In Denver, a city with a thriving arts community, a new band called Northwoods has been building momentum since forming in 2022. The quartet brings together four experienced musicians, each with their own distinct style and energy. This isn’t just another rock band playing shows around town. It’s a group that came together with serious intent.
Singer-songwriter Austin Woods founded the band with a clear vision for what he wanted to create. His lyrics explore the full range of human experience, capturing both the high points and the struggles in ways that feel genuine. Marcello Sanchez handles drums with precision and power, anchoring the band’s rhythm section. Brendan Comer’s bass work adds weight and texture to their songs, while Luke William’s guitar playing ties everything together.
Musically, Northwoods draws from rock, blues, soul, and country, covering everything from ’90s and ’00s favorites to their own material. Their influences run deep, pulling from Eric Clapton and Ian Mackaye to bands like Fugazi and Earthless. What comes out is something that respects where these genres came from while still sounding like Northwoods. The range connects with different kinds of listeners.
Luke William’s background shapes much of what Northwoods does. He started playing music at 15, cutting his teeth in punk and rock bands before moving to Los Angeles to study sound production. After working in the LA music scene, he came back to Colorado with a broader perspective on what music could be. During the pandemic, he branched out into podcasting and audiobooks, eventually launching Luke William Productions LLC in 2023. That experience shows up in how Northwoods approaches their sound and their live performances.
The band’s goal is straightforward: write music that connects with people on a real level. They want their songs to reflect actual emotions and experiences, the kind that listeners recognize in their own lives. “Our music is honest,” Luke (Guitar) explains. There’s no pretense here, just four musicians pulling from what they know and care about to create something that feels authentic.
Northwoods released their latest single ‘Memories’ on April 21st this year. The four-minute track demonstrates what they’re capable of, blending their mix of genres with the kind of polish that comes from years of experience. ‘Memories’ sounds like the work of musicians who’ve been doing this for a while, which makes sense given their backgrounds. The music video shows them in their element, working through the creative process. You can find it on Spotify and YouTube, and it sets a solid foundation for what’s ahead.
The band has shows lined up at The Black Buzzard in Denver later this month (May 24), and at The Town Hall Social (June 25).
What Northwoods has built reflects Denver’s music scene at its best: diverse, grounded, and committed to the craft. Whether they’re playing a cover that brings back memories or an original that gets heads moving, the band creates space for people to just enjoy the music. As they continue making their mark in Denver, Northwoods is focused on doing what they do well, playing shows, writing songs, and connecting with audiences who appreciate the work.
To learn more, check out Northwoods on their official website or follow and connect with them via Instagram.
