Music
The unique musical style of Winston Clapper is years in the making. Over the last few years preceding the release of his eponymous debut, he experimented with different instruments and vocal layering to improve the sonic qualities of the final record. Composing and recording entirely in his home studio, with limited input from anyone except for his producer, he is very self-reliant and disciplined to bring the most out of each song. His ideal day would consist of countless hours spent writing and recording in his studio.
Albums
Winston Clapper
Winston's self-titled debut album, released on 27 November 2023, features a wide variety of musical styles. Over four years of writing and recording reflect a lot of self-discovery which happened in his life during the creation of the album. Finally complete, Winston is very excited to share it with the world at last.
Welcome to his darkest days...
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music
Happy As I Could Be
Winston's second album, "Happy As I Could Be" takes thirteen tracks to tell the story of a relationship from start to finish. Taking songs inspired by different people and merging them into one timeline was a critical decision made early in the process, and opened up many new ideas which elevated this record to a level above that of his debut album.
A mix of indie pop and alternative, this record also benefits from the production experience of Daniel Clapper, Winston's father. He used his decades of experience creating ambient soundscapes to enhance the instrumentals and vocals for the release. Despite his deep electronic roots, the production for the album leans heavily towards acoustic instruments at times. This unique blend works exceedingly well on the songs in this album.
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music
Download it on: Bandcamp
Buy a CD on: Bandcamp
Singles
Somewhere in Between
"Somewhere in Between" was Winston's vocal debut. Released in August 2023, it also served as the lead single for his first pop record, the self-titled "Winston Clapper." The song is about someone who is in denial about the state of their relationship, until they cannot deny it any longer. In this unwinnable fight, there are no winners, even when you're right.
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music
The Blitz
A three-track single, "The Blitz" tells the story of a tragic love. Much like a memory of an old romance, this story doesn't always follow a straight line. The narrator first recalls missing his love during a difficult time, then reminisces on the good times of the relationship. He finally remembers how it ended, and however sad it was, that it couldn't go on any longer.
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music
Grey Ghost
"Grey Ghost," the second single from his debut album, takes listeners through a brief history of the British liner "Queen Mary." In times of peace and war, she served as a symbol to the world. The song tells her story from the perspective of a visitor to the ship, now berthed in California, as they learn her history.
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music
Mental Alcoholic
One of the darker songs to emerge from Winston's debut, "Mental Alcoholic" is about someone who is in an abusive relationship. However, they seem to embrace the pain, stuck in the same loop that tragically grips so many. While not written about himself, Winston's hope is that this song can help people who need it the most.
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music
Unforgettable
The fourth and final single for "Winston Clapper," "Unforgettable" was written in the spirit of a classic holiday song. However, any astute listeners will pick up on the lyrics, which subtly hint to memories of a past relationship which reemerge around the holidays.
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music
Traffic Lights
The lead single from Winston's second album, "Traffic Lights" was written on the same day as "Unforgettable," and he considers them to be companion songs. Their consecutive releases, each a bookend to a major release, serve to bridge the gap between the records.
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music
Never Get Far
The second single from the second album, and the seventh single overall, "Never Get Far" was actually written on the same day that Winston took the cover photo. It describes the early days of a relationship, when even a simple road trip is destined to end poorly.
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music
Blame It On Me
"Blame It On Me" has an apocalyptic atmosphere to it, with lyrics and cover art to match. The third single for "Happy As I Could Be," Winston's second album, it shows that this record won't entirely be about positive (or semi-positive) themes. In fact, it caps off a series of three singles which each reflect negative moods.
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music
Happy As I Could Be
The titular track for the second album, "Happy As I Could Be" features a strong electric riff. In the song, Winston reminisces about childhood vacations, the sense of happiness they brought, and a relationship which brings that same sense of undiluted joy. It exudes confidence, security, and comfort, rare qualities which truly make this a special song.
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music
Cheers to Us
A happily comfortable song, "Cheers to Us" recounts an evening of dinner, drinks, and, ummm.... 'romance.' It's a rose-colored view of the world, where just the two lovers exist, impervious to outside interference. The cover photo was taken in late 2022 by a friend, while on a trip to Japan.
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music
Fishnets & Stilettos
This defiant indie-pop anthem is a staple of the 'gay' theming which Winston aims for on every album. Highly confident, very self-assured, and incredibly catchy, "Fishnets & Stilettos" is the kind of song you just can't help singing along to... so don't stop! Put this song in all of your workout and party playlists, and keep it on repeat! Trust me, it's that good!
Stream it on: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music