Jessica Winter was born with hip dysplasia and spent much of her life confined to enclosed spaces. Now she’s taking back her world one exquisite sad banger at a time.
Producing for artists such as Jazmin Bean, Sundara Karma and Walt Disco have proven her talent. Her debut EP ‘Sad Music‘ released via Roya showcases her ability to combine timeless pop with contemporary electronic influences seamlessly.
‘Sad Music’
Winter’s debut EP Sad Music may suggest otherwise; her musical style is anything but. Jason Cooper from The Cure appears as guest drummer while other releases feature collaborations with Fat White Family and Alex White (chanteuse). Her most recent release More Sad Music continues her streak of heartbroken emo tunes mixed with sleek electro beats that would fit right in on a sweaty dance floor.
People listen to sad music for various reasons. It can serve as a way of validating their emotions or helping them cope with difficult circumstances, while listening to it can also be relaxing and fulfilling – helping express oneself while connecting with other people.
Why some songs are considered sadder than others can be explained through lyrics and instrumentation of their compositions. For instance, some may feature minor key melodies with undercurrent tension that makes listeners anxious; also, certain tracks use lower pitches with darker timbre than others.
Psychologists conducted a study where participants were asked to rate how they felt while listening to different genres of music. Their study demonstrated that sad songs were rated higher than upbeat tunes due to being associated with emotions such as grief, melancholia or sadness.
Cues such as low pitch, dark timbre and slower tempo can serve to convey feelings of sorrow or sadness through musical compositions that resemble human lamentations and provoke empathy in listeners – an effect known as emotional contagion which is most evident among individuals with strong empathetic dispositions.
Jessica Winter excels at creating emotional connections through music. Her sultry sounds and melancholic melodies reflect her personal experiences while her goal is to craft danceable sad bangers which allow listeners to unleash all their emotional reserves.
‘World On Fire’
At a time when numerous country stars are adopting pop-influenced sounds and more, it’s heartening to witness someone as talented as Jessica Winter remain true to herself and follow her own path. From producing her songs or the way she uses her voice – there is an undeniable sense of individuality present throughout this record thanks to Jessica Winter’s remarkable vocal abilities.
Whoever has heard her sing live will already appreciate how strong and confident her vocals can be, yet it is even more captivating to witness them soar over this music with power and confidence dripping off every lyric. Her soft yet powerful voice acts as a lovely contrast against the thick industrial elements found on songs such as ‘Like A Knife’ and ‘World On Fire’.
As with her previous EP, Limerence is a richly varied experience that will reward those who take time to dig deep and explore its many layers. There’s something strikingly autumnal about this album – its soundscape hazy yet foreboding yet deeply captivating, all while providing a powerful showcase for its creator’s musical imagination.
As is typical with her work, this record’s themes are complex and often darker than they initially appear. On ‘World On Fire’ she uses reference to California’s largest wildfire ever as an allegory for poor relationships; and its title track, Limerence refers to addiction of various kinds and how we continue in bad patterns of behavior due to our inability to let go. This record will appeal to those looking for dark insights into human emotion – sure to make waves come 2023!
‘The Other’
Jessica Winter doesn’t fit neatly into any single musical scene or genre; instead she is an ambitious producer/songwriter with no set musical direction in mind. Her forthcoming releases–EP Limerence and an album bearing that name–showcase her skill at weaving intricate, dynamic productions with an artpop aesthetic.
Winter spent much of her childhood hospitalized due to hip dysplasia and music was the one thing that kept her free. Music provided an escape route, prompting her to break free from confinements both mentally and physically – an effort which manifests itself musically with her songs featuring slippery rhythms, dense fields of sound and memorable hooks.
Winter continues to explore musical frontiers with her debut EP Sad Music and subsequent record, More Sad Music. Based in London, Winter’s latest offering creates an emotive lyrical journey that is both dark and brooding while maintaining an energetic groove backed up with haunting quality.
More Sad Music follows up its predecessor by exploring addiction in all forms. The title, ‘Limerence’, refers to love addiction and how we can fall into poor behaviors with those in our lives – an idea explored throughout this record by songs like the hypnotic funk-infused track ‘Funk This Up’ and soulful ballad ‘Choreograph’.
Winter has produced chart-topping albums by Jazmin Bean and Polish singer Brodka as well as Sundara Karma’s R&B track ‘Ropes and Ties’, among many other works. She has also scored CBBC series Princess Mirror-Belle for two seasons as well as director Nan Moore’s short film Beacons. With an upcoming headline show at London venue Venue MOT this November as well as supporting viral pop icon Rebecca Black across the UK tours this coming year, Winter could soon see her breakout year in full swing tQ caught up with her to discuss her new EP and how she stays true to herself in an ever-evolving industry.
‘Play’
Jessica Winter was born with hip dysplasia and her life has since been marked by overcoming challenges. From managing its long-term physical effects to her career juggling act, the young producer was eager to expand beyond any narrow constraints placed upon her by hip dysplasia both musically and personally.
An London-based musician has created her own path with her debut EP ‘Sad Music’ and now stands to make her next move. After releasing several singles and an upcoming EP, Nan Moore captured an edgy video for ‘Play’ that captures perfectly her music’s delicate balance between light and dark to create it’s signature style.
Winter’s production is as stunning as her lyrics, seamlessly merging elements of electronica, pop and R&B into her own distinctive sound. This track becomes an irresistibly danceable journey towards insanity – perfect for post-party 6am catharsis!
The EP explores this theme throughout, with tracks like ‘Limerence’ and ‘Choreograph’ both exploring darker territory. Limerence refers to being “addicted to bad patterns of behaviour and repeating past errors”, according to Lily.
At its heart lies a fierce commitment to self-preservation that’s evident throughout this production, with an interest in immediate dancefloor production without sacrificing structural complexity. At the pinnacle is “Funk This Up”, an 80s-indebted groove perfect for any dancefloor; “Choreograph” takes it even further with its Perfume Genius-esque string arrangement, while “Clutter” swings along on an infectious trap beat.