A Legacy of Collaboration and Loss

Donovan Woods has established himself as a master storyteller, crafting songs that are both intimately personal and universally relatable. His previous album, Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now, garnered widespread praise for its lyrical depth and evocative melodies. Squander Your Gifts represents a continuation of this artistic exploration, but with a rawer, more vulnerable edge, born from the profound grief of losing a close creative partner.

Abe Stoklasa was more than just a writing partner to Woods; he was a unique musical force. Woods describes Stoklasa’s melodic approach as something entirely his own, defying easy categorization even within the vast landscape of popular music. “You couldn’t hear the jumping-off point in his ideas,” Woods shared in a statement. “He somehow started and finished lines of lyric and melody in ways that consistently surprised and left-footed me.”

The lead single, “I Talk About You,” encapsulates this sentiment, serving as both a lament for Stoklasa’s absence and a celebration of his singular talent. The song delves into the complexities of grief, acknowledging the frustration of unrealized potential alongside a deep appreciation for the gifts Stoklasa possessed and wielded on his own terms. Woods reflects on the internal conflict of wanting to help a friend struggling with life’s challenges while respecting their autonomy and artistic vision.

Did You Know?: Donovan Woods initially gained recognition through independent online releases before signing with a major label, demonstrating the power of direct artist-to-fan connection in the modern music industry.

Tour Dates and Ticket Information

Fans will have multiple opportunities to experience the new material live as Woods joins the Paper Kites on tour. The tour kicks off with dates in Texas and expands across the United States and Canada. The Canadian leg of the tour has recently been expanded to include nine additional performances in Ontario, offering fans even more chances to see Woods perform.

Here’s a complete list of the confirmed tour dates:

• April 16, 2026 – London, ON – The Aeolian Hall
• April 17, 2026 – Hamilton, ON – The Westdale
• April 18, 2026 – Gravenhurst, ON – Gravenhurst Opera House
• April 21, 2026 – Kitchener, ON – Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts
• April 23, 2026 – Sarnia, ON – Imperial Theatre
• April 24, 2026 – Ridgeway, ON – The Sanctuary
• April 25, 2026 – St. Catharines, ON – St. Thomas’s Anglican Church
• April 28, 2026 – Oshawa, ON – Biltmore
• April 29, 2026 – Paris, ON – River’s Edge at the Arlington
• May 1, 2026 – Austin, TX – Emo’s Austin^
• May 2, 2026 – Dallas, TX – The Echo Lounge & Music Hall^
• May 4, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl Nashville^
• May 6, 2026 – Washington, D.C. – 9:30 Club^
• May 7, 2026 – Boston, MA – Royale^
• May 8, 2026 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts^
• May 9, 2026 – New York, NY – Webster Hall^
• May 10, 2026 – Montreal, QC – MTELUS^
• May 12, 2026 – Toronto, ON – History^
• May 14, 2026 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues Chicago^
• May 15, 2026 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue^
• May 17, 2026 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre^
• May 19, 2026 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom^
• May 20, 2026 – Vancouver, BC – The Centre for Performing Arts^
• May 21, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre^
• May 26, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern^
• November 11–15, 2026 – Miami, FL – Moon River at Sea

^ with the Paper Kites

Tickets for the tour are available for purchase through Ticketmaster and other authorized ticket vendors. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness Donovan Woods’s captivating live performance and experience the emotional depth of Squander Your Gifts.

What does it mean to truly honor the legacy of a creative collaborator? And how can art serve as a vehicle for processing grief and finding meaning in loss?

Frequently Asked Questions About Donovan Woods and ‘Squander Your Gifts’

• What is Donovan Woods’ new EP about?

  Squander Your Gifts is a deeply personal EP dedicated to the memory of Donovan Woods’s late friend and writing partner, Abe Stoklasa. The songs explore themes of grief, loss, and the enduring power of creative collaboration.

• When is ‘Squander Your Gifts’ being released?

  The EP is scheduled for release on February 27th. Fans can pre-save the album on streaming platforms now.

• Who is Donovan Woods touring with?

  Donovan Woods is joining the Australian indie-folk band, the Paper Kites, on their spring tour. He will be performing on select dates throughout North America.

• Where can I find tickets for the Donovan Woods tour?

  Tickets are available for purchase through Ticketmaster and other authorized ticket vendors. Check Donovan Woods’s official website for links and updated tour information.

• What was Abe Stoklasa’s influence on Donovan Woods’s music?

  Abe Stoklasa was a significant creative force in Donovan Woods’s life, known for his unique melodic sensibility and lyrical approach. Woods describes Stoklasa as a constant source of inspiration and a challenging collaborator.