Royal Wood: Say You Will
Emotionally expressive vocals and lush strings partner on this pop ballad.
By Kerry Doole
Royal Wood - Say You Will (Royal Wood Music Inc.): We last heard from this Toronto pop-rock songsmith back in January, when he released Live at Massey Hall, recorded at his last gig there before the famed venue closed for the revitalization project.
Wood returns to Massey for a show next February, and last week he released a new stand-alone single and video. The clip, directed by Prism Prize nominee Colin Medley, features home footage that was taken from across many decades, highlighting those small everyday moments in relationships (family, friends, romantic, pets, etc) we all need to recognize and appreciate.
Some high-profile help on the track comes from co-writer and co-producer Hill Kourkoutis (Serena Ryder), violinist/strings arranger Drew Jurecka (Jill Barber), and vocalist Michelle Willis (David Crosby). Wood plays guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion, piano, while Kourkoutis contributes electric guitar and programming.
Wood's emotionally expressive voice shines on ballads, and this song is no exception. Lush strings are used as an accompaniment, and remain just clear of becoming excessive. Sounds like a strong contender for adult contemporary airplay.
Links
Management/PR: Steve Zsirai, Zed Music Inc.
Booking (Canada): Tom Kemp, SL Feldman & Associates
From left: Joey Scolari, Tom Pistore, Keith Pelley, Wayne Zronik and Tim Leiweke speaking on State of the Industry panel at Departure at Toronto's Hotel X on May 8, 2025.Mike Highfield