Wood's piano-led style often changes from one song to the next, drawing influence from folk, pop, jazz, rock and roll, latin music, doo wop, and klezmer. He is also known for his unconventional use of tenor and baritone ukulele. When recording in studio or performing live with his band, "the Tapeworms", he has mostly been accompanied by Mike Bottiglieri on guitar, Matt Berger on alto saxophone, Mario Conte on drums, Vater Boris on bass, and Rob Schaefer on trumpet.[1][7] The band is known for high energy live performances.[8]

Wood primarily performs solo, his shows featuring a combination of music, monologue, and stand-up comedy.[9]

Personal life Wood has been described as "reclusive",[10] and is known to avoid social media. Little is known about his personal life, and sources about Wood contain conflicting accounts of even basic information about his personal and professional life.[11] He is also known for having fictionalized his life early in his career, and appearing in character in some press appearances or onstage, as well as engaging in experimental live performance art. His acts sometimes feature simulated mental breakdowns, conflict with audience plants, appearances from fictional characters, and intentionally botched performances.[12] His image in pop culture has been heavily influenced by this, but the artist has expressed that his work and persona will continue to change.[13]

Wood has consistently been open about his past struggles with drug addiction and mental illness, having entered recovery early in his career and later being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.[10][14] Wood donated 50% of ticket sales from The Real Will Wood to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, a mental health charity, saying, "I’ve gotten a lot better. I want to try and do something to help others get there."[15]