Cheltenham based singer-songwriter Issy Winstanley made her debut in 2020 with the EP Lockdown: Live, which saw her bring her lush acoustic flare to a series of collaborative covers, totalling over 23,000 views. Now, Issy returns with her first original single, ‘61.
As bounding guitar rhythms appear alongside glowing percussion, Issy demonstrates her impressive vocal range with featherlight delivery. The song’s romantic lyricism carries a rose-tinted haze of nostalgia, as Issy crafts commercial pop melodies reminiscent of an Anne Marie or Ed Sheeran track, whilst also remaining authentic to her country and folk roots.
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Discussing her new release, Issy reveals:
“I wrote ‘61 back in high school, and was inspired by a number of things. Firstly, the fact that my Mum always made me listen to Sunday Love Songs; I loved hearing all these life-long love stories and found them so inspirational for writing. Secondly, the wonderful relationship of my Nan & Grandpa who have always been my number one supporters. ’61 was written inspired from relationships like these - true, old fashioned love stories; two people growing together, and growing old together. This song holds an incredibly special place in my heart, as well as my family’s, especially after my Grandpa passed away in 2019. ’61 was always his favourite, and every time I get on stage I will always be singing it for him.”
She goes on to say:
“To this day I still use my guitar strap hand-stitched with the lyric ‘memories shine like gold’, as a reminder of all the wonderful memories I have made and all those I am yet to make. I really hope that this song and the type of love it’s written about resonates with people young and old, and provides a soundtrack for those wonderful long-standing loves. After writing this song over 5 years ago, I am so excited that I am finally able to release ‘61, and share with the world the song that has for so long been only mine.”
Image: Khali Ackford
Issy Winstanley is a flourishing name on the music scene, building up loyal support through her enchanting live performances. She has performed at venues across the South West and Midlands, as well as playing events such as Cornbury Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Lakefest and Witcombe Cider Festival. Issy has received consistent support from BBC Music Introducing in the West, with two covers from her EP Lockdown: Live being spun, as well as her rendition of ‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls, which was made Spotlight Track of the Week. Set to release her debut EP in Spring 2022, Issy Winstanley is sure to make waves with her brand of infectious indie-pop, and is definitely an artist to keep on your radar.
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For PR enquiries: upsurge@themusicworks.org.uk