Ottawa-born, Los Angeles-based pop prodigy elijah woods unleashed his infectious new single “Slicked Back Hair,” a chantable, buzz-worthy anthem that blends playful vulnerability with heartfelt transformation, offering fans an exhilarating preview of his long-awaited debut album Can We Talk?, set for release on October 14, 2025. Fresh off his electrifying headline tour across Asia, where sold-out shows in Taipei and Hong Kong, a marquee set at The Sounds Project in Jakarta, and standout performances at Japan’s iconic Summer Sonic Festival in Osaka and Tokyo left crowds roaring, woods returned with this vibrant track that became an instant fan favorite—teased online and belted out word-for-word by audiences before its official drop. Stream the single here, watch the official music video here, and pre-save the album here to join the whirlwind of over 1 billion global streams that define his independent rise. As Asia dominates his streaming landscape—with Indonesia at No. 2, the Philippines at No. 3, Taiwan at No. 5, India at No. 6, Malaysia at No. 8, Thailand at No. 9, and Singapore at No. 11—woods’ charisma continues to conquer, blending catchy melodies with raw emotion that pulls listeners into a captivating storm of heartache, hope, and self-discovery.
“Slicked Back Hair” is equal parts playful and heartfelt, a feel-good anthem about growth, vulnerability, and the kind of lasting connection that reshapes your world. As woods himself puts it, “This song is about meeting someone who changes everything—the kind of person who turns you from a caterpillar into a butterfly.” The track’s breezy, contagious softness, with its undeniable melodies and breezy pop hooks, reinforces woods’ reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting rising talents, as Bong Mines Entertainment noted in their September 12 review, calling it a vibrant call to feel inspired. Following his recent release “Ghost on the Radio,” the single gained momentum through early online teasers, transforming tour moments into communal sing-alongs where fans, already hooked, amplified its energy across sold-out venues. The official music video, directed with woods’ signature flair, captures this essence in vivid, relatable scenes of transformation and joy, while the lyric video offers an intimate layer for those dissecting every line. In a year where pop anthems like this one thrive on TikTok virality and Spotify playlists, “Slicked Back Hair” stands out for its clever production—woods handling vocals, songwriting, and engineering himself—creating a sound that’s both radio-ready and deeply personal, much like his earlier hits that racked up platinum and gold certifications.
The forthcoming album Can We Talk? marks a defining milestone for elijah woods, encapsulating five years of relentless hustle as a fully independent artist who has amassed over 1 billion global streams, built a loyal fanbase exceeding 5 million followers, and toured the world on his own terms without major label backing. After dropping five EPs—including Elijah Would!, Hey There Elijah, and silver lining all in 2024 alone—woods has carved a unique space in the pop landscape as a multi-faceted singer-songwriter and producer, renowned for irresistibly catchy melodies, vivid storytelling, and signature production that radiates raw emotion. The album dives deeper into the intimacy, vulnerability, and emotional depth that define his songwriting, while confidently leaning into the clever, infectious pop sound that fueled his ascent, blending elements of contemporary R&B, indie pop, and electronic flourishes that echo influences from artists like The Weeknd and Troye Sivan. As TotalNtertainment highlighted on September 12, this project is a “defining moment,” promising tracks that pull listeners into a whirlwind of everything in between heartache and hope, with woods’ work ethic and artistic vision setting him apart as one of pop’s most exciting stars—recently named among the top 500 artists worldwide.
Woods’ path to this breakthrough has been a masterclass in grassroots grit and global ambition. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, he burst onto the scene as a self-taught producer and performer, releasing his debut EP in 2020 amid the pandemic, which quickly garnered attention for its polished yet personal vibe. By 2023, he sold out his first Canadian headline tour, a feat that propelled him onto the international stage, where he opened for Niall Horan in Jakarta and took the stage at the Seoul Jazz Festival alongside Lauv, Jeremy Zucker, and JP Saxe. His 2024 Asia tour sold out in May, cementing his regional dominance, and this year’s ‘Give Me The Sunlight!’ tour ignited 12 cities, from Manila’s electric crowds to Bangkok’s humid nights, showcasing his ability to connect across cultures. Beyond music, woods’ charisma and bold fashion sensibility—think sleek suits and effortless cool—have landed him on the cover of Esquire Singapore, with features in The Greatest Magazine, VMAN SEA, and NYLON Manila, signaling his expanding influence in lifestyle and style spheres. As That Eric Alper noted on September 13, woods is “primed to make 2025 his biggest year yet,” with more coverage on the horizon that blends his pop prowess with visual storytelling.
The Asia connection runs deep for woods, where his streaming dominance reflects a fanbase that feels like family. Indonesia’s No. 2 spot underscores the tropical pulse of his beats resonating in Jakarta’s clubs, while the Philippines at No. 3 highlights Manila’s passionate embrace during his tour stop, where fans turned venues into sea of lights and chants. Taiwan’s No. 5, India’s No. 6, Malaysia’s No. 8, Thailand’s No. 9, and Singapore’s No. 11 paint a map of his ascent, fueled by viral moments like TikTok dances to “Slicked Back Hair” and Spotify playlists that keep his EPs spinning. This regional love isn’t just numbers—it’s the sold-out Taipei show where fans sang in harmony, or Hong Kong’s marquee energy that left him buzzing for days. Woods’ independent ethos shines here: no major label safety net, just pure hustle, from self-producing tracks in his L.A. studio to engineering live sets that feel intimate despite arena sizes.
Looking ahead, Can We Talk? promises to be the culmination of woods’ journey, a record that asks big questions through small, relatable moments—conversations over coffee turning into life-altering confessions, or late-night drives unpacking vulnerability. Tracks teased in tour setlists hint at a sonic evolution: upbeat bangers like “Slicked Back Hair” juxtaposed with stripped-back ballads that showcase his vocal range and production finesse. With four JUNO Award nominations under his belt, including nods for Songwriter of the Year and Breakthrough Artist, woods is no longer the underdog—he’s the one collaborators like Lauv and Jeremy Zucker call for features, as seen in his festival collabs. His recent gig opening for Falling In Reverse, Hollywood Undead, and Point North at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on September 10, 2025, as That Eric Alper reported, bridged pop and rock worlds, proving his versatility.
As 2025 unfolds, woods is set for even bigger waves: more tour dates, potential collabs teased in interviews, and a fashion line hinted at in VMAN SEA. Fans on X are already dissecting “Slicked Back Hair,” with posts like @elijahwoodsmusic’s behind-the-scenes clips racking up likes, and playlist curators adding it to “Pop Rising” rotations. Pre-saving Can We Talk? isn’t just anticipation—it’s joining a movement where pop meets authenticity, vulnerability becomes strength, and a caterpillar’s transformation inspires millions. Stream “Slicked Back Hair” now, watch the video for its sunny visuals, and get ready for October 14: elijah woods isn’t just talking—he’s redefining the conversation in pop music.
Rome is a freelance writer and photographer. He brings a fresh perspective to the indie music scene and highlights emerging artists and underground movements. His writing style is drawn from personal experiences and a deep love for the art form.