“It’s about balancing the chaos with the calm,” the Afro-reggae trailblazer Winny describes her highly-anticipated EP, ‘Commercial Break,‘ which blends into a captivating synergy of the gospel, soulful sounds with soft piano-led instrumentation and seductive tones. The core of ‘Commercial Break’ plays with the same tapestry of the trenches of life in our twenties.
Winny treats ‘Commercial Break’ as a reflection of how love works on the magic able to interupt our everyday routines. Inspired by the unpredictability of connections, she argues love is not only romantic but also has an overall morale: “Embrace it, and you don’t have to have everything figured out.”
On the eight tracks, Winny presents an impeccable venture to offer a sonic guidebook for women in their twenties, with her signature mixture of Reggae, R&B/Soul, and Afro music. In support of pushing boundaries, Winny collaborates with Projexx and Thutmose, who share the same visions.
‘Commercial Break’ is out now, and Winny gives us an insight into the pressures of being a woman, the response to her debut album, and her trick of feeling confident.
As we’re slowly approaching the end of this year let’s have a little check-in moment. What are the biggest lessons you will take away from 2024? What were some of the happiest memories you will remember forever?
2024 has been a year of growth and learning. I’ve really embraced the idea that life isn’t a straight line. Some of the biggest lessons have been about patience and letting things unfold as they’re meant to. I’ve learned to trust the process more. As for happy memories, there have been so many with friends, to feeling the energy of performing live. But one that stands out is when I finished working on ‘Commercial Break’.
Today you released your new EP ‘Commercial Break,’ what chapter of your life does this collection of songs represent to you?
This EP represents a chapter of exploration, spontaneity as well as the deeper, more vulnerable ones. In some ways, It’s about balancing the chaos with the calm.
What movie would you compare the themes of ‘Commercial Break’ to?
If I had to compare ‘Commercial Break’ to a movie, I’d probably say like ‘Love On The 10th Date’. It’s more about the messiness of it, the unpredictability, and the realization that not every story ends the way you think it will. But there’s beauty in that too.
What is something nobody warned you about what it will feel like being a woman in her twenties?
Nobody prepares you for how much pressure you feel to have everything figured out. The expectation of growth, success, and having a clear plan. But what no one tells you is that it’s okay to not have it all together.
‘Commercial Break’ plays with the concept of unexpected love, would you mind sharing what was the most random moment you came face-to-face with love?
Love tends to show up when you least expect it. I once found myself in a random city, a place I never thought I’d visit, and ended up having one of the most profound connections I’ve ever had. It wasn’t the typical love story, but it was a reminder that love isn’t just romantic, it can be about shared experiences, or deep conversations.
How did you link up with Project and Thutmose?
I met Projexx and Thutmose through mutual connections. It was natural to collaborate, as we all have similar visions for pushing boundaries and blending different influences.
Do surroundings affect your writing/recording process? Where did you get the most inspiration for ‘Commercial Break’?
Definitely. My surroundings play a huge role in my creative process. For ‘Commercial Break,’ I found myself drawing inspiration from all sorts of places, sometimes it was the bustling energy and other times it was the quiet moments alone in my room.
How did your life change since the release of your self-titled debut?
Since the release of my debut album, life has definitely felt more real, more tangible. It’s like the world opened up in a new way. The fanbase has grown, and I’ve connected with so many people, I’ve learned more about myself as an artist, and I feel like there’s a stronger clarity in what I want to say and the direction I want to go in.
You aspire to break boundaries in the industry and form a lasting community of supporters, what would you like your impact on your fandom to be known for?
I want my fans to know that it’s okay to be messy, to question, to experiment, to love fiercely, and embrace their authenticity.
What is your trick to feeling confident when you’re really not feeling yourself?
I always remind myself of my purpose. why I started this journey in the first place. When I’m feeling low, I take a step back and reflect on the bigger picture, remembering the things that excite me. And where I’m coming from.
Can you recall a moment when you felt like your music career will be your job, when things started to get serious?
I remember a moment after the release of my debut album when I realized that this wasn’t just a dream it was my reality. Things started getting serious when I saw the impact my music had on people. I was booking bigger shows, getting more recognition, and realizing that the work I was putting in was paying off. It was a surreal feeling to know that music wasn’t just a passion anymore it was my career.
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Words: Karolina Kramplova