ALEX WINSTON
So many of pop’s roads lead back to Motown and if you were to take a meandering wander down the rich musical heritage of Detroit you will find at the end of the lane a man named Berry Gordy – no doubt sat there tapping his feet and clicking a finger at you. He masterminded that important period in 60s pop music and perfected the art of creating songs that did something very rare – each one was instantly enjoyable, but utterly timeless. All of it sprinkled in sugar, but also rather perfect in its solid construction. The ripples of this period have affected so much since, but Alex Winston specifically marks it all as a direct inspiration and there’s no denying that the same genetic notes of Motown are easily located within her music. Even though she’s also a branch from the same musical tree from which Regina Spector blossomed, it should come as no shock to hear that she called Detroit home during her childhood. Every track on her new EP of covers, which arrived this August, has her wonderful magic sprinkled over tunes from the likes of Mumford & Sons, The Rolling Stones and Jack Penate, amongst others. Now being produced by The Knocks and releasing on their Heavy Roc Music label, this a pop star waiting to burst. She’s a multi-instrumentalist, having initially had a guitar given to her by her father at just 7 years old, but going on to also record the piano and even the drums on this new EP. Her original work is what will deservedly earn her the real plaudits however, such as her double A-side single, Choice Notes, with the track, Medicine, on the reverse. She’s baked the perfect pop cake with both songs, of the kind you can taste on your tongue for hours afterwards. Be warned – it’s very morish too, with her cute vocals shining throughout and the tambourine beats, all played with a childish smile. It’s like Regine Chassagne, from Arcade Fire, making an appearance on Sesame Street. We expect Feist is shaking in her little fur-lined boots, but to be honest this music aims much higher, has more soul and the variety of edge located within it gives it way more depth. You can catch her at Neon Gold’s showcase during their New York CMJ Festival this October, so if you’re in town for that then we strongly suggest you take a peek and duly shake your tailfeather. (MB)
Find her here: Myspace
Hear her here: ALEX WINSTON – CHOICE NOTES
Hear her here: ALEX WINSTON – MEDICINE
Hear her here: ALEX WINSTON – PULL MY HEART AWAY
Hear her here: ALEX WINSTON – ANIMAL BABY