The Club Map welcomes Sir Winston to the site for today’s artist spotlight. We’ve been enjoying his distinctive style. With the release of his latest record „Perfectly Numb“ it’s the perfect moment to delve deeper into his inspirations, beliefs, and aspirations.
Sir Winston, in your creative journey, which specific concept or philosophy has left a lasting impact on your artistry, and how have you manifested it in your tracks?
Artistic freedom is a concept that I’ve cherished and relished my whole life. I was drawn to making music because there are no rules. I was a very rebellious child and instantly saw making music as an artform where I could do whatever I wanted. Nobody was going to tell me how to look, perform, or how my music should sound. I’ve felt compelled to make music my whole life, it’s something I must do. It’s got me through life and through struggles, like a best friend – reliable and always there for me. I find both great relief and immense joy in the creative freedoms of producing and performing music.
Andy Warhol said “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” I love that quote and find it inspiring. I’ve always tried to be prolific and to take risks, to try new ideas and experiment with different genres and mix up my approach. I’ve never been concerned with how my music will be received but to just keep producing and without limitations.
Being an artist in this genre, it’s likely that you’ve played around with numerous gadgets and software. Which of these have been pivotal in crafting the „Sir Winston“ sound, and what about them resonates with your musical identity?
I’m not much of a gearhead. The Sir Winston music that I’ve released has mostly been made at Transmitter Studios in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York with my friend and producer Abe Seiferth – who is a gearhead. Transmitter is a dope set up and I love it. There is a huge collection of vintage synths that feature heavily on Sir Winston. I’m always trying to work in guitars as I’m from a rock background – which is tricky in this genre – but helps give us the Sir Winston sound. On the latest EP our favourite toy was the Make Noise Strega made by Alessandro Cortini from Nine Inch Nails. It’s really cool for darker and unusual sounds.
Outside the realm of music, have there been any visual artists, films, or literature that have been catalysts for your creativity? Could you shed light on how these sources have sculpted your musical vision?
I’m generally more influenced by personal experiences and places. I lived in Paris last year and wrote most of the new EP there, so there is a French theme to it. I would walk at night discovering the city and found that it fuelled my creativity in a new and exhilarating way. I also thrive on the energy and focus that I feel when I’m in New York.
I’m a fan of a lot of artists and am constantly inspired. I feel an affinity and gravitate to artists who take big risks and push the boundaries of artistic freedom. For example, I’m captivated by Banksy. The extremes he goes to in delivering his messages through his art is incredible.
Music, particularly electronic, can be an avenue for introspection and personal storytelling. Has there been an epoch or event in your life that has dramatically shaped your artistry or the direction your music has taken?
Writing about relationships always provides inspiration and I was lucky to be struck by the power of a muse. Music has always dictated my life. I’ve moved through different genres over the years and that’s meant different lifestyles and different directions.
Producing a track can be a journey for a musician. Can you unravel the story behind one of your releases, painting a picture of your evolution as an artist?
My latest EP is called Démons à Combattre – which means Demons to Fight. It’s about struggle and temptation.I wrote most of it whilst in Paris last year. I wandered around the city late at night and recorded ideas into my phone. I’d been rediscovering a lot of music from the Bloghaus era – and I guess this resulted in that sound coming through. When I got back to New York and to Transmitter Studios in Brooklyn I was ready to record. We worked hard at it for many weeks. After a day in the studio I liked to ride a bike back to Manhattan coming over the Brooklyn Bridge and listen to what we’d recorded. Towards the end of the sessions, I took a break and went down to Miami – I needed to listen to it in a new setting. I gained a lot of perspective in Miami and once back in New York the finishing touches were clear.
A number of artists in this domain are deeply conscious of their societal influence, harnessing their voice to spotlight causes. Is there a movement or cause you’re deeply connected with, and how do you echo its significance through your work?
I have a Master’s degree in Sustainability and have long been passionate about the environment. It’s shocking to see that we’re actually living through the effects of global warming now and it’s only going to get worse. I believe that every individual can make a difference. Collectively as artists we could make a big impact. For example, if all artists used only sustainable options for their merch it would be significant. Under Sir Winston I created a sustainable clothing brand. For my designs I use organic and recycled materials. We’re a 100% plastic free brand and constantly looking for better ways to create, package and deliver more sustainably to customers.
Over the years, certain industry figures or peers might have played a pivotal role in your growth trajectory. Could you recount an invaluable lesson or moment shared with a colleague in the music world?
When I was 18, I met Bob Dylan in Melbourne, Australia. We talked at length and went for a long walk. He was genuinely interested in me. He spoke so clearly and directly. He told me to believe in myself and listen to my heart. It has stuck with me my whole life.
Charting the path ahead, what does the future hold for Sir Winston?
Bringing everything I got – one party at a time.
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