Steven Winton – Outlaws (2024)
While music can bring out the darkest experiences in life, it can also be an empowering celebration with a grin-inducing, body-swaying, sing-along infectiousness perfect for good vibes. Singer-songwriter Steven Winton aims to share his tales with an optimistic outlook bringing positivity to the world when it is most needed. You might recognise the Scottish musician from his time as frontman of electropop band, Fridge Magnets; or, perhaps as a solo artist supporting groups like Supergrass and Ocean Colour Scene. Today, he returns to the music scene with his single ‘Outlaws’.
Following a 10-year hiatus, Winton re-emerges with the new single ‘Outlaws’ taking a different direction in his musical journey. Shifting from the shimmering synths and bold beats of Fridge Magnets – described as Scotland’s “buzziest band” – Winton dips into the world of indie-rock in ‘Outlaws’. Recorded in Winton’s box room apartment in the Middle East, then mixed by Chris Sutherland in Scotland, the melody has a sophisticated tone; however, a slant of raw innocence rushes through the arrangement teetering between maturity and naivety in the production.
A concoction of pounding drums, soaring guitars and Winton’s gruff vocals, ‘Outlaws’ has a vintage indie-rock tone with shimmers of 90s rock… then again, the nostalgic flair is met by contemporary audiences with a modern-day indie edge. Interestingly, as with the breath of rawness in a mature production, Winton’s vocals capture the excitedness of a youngster but with the weariness of a knowledgeable veteran. A glimpse of hopeful escapism in a persistently humdrum existence.
While the melody is intricate delving into the complexities of life experience, the lyricism captures the core of its profound theme. Winton explains:
“’Outlaws’ is a song about escapism. It’s about being that person during the week when you’re not sure how or what you are, then come the weekend you want to kick back and forget your woes and enjoy life. It was written whilst living in Paris and wanting to escape the rat race and head back to my native Scotland for a reality check and a heavy dose of fun.”
Find out more about Steven Winton on his Instagram and Soundcloud.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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