Meet Whitney Wood | Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Wood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I began singing in college as a way to be around friends and avoid any homework. I always knew music was in my family, but had never committed to it as a hobby, and especially not a career move. Upon graduating, after switching majors, ditching most of my classes, and joining different musical groups on campus, I realized it was a passion that I was determined to pursue as my life’s calling. I leaned into the “gig” life and performed with friends all over Hollywood and anywhere that would that would call me back. I even frequented the infamous “craigslist” for opportunities. The road was very sketchy and definitely not for the faint of heart. I was given high praise and told I wasn’t very good. I didn’t care either way because I loved the feeling of performing and having my band with me. It felt like we were making magic, even if only I thought that. It was terrifying and empowering to pursue something so few have the guts to do. The reason I pursued being a singer is because of the way I get lost in music. It’s the way I can express myself through each lyric I sing. I get to have passion and be different things to different songs. I can’t imagine committing my life’s work to anything else. I am motivated by the way people’s lives can literally be changed from something I sing. I get a second wind when someone tells me how a song I’ve written or something I sang opened up some place inside themselves. I began singing because it was how I had to find myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Over the years I have developed into an artist/songwriter/session singer and worship leader. I am really proud of the songs I have released as an artist and who I collaborated with on those songs. I am honored to get to be in rooms with some of the biggest names in the industry as well as sing with, and for them. My first professional job that launched me into a lucrative career was singing background vocals at the GRAMMYS. I will never forget the call. I was shopping in Forever 21 at the mall and I answered my phone while in the sweater section. Until then, I had been singing at clubs, churches, bars, weddings, you name it. But this call, this is what made me realize I was making it. All my hustling and networking and working hard; this was the moment I became a professional. It got even harder from there and learning how to play the game was hard. I’m really proud of following my heart, but also being myself. It’s enticing to want to people please everyone and say yes to everything even if you’re not comfortable with it. I had to learn that if it was for me, and I worked hard, there was nothing holding me back from my dreams.
I have had to push through intense physical health battles with chronic illness that have made me second guess myself all along the way. I want someone to know that I not only fought for my dreams, I never let go of why I started. It can be easy to get jaded, easy to do it for money and easy to produce what you think other people want from you. I said no when I wanted to say yes because in the end, I had a vision of what I wanted for my career and life. My heart has been broken by friends and others in the industry. But it’s all been worth it to see where God has brought me. I have so much more I want to accomplish, but my story is one of redemption and restoration. I want others to know that their life has so much purpose and meaning. Someone might not appreciate what you have and who you are, but find the ones who do and run after your dreams together.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love Los Angeles. I think there is so much beauty and such different sites that you can’t get in other states. I would start a week long trip at New Port Beach with a coffee from KIT or a Brunch at Haute Cakes Caffe or Malibu Farms. We’d hang at the beach all day and maybe get a water front view for dinner at Javier’s after walking down the boardwalk or going whale watching. The week might also include a beautiful hike at Crystal Cove or maybe over at Mt. Baldy for some waterfalls and views. A work day favorite is at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena near the gardens or on their beautiful patio. Some favorite spots to hit up in LA are Tacos 1986, EP and LP or Mamas Shelter to hang at their beautiful rooftop bar. I would love to see a live band at Hotel Cafe or a venue in Hollywood. A favorite of all time is seeing live jazz and making a picnic at the Hollywood Bowl. In the summer, it’s so stunning. Most important, I would have to take my friends to a Laker game at Staple Center. That would be a perfect week!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to shout out all my beautiful creatives that I started with when we knew absolutely nothing about music or the music industry, but loved every moment of starting. Shout out to Kesha, Marques, Jonté, David, Ahsohn, Moses, Josiah, Justin, Sean, Leo, Genesis, Josh, Sabrina, Holly, Omari, Aaron. It’s with these friends I explored what it meant to have family and create beautiful music. Shout out to the ones who got me my first jobs; Nelson Beato, Stevie Mackey, Jason White

Website: https://www.whitneywoodmusic.com/

Instagram: @whitneywoodmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNVOKOBfpbECAZRY757-lZw

Image Credits
Juliann Cheryl