Elijah Woods teases what’s in store on his summer Asia Tour 2025
An unforgettable show
It’s always exciting when a talented act is bound for our shores, and Elijah Woods is certainly one such artist who deserves the anticipation and attention. With his melodic alt-pop sensibilities, Woods’ knack for catchy grooves, playful deliveries, and vivid storytelling make him one of this generation’s emerging musical stars.
His solo debut in 2021 with ‘Lights’ gained recognition in his home country of Canada, and it didn’t take long for the rest of the world to take notice of his effervescent songwriting and production style with viral hits such as ‘24/7, 365’, ‘Fingers Crossed’, and ‘ilu’.
Notably, Woods has built a rapidly growing fanbase in Asia, with Malaysia dominating his Top 10 streaming markets worldwide at number five. It comes as no surprise that the hitmaker completed a sold-out Asia tour in 2024 and is back for more this year with a brand-new headlining Asia summer tour.
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Ahead, we speak to the multi-talented artist about how his 2025 Give Me The Sunlight Asia Tour will be bigger and better, and what Malaysian fans can look forward to come August.
Congratulations on your sold-out tour last year! You’re gearing up for another headlining Asia tour. How is this year going to be different?
Thank you! Last year was one of those whirlwind experiences. The fact that one, anyone even showed up, and two, it sold out so quickly? I was just beyond myself and extremely grateful for that. This year, I feel like I’m more mentally prepared. I’m investing more concise energy to make the shows exactly how I want them to be.
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It’s honestly shaped how I made music in the past year because I wanted songs that worked well live, were exciting for me to play on stage, and fun for people to sing-along to. The tour has opened up another vehicle of creativity for me, so I’m very excited.
How would you describe your experience with Malaysian fans?
The word that comes to mind is patience. Last year, I remember people were already camped out waiting under the beating sun, even though I didn’t have an opening act. There was also limited water and I felt so bad when I arrived for soundcheck. I was handing out water like, “Are you okay?” and everyone was so sweet and said they were fine.
And then when the doors were opened, everyone just sat on the floor waiting for the show to start. In no way does this ever happen in North America. People here really have a deep appreciation and patience for the things they want to see, which is so cool.
Is there going to be an opening act at your show this year?
I have a few things I’m working on, and I hope I can make it happen. If not, I’ll figure something out. Maybe I’ll do some magic tricks, who knows? [laughs]
What do you think about when you curate your set lists? Are they different depending on the countries you visit?
For me, it’s about whatever is going to make the deepest and most personal connection with the place that I’m in. Last year in Kuala Lumpur, the fans kept asking for a song called ‘Phantom Pain’, which I don’t play at all! It’s slow, and honestly quite dark? I was like, “Y’all are kinda sad!” [laughs]
The song is one of my favourites, but I never play it at shows; we don’t even rehearse it. So my approach this year is to take notes from last year’s shows and find out which songs people really like. That way, I can curate it slightly every night.
I’m still in the midst of programming the show because we’re a few months out, plus I have new music coming out before that too so a lot can change. But I want to say that about 85 per cent of the set is going to be the same, with some key moments that are going to change depending on which city I’m in.
I’m trying to work on singing a verse of my song in the local language. Just saying it out loud right now is already putting so much pressure on myself because it’s so hard! But I’m going to try—just know the intention is there, no matter how bad I sound.
You have a ton of fans in Asia! Does that surprise you?
It surprises me that anyone wants to listen to my music [laughs]. As you can see, I don’t take myself too seriously. I just love making music, and it’s a huge outlet for me. I’m not here thinking I’m going to change the world with my music or anything but to watch the songs do that for some people, it’s insane.
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The fact that my music is resonating so much with people in Asia is so cool and unexpected. I’m extremely grateful. Everytime I come to Southeast Asia, I feel so welcomed and attached, if I can say that? Everyone is so friendly and they care! There is a huge appreciation for art here that I don’t think exists in many other places. It makes me think more intentionally about my music. Y’all inspire me, I love you guys!
Are there any artists in Asia that you would love to collaborate with?
Absolutely. There’s an artist I’m working with right now called eaJ, who’s just incredible and awesome. I produced a song for him and I’m very excited about it. In fact, here’s a funny story about our meeting. At this time, I had just moved into my house and invited him over to work on music together.
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Literally within the first five seconds of walking in, he spills the freshly brewed coffee I made for him right on the carpet. So I get the carpet cleaner out, fix it, make him another coffee—and he spills it again! It was the most insane thing ever [laughs]. But we had a blast and it’s something I’ll always remember.
What are you most excited to present in your 2025 Asia tour?
I’m very excited to play new music. My latest song ‘Could You Love Me’ is one of my favourite songs I’ve ever made. I wrote it during the LA fires when we had to evacuate and ended up in this hotel in Palm Springs. One day, I had my guitar out and a few of my friends started jamming. Within 20 minutes, we came up with this awesome idea. I loved it a lot and finished the song so quickly.
Apart from that, there will be a pile of new music coming out from now until the summer tour. So I’m excited to show all this new material and even newer versions of older songs. This might be a bit bold but my goal is to do as many songs as I can within a short period of time.
For example, mash-ups of songs I rarely play, so I can make sure people still get to hear their favourite song live. Last year, I performed about 21 songs, and I still had fans saying I didn’t do this song or that song [laughs]. So I’m trying to get creative on how I integrate songs together so that doesn’t happen again!
You have a huge fanbase in Malaysia. Can you share some words with your Malaysian fans who can’t wait to see you this summer?
Yes, I see it and I love it; it makes me so happy. I’m very excited to see my Malaysian fans again this year. Please bring a water bottle and stay hydrated in the hot weather because I want you to last the whole 17-hour set where I’m going to be singing your favourite songs [laughs]. It’s going to be really fun. Thank you for showing up for me, listening to my music, and continuously supporting me.
It’s been a weird year since I left Malaysia. I got married, moved halfway across the world; and had a falling out with a friend. As I’m preparing for this tour, I feel like my life is now coming back to symbiosis, and you guys are a reflection of that because of your constant love and support. I will see you very soon, Malaysia!
Catch Elijah Woods live in KL on 9 August by purchasing concert tickets here.
For more music reads, head here.
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