Before Her First Gig—An Interview with Siobhán Winifred

Siobhán Winifred makes the type of music that you can never listen to just once. She writes the kind of songs that make you stop halfway through and start over, simply because they are just. that. good. With only two singles out on Spotify, Winifred is one of the most exciting new artists to watch and Twenty Minutes Later is sitting at the edge of our seats. We recently got the chance to ask Siobhán a few questions via email right before her (first ever!!) gig opening for Alexander Stewart (today!! February 21st!) in London. Read the interview below.

WHEN DID YOU START MAKING MUSIC? WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO START RELEASING IT LAST YEAR?

I’ve written music since I can remember, but around January 2021 I made a real commitment to myself to release my own stuff. I didn’t really feel like I had anything important to say before then, (which I realise wasn’t true) but after going through my first breakup I found it so therapeutic and felt like I had something worth sharing and it’s just become an addiction from there.

BOTH “This House” AND “Black Hole” HAVE RECEIVED EDITORIAL PRAISE FROM BOTH SPOTIFY AND THE BBC. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO RECEIVE SO MUCH POSITIVE FEEDBACK SO EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER?

Honestly, it was the most unexpected reaction. Seeing a song I wrote in my bedroom, while not in the best place mentally, end up on these playlists with huge artists I admire so much and being played on national radio genuinely felt a bit silly. I couldn’t believe it. This thing I’ve dreamt about for so long is actually happening and it still doesn’t feel real. I’m so, so, grateful to have this kind of support so early on.

YOU WROTE BOTH “This House” AND “Black Hole” BY YOURSELF, WHICH IS REALLY IMPRESSIVE! WAS YOUR WRITING PROCESS SIMILAR FOR BOTH SONGS?

Ahh, thank you so much! My writing process is either lyrics first or melody and lyrics at the same time if I’m sat down with my guitar. I think I wrote both “Black Hole” and “This House” sat with my guitar, but “Black Hole” took a little longer. I wrote “This House” after a house party in about 20 minutes. The vocals on the final track are the first ones I did that night. I think it was a really quick process as I was writing about something that had just happened—which isn't usual for me. Normally, I can’t write about something until a while after. I need a bit of perspective, otherwise, it will all be too literal and just come out like “I’m sad,” hahaha.

HOW DO YOU TYPICALLY GET IDEAS FOR SONGS?

Ideas for songs come from so many places. It could be a word, something someone’s said, a situation I’ve been in. But I think usually they come from things I need to process and then I build a story around it. I really try not to shy away from difficult topics. My songs may not lyrically sound too happy, but they really help me deal with things, so I guess that won’t be changing anytime soon. Hahaha.

HOW DID YOU FIND A PRODUCER TO WORK WITH? WHEN YOU ARE WRITING A SONG DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU WANT THE PRODUCTION TO SOUND LIKE?

My producer, Shute, found a cover of mine on TikTok and reached out and we’ve been working together ever since! I have an idea of the kind of energy I want the song to have and then Jack (Shute) and I work together to get it to where we want it. Jack’s an incredible producer and really pushes me to try things I wouldn’t usually go for!

YOU ARE CURRENTLY TEASING A NEW SINGLE. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THAT UPCOMING RELEASE?

I am! I’m ridiculously excited to have this song out. It’s called “Sober.” I love the big guitar tones we have on it and how relatable the lyrics are. I can’t wait for it to find the right people and help anyone who’s experiencing a similar thing feel less alone. It’s for people in “situationships” and anyone who only gets a text when the other person’s drunk.

WHEN CAN WE EXPECT THE SONG TO COME OUT?

It’s coming out on the 22nd of March!

YOU ARE PLAYING YOUR FIRST GIG OPENING FOR ALEXANDER STEWART AND IT’S A SOLD-OUT SHOW! HOW ARE YOU FEELING LEADING UP TO THE GIG?

I haven’t done a proper gig since releasing my own music, so I just can’t wait to play these songs for people. There’s no better feeling than performing for me. I love seeing live music and feeling the electricity in the room, so the fact that I get to be on the other side of it is something I’m so grateful for. I’m so excited to sing “Black Hole” and “This House” with everyone, but also I can’t wait for people to hear the rest of my EP. I’m nervous as I want it to go really well, but I think it’s a healthy amount of nerves!

YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU HAVE BEEN IN REHEARSALS FOR THE SHOW—WALK US THROUGH WHAT A REHEARSAL DAY LOOKS LIKE FOR YOU.

I’ve been rehearsing with my band, Ben (on guitar) and Finn (on drums) leading up to the gig and hearing the songs live… like that is so cool. I normally get there a bit before them and warm up and then we get going. We run through the set a few times, tweaking anything and making sure it sounds as good as it can be. Lots of biscuit and tangerine breaks.

IF YOU COULD GO ON TOUR WITH ANY ARTIST, WHO WOULD YOU WANT TO GO ON TOUR WITH?

Oh wow. It feels like even saying it out loud could jinx it from ever happening! There are so many artists I would absolutely love to tour with, but at the moment, I think Phoebe Bridgers, Rachel Chinouriri, or Sam Fender would be up there. That really is to just name a few— if I could tour with all my favourite artists I really would.

WHAT IS THE MUSIC SCENE LIKE IN LONDON?

The music scene in London is really great. There's a lovely community and everyone is so willing to help out and give advice and everything. I’ve done a lot of open mics too, so I’ve met lots of people that way.

IS THERE ANYONE THERE YOU ARE EAGER TO WORK WITH OR ANY UK-BASED ARTISTS THAT YOU ARE INSPIRED BY RIGHT NOW?

Etta Marcus has really inspired me since I saw her live last year. Her voice is honestly incredible and her EP is so beautiful. I’ve also been loving NewDad and SOMOH a lot and I really want to see them both live.

WHAT FIVE SONGS ARE CURRENTLY ON REPEAT FOR YOU?

Oh god, this is so hard. At the moment, these have been getting a lot of play.

“ILY2”- NewDad

“True Blue” - Boygenius

“Friday I’m in Love” - The Cure

“The Art Teacher” - Rufus Wainwright

“The Enemy” - Lizzie Esau

(and sneaking a 6th one, “Honey” - Molly Payton, I must listen to it at least once a day)

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU ARE HOPING TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR?

I’m gunna release my first EP, which I can’t wait for. And I’d love to play festivals and do lots of gigs. I think 2023 is the year of gigs for me.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE LISTENERS TAKE AWAY FROM LISTENING TO YOUR MUSIC?

I guess I want them to feel less alone. One of my favourite things about music, or books, or poetry is when someone you’ve never met can articulate something you can’t. I think it’s incredible when I read something, and a stranger somehow knows exactly what I’m going through. So, if my lyrics can do that for someone that would be really wonderful.

WHAT DID I MISS? IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND YOUR MUSIC?

I don’t think you missed anything! I think I just want people to know that I’m already halfway through my second EP. So stick around cus there’s so much music to come!