If you ask t michael wood how he ended up writing songs, his answer isn’t a straight line—it’s a journey. A journey of corporate success, family legacy, and a late-blooming but undeniable passion for storytelling through music.
The Making of a Songwriter
For nearly four decades, t michael wood was immersed in the corporate world, serving as Senior Partner and Vice President at a major consultancy, spearheading transformational programs in the global supply chain sector. A life of high-stakes decision-making and rigorous hours. But behind the scenes, another story was waiting to be told—one built on melody, memories, and the kind of storytelling that lingers long after the song fades.
“Storytelling has always been a key ingredient in my professional life,” wood reflects. “But I realized I wanted to apply those skills in a different way—through songwriting.”
Music had always been in his blood. His father, Mike Wood, was a beloved musician and songwriter, performing for over 50 years in their local community. From leading church congregations to playing retirement homes, bars, and family reunions, his father’s presence was defined by humor, heartfelt lyrics, and an undeniable ability to connect.
Still, despite growing up with music, wood didn’t fully embrace it until later in life. “I tried to play guitar a few times but never got very far,” he admits. That changed during the COVID pandemic, when his mother fell ill. Weekends spent taking care of her also meant time spent with his father—and one day, he picked up the guitar again.
“There was no pressure, no timeline,” wood says. “I just started playing. Then one night, after a couple of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ales, a chord progression came to me. The words followed, and suddenly, I had written my first song.”
And just like that, the floodgates opened.
Lyrics That Speak Truth
wood’s music is a fusion of Americana and Folk Rock, infused with blues and country influences. But more than anything, his songs are about storytelling. “I’m a songwriter first,” he emphasizes. “Each song has a core message, a lesson learned, or a journey worth taking.”
His lyrics don’t shy away from the raw, personal, or uncomfortable. “Listeners know when something is real,” wood explains. “I want my songs to be honest, even if they may be painful. But I also want them to evolve—to highlight the humor in life or take you somewhere you didn’t expect.”
From Boardrooms to Ballads
Transitioning from corporate leadership to songwriting wasn’t without its challenges. But wood brought with him a mindset that had served him well in business: perseverance.
“In my corporate career, things didn’t always go as planned,” he says. “You adapt, you learn, and you keep going. That’s the approach I take with my music.”
And it’s paying off. With 11 powerful songs ready to go, wood is planning a year-long rollout in 2025, dropping a new track each month leading up to his debut CD release. “This isn’t just about one album,” he clarifies. “This is about sharing stories, evolving as an artist, and connecting with people who see themselves in these songs.”
Looking Ahead
So where does he see himself in the coming years?
“I want to be a troubadour,” wood says without hesitation. “Someone who tells stories from the heart, stories that make people think. If one of my songs changes someone’s perspective or helps them through something, that’s success to me.”
It’s clear that t michael wood isn’t just making music—he’s crafting something lasting. Something bold, raw, and real. And as 2025 unfolds, song by song, the world will get to hear exactly what he has to say.
Find t michael wood’s latest releases on Spotify and YouTube.