristics of this particular song are some of the most inspiring to country rock'n roll writers like ourselves. Percussive acoustic guitar patterns, lead lines taken by the lap-steel, and a song foundation so strong that even a tambourine can have a definitive and memorable part! The essence of this genre feels like it's made to be enjoyed in a live setting, something we strive to recreate through our own music.