Interview: Australian Singer-Songwriter Woodes Talks New EP 'Kingdom Come'

Written by Camila Sorrentino

Australian singer-songwriter and alternative-pop enigma Elle Graham, known artistically as Woodes, creates engaging cinematic music that takes the listener on a journey with every play. She released her self-titled debut EP in 2016 and her first full-length album Crystal Ball in 2020, which NME rated 4/5 stars, and collaborated with Set Mo in 2017 for the Australian-certified platinum “I Belong Here.” Her most recent and lyrically-mature work, the Kingdom Come EP, came out this past June 9th. After touring with the likes of Thelma Plum, Asgier and Sylvan Esso, securing spots at festivals like Splendour in the Grass, SXSW, and headlining her own shows, Woodes also gained extensive live-performance experience.

The Kingdom Come EP showcases both sonic and lyrical growth through a cohesive and emotional yet optimistic piece of work in captivating, anthemic tracks. Find out the behind-the-scenes scoop on the songs and the artist behind all the magic:

Camila: What inspired you to start the Kingdom Come EP, and did you encounter any obstacles in the process? What story is the record trying to tell?

Woodes: “Kingdom Come” was the first song I wrote for this release. I had just gone through a breakup from a long term relationship that had taken a while to unfold & I was looking at how the life I’d been building had crumbled in front of me. Kingdom Come was the questioning of what went wrong and reflecting on how nobody won anything in the end. It was a moment where there was a lot of sadness, but also a lot of optimism about all of the roads I could take from that place. Around me Queensland was flooding, there was war breaking out internationally. I was living out of a suitcase for a year – house sitting, visiting friends, moving interstate. Writing this was all about the personal process and the song, “Kingdom Come” is where it began.

Camila: The growth in your music is evident, especially in this project in which you explore new sounds and showcase mature lyricism. What do you think prompted and fostered this growth?

Woodes: Thank you. I think for this, the gift of time probably had a part with the growth in maturity. I was writing the lyrics in a very open room where I was the main writer and Danny was brilliant at being a sounding board and editor. We have a great process and trust in each other, so it was cool to be in a really delicate space internally, but figuring it out … out loud. I love that songwriting can have this therapeutic nature, as you process out loud in a room. In my first album there were a bunch of co-writes and different cities, experiences and trips that all condensed into a record. For this it was me and one of my best friends in a room, where I’d go into the studio and go home to the apartment. I was all in it. I was focused on one subject, too.

Camila: Your approach to music has been described to be cinematic, lively, and all-encapsulating, as made apparent by your music videos. What inspires these sorts of visuals and ideas from you?

Woodes: Every song I write has a visual in my head and I began producing and writing inspired by soundtracks, so I think it's just my natural approach. 

Camila: Did you collaborate with anyone on this record? 

Woodes: I worked with Danny Harley [who performs as The Kite String Tangle] on this EP. We have created songs for Woodes in the past, like Close, Euphoria and we actually also have a duo project called “Tornado Club” – so we’re very used to writing together. I haven't ever gone into a project and only worked with one core collaborator in a kind of ‘executive producer’ role, but I trust Danny and knew we could make something really special together. Life would happen around these song trips, we got to dip in and out of each other's lives throughout the year. It felt very sustainable and made me walk along one path to go from A-B. You’d pop back in and open up the work and keep building together. I think it brought out a really cool side of my focus & it also allowed for us to delve deeper in the story telling. 

Camila: The album has plenty of vulnerable moments, but I believe “Magic” might be the most personal because of its profound, detailed lyrics. What does this song mean to you, and how do you hope it will connect with the listener?

Woodes: Thank you. “Magic” was scary to write because it felt like putting my diary on a table. I had family and friends message me on its release. I wanted to capture really specific memories, but also get across the idea that the love was always good – it just didn’t work.

Camila: "Forever After” and “Kingdom Come” are arguably the most upbeat tracks on the EP. Is this the reason you chose the former as the lead single and the latter as the title track? Or what was the thought process behind picking them?

Woodes: Sometimes you write things and they are magnetic and you know they are probably what might connect as the start or end of something. I knew immediately that “Forever After” was the opener & the thus, the first single. I knew “Rescue” was the closer. I knew that the EP was called Kingdom Come & that made sense for it to be the main song on the day. It all really just clicked into place. My favourite song on the EP is “The Girl.” I hope there’s a place for all of them to find a home.

Camila: “Lifetime” feels like a hopeful song that makes you want to get together with the people you love and enjoy life, making it a perfect soft summer anthem. Was this what you had in mind when you wrote the song and created the music video?

Woodes: “Lifetime” was a beautiful summation of life and how I’m viewing the road ahead. I had a chat with my dad when I was in the tough part of the relationship ending and I told him I wish I was older or wiser, to know what to do with the situation… and he said ‘This is the time when wisdom is learned.’ I wrote that into the second verse. I was thinking in a post lockdown world where I wanted to visit and who I wanted to see… It made sense to me to let the music video be an unfolding of a summer day with friends. I was seeking sustainability and connection, so that’s what we focused on.

Camila: With modeling experience, you seem to merge fashion and music in your projects. How do you connect clothing and style with song composition?

Woodes: I love wearing clothing that makes me feel strong and confident. Fashion can be like armor. I usually wear flowy things on stage and structured, high necked things in photoshoots. For Kingdom Come I was wearing a lot of sustainable hiking brands and stripping the styling back to more of who I am as Elle. 

Camila: As an experienced performer from festivals, supporting acts, and headliner, what did you learn about your music and how it is received when playing it live for an audience? Did it change your perspective and goals on future projects?

Woodes: At the start of performing my music was quite reflective and less percussive. I built the show and then began to experiment with bigger drums and quicker tempos. I love having a live show that’s fun and upbeat. Festivals can be like that too – I want to take my audience on a journey and in time I can't wait to have lighting and visuals on display.

Woodes revealed she will share information about a tour soon, planning “to make it a very special return.” Also teasing the next few “Meadow Sessions,” make sure to stay up to date on her future endeavors: