Elijah Woods Releases Debut LP, Can We Talk?

Singer, songwriter, and producer Elijah Woods has released his highly anticipated debut LP, Can We Talk?, a collection of songs where vulnerable lyrics meet undeniably catchy, upbeat melodies. Having released five EPs in the last three years, fans have been eagerly awaiting his first full length record, and Woods more than delivers. Balancing the upbeat, stuck-in-your-head melodies with the raw emotion of the more personal subject matter, the tracklist covers the full scope of hope, heartache, and everything in between. Perfect for singing in the car or dancing along to in the kitchen, the record captures the magnetic draw of Woods' songwriting as he delves into what he says is “the most personal project I’ve ever made.” Elijah sat down for Off The Record to talk more about the release of Can We Talk? 

1. Congratulations on your debut LP! How was the process of deciding what songs ended up on the final tracklist for the record?

Thank you! Narrowing it down was definitely one of the hardest parts. I wrote like 150 songs in the process of making Can We Talk?, and each one represented a different moment or emotion I was working through. Eventually it came down to what felt the most honest and cohesive as a story. I wanted the songs to connect to each other not just sonically, but emotionally. Once I had that through-line, everything else fell into place pretty naturally.

2. Can We Talk? is a very vulnerable album, how does it feel putting some of those more personal emotions out there? What was that writing process like?

It’s definitely scary at times, but it’s also where I feel most myself. I think the best songs come from being uncomfortable, experiencing new things, and when you’re willing to say the thing you’d usually keep to yourself. Writing this album was very cathartic for me. I had to be super honest, not just about other people, but about my own role in certain situations. 

3. How do you want people to feel when listening to Can We Talk?

I hope it feels like a conversation with a friend, where you leave feeling a little lighter, even if you just talked about heavy stuff. The album covers heartbreak, ego, self-reflection, and growth, but at its core, it’s about connection. I want people to hear it and feel seen on some level.

4. For first-time listeners, what three songs of yours would you want them to hear and why?

I’d say “Exercise Your Demons,” because it captures not taking yourself too seriously; “Cutting The Grass,” which really set the tone for the album’s sound; and “I Miss You,” because it’s kinda a bop. Those three together give a good snapshot of who I am as an artist right now.

5. What can listeners expect in the future?

I’m already deep into writing what comes next. It’s still honest and emotional, but I’m exploring new sonics and pushing things a little further. There’s also more live stuff on the way, and hopefully more chances to connect in person with the people who’ve been listening since the beginning. The next chapter feels really exciting.

Stream Can We Talk? out now wherever you find music.