Intro

South African Alternative Pop Punk rockers Winterstand are all set to release their New EP ‘These Days’. The EP is all about life and mastering its challenges. One can choose to be depressed by events; but life goes by and before you know it, all of the times you could have spent enjoying it passed you by. No matter how hard things are, one should always realise that there is a solution out there. Winterstand had major setbacks and challenges, not only as a band, but as individuals too. Yet in spite of that, they chose to not give up; and at the same time they chose to stick to their morals while doing so.

The band also has an EP Launch coming up on 16 July 2022 at Daisy Jones Bar where they will be playing with special guests Ethyl Ether.

We’ll chat about all of that and more in this interview.

Enjoy the read.

Questions

Hi guys; and welcome to Fanbase Music Magazine! How have you been with the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdowns; have you and your family been well and safe?

Thank you, Duzzy. Some of us had a bout here and there but luckily, no huge impact. Our families are well too. The lack of gigs during the pandemic was quite depressing, especially because our first album was released as Covid took a hold on the world. But here we are, all kicking and jamming up a storm!

Can you tell each band member’s name and what they do in the band?

Michael Jones – Guitar and vocals

Stephen Brink-Jones – Guitar & Backing Vocals

Michael Cromie – Bass Guitar

Albert Ackermann – Drums

Could you also tell us about each band member’s background and where they grew up; and then what got them into music?

Michael Jones grew up in Gauteng. He started playing guitar at the age of 6. His grandfather and father were muso’s as well.

Albert Ackermann is originally from Northwest Province. He discovered his love for drums in his early school days and started enjoying Rock music in High School. He bought a battered old drum kit when he started working and took it from there. He formed a Rock band with some school mates; then took a hiatus a few years later. He began working abroad and played with a few Rock and Blues bands. Eventually he met up with Michael Jones and tied the “Rock-Knot”. They are the founders of Winterstand. Albert also enjoys writing and composing music.

Michael Cromie (“Cromes”) grew up along the coast of the Western Cape: Simon’s Town to Hermanus. He became interested in making music at a young age, always reaching for his guitar, and strumming along while watching other musicians perform. He looked up to both his guitar-playing brothers and they taught him the basics. Cromes eventually moved onto the bass guitar in 2010. He loves and is influenced by Grunge, Punk Rock, Hard Rock and Metal which formed his style. He had played for some Hard Rock and Metal bands but he established himself as Winterstand’s bassist shortly after its founding.

Stephen Brink-Jones, or Stevo as his band mates call him, grew up in Kuilsrivier, Cape Town and his love for music started at a young age. Initially taking piano lessons, he eventually took up the guitar at the age of 14 and discovered his passion for it. Stevo has performed with other Rock and Metal bands and is part of a superb duo. He is also a songwriter and composer. Stephen joined Winterstand over a year ago and added the value of a second guitar and backing vocals.

We now consider ourselves a family. We get along really well and apart from being a band, we are good friends.

How did you come up with the band name Winterstand; what is the story behind the band name?

We were after a truly unique name, that when searched on the internet, it would only show us. Our previous name had 3 other artists with the same name around the world. But we would think up a cool band name thinking we nailed it, do an internet search just to find other artists with the same name. It took about a week to come up with Winterstand!

What are some of the band’s musical influences?

Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Muse, Silverchair, Smashing Pumpkins. We all have quite a similar taste in music.

Ok, let’s talk about the new EP: What is the name of the new EP and how did you come to naming it that?

The EP is named ‘These Days’ as the main track on it. We thought the title track would go well with a theme for the cover.

How many tracks are on the EP?

The EP consists of 3 tracks: A ballad, “Life”, and 2 more fast-paced, harder rocking songs, ‘These Days’ and ‘I’ll Be Around’.

Where was it recorded and who all worked on it?

We recorded the EP at Sunset Studios in Stellenbosch. Jűrgen von Wechmar, owner of the studio, did the recording and helped with the production.

The songs were written and composed by Michael Jones and Albert Ackermann; Michael Cromie added bass lines; and Stephen Brink-Jones added further guitar and harmonies.

Can you talk us through your writing process: When you are writing a song, do the lyrics or the music come first?

It mostly starts with a riff on a guitar and then some lyrics come to mind. From there we work on it until we have a song in true Winterstand fashion that we are satisfied with. Our lyrics are usually inspired by situations or events in life, either personal or in general.

You have an EP launch coming up on 16 July, what can you tell us about the launch; such as where will it be held and who else is on the line up?

The launch will be at the Daisy Jones Bar in Stellenbosch, and we are expecting a good attendance. We also have the amazing Ethyl Ether as special guests. We are seriously looking forward to it!

For people who haven’t yet seen you play live, what can we expect at a live gig, particularly at this EP launch?

You can expect a quality, superb Rock show with original, melodic Winterstand tunes, some awesome riffs, and a jolly good time. We are going to throw around some giveaways too.

Thank you for doing this interview, do you have any last messages for the fans or our readers?

We find it humbling to be admired by others and truly appreciate all the support we get from our fans.

Social Media

Book Tickets for the Winterstand ‘These Days’ EP Launch at The Daisy Jones Bar with Special Guest Ethyl Ether on Saturday 16 July from Quicket HERE