Creating a buzz around the internet, Havanna Winter is a multi-talented young woman with a very bright future. Building six million plus followers across social media, Winter has utilized the platforms to express her artistic talents as a singer, songwriter, and all-around creative force.
With a flair for the cinematic, Winter has already released a list of original music videos over the last year, but all while defying boundaries as she melds different genres. With tints of Rock and Pop amidst her songs, she has signed on to Stevie Van Zandt’s New Imprint Record Label Wonderwall and just released her latest single “Tornado.” An exciting time for the rising artist, Ms. Winter recently took some time to chat about her inspirations, tell the story behind “Tornado,” her plans for new music, plus more.
Cryptic Rock – You have gained a lot of attention with your music in recent years. How would you describe your success to this point?
Havanna Winter – I’m really excited about being able to put out my music and transitioning to that from a random TikTok video that went viral has been absolutely incredible and I’m really, really grateful.
Cryptic Rock – It is exciting to hear all of that transpired for you. Your music appears to come from a very honest place. Additionally, you have a very diverse voice. What initially inspired you to start writing and recording music?
Havanna Winter – I’ve always loved singing ever since I was little. I was approached at a garden party. They took me to the studio the next day and after that I just completely fell in love with making music and have been doing it ever since.
Cryptic Rock – And here we are today. In regards to your music, it is not very honest, it also tells a story. There are theatrical elements associated with the songs and music videos. There are elements of Horror, Fantasy, and other genres. Is it safe to say you are a big fan of films and they influence you?
Havanna Winter – I get a lot of inspiration from iconic retro movies. When I am in the studio, we often work off of a theme based on one of my favorite movie moments. We then make little spin off stories where we add a personal touch to it from whatever I am going through emotionally.
Cryptic Rock – It is quite an inventive way to write. Doing so, you show darker sides to your music, but also brighter sides. How would you describe your music, and would you be interested in exploring more of a Rock-n-Roll side of yourself?
Havanna Winter – I would describe my music as cinematic and storytelling, with a campy twist to it. Yes, I definitely would… I love Rock.
Cryptic Rock – That would be great to hear you explore more. Your latest song “Tornado” is quite catchy! There is a The Wizard of Oz element to this track. How did it come about for you?
Havanna Winter – I wanted to write a song about a ‘Master Manipulator’ as this is something I have been dealing with on a personal level. I am working with an extremely talented songwriter, Maya K, and it just came through kind of naturally. Afterwards we realized how perfectly it all came together. The Wizard of Oz is the perfect example of someone pretending to be someone other than who they really are.
Cryptic Rock – Right, and it is a really cool theme to surround a song with. You recently signed to Stevie van Zandt’s New Imprint Record Label Wonderwall. Congratulations. How did this come about for you, and can we expect an album or EP to come soon?
Havanna Winter – Thank you, I met him many years ago through my mom who was working on a TV show he was in. There may be some more music coming soon, yes, stay tuned. (Smiles)
Cryptic Rock – It will be exciting to see where you go next. You have quite an interesting background. Born in Norway, spending time in Spain, you relocated to the USA at a young age. Traveling the world can teach us so much. How did this shape you as a person and artist?
Havanna Winter – I think it makes me more versatile and appreciative of the different cultures.
Cryptic Rock – Yes, and that translates into the music too. Seeing you have shown so much diversity thus far, what are some of your musical influences?
Havanna Winter – Lana del Rey is my day one inspiration always.
Cryptic Rock – She has a lot of interesting music. Last question. On Cryptic Rock, we cover music, as well as films. If you are a fan of Horror and/or Sci-Fi movies, what are some of your favorites? If not, what are some of your favorite films in general?
Havanna Winter – My favorite Horror movies are all of The Conjuring movies and my favorite Sci-fi movie is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). Other favorite films are Kill Bill (2003), The Lost Boys (1987), Desperado (1995), From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), The Wizard of Oz (1939), Alice in Wonderland (1951), Beetlejuice (1991), Pulp Fiction (1994) and many more!
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