Proof that punk rock DIY ethos still exists...and thrives
It's been a minute since I last wrote a piece on a new band. This isn't the fault of new bands, many great ones are touring the world as we speak. The delay stemmed from putting the finishing touches on my book, SLACKER - 1991-Teen Spirit Angst, and the Generation It Created (Inspired By You Books 2024), which was just published two weeks ago.
The last time I covered a new band that I stumbled upon and fell in love with was in 2022 with Bad Nerves. The article came out in Medium for the publication, The Riff. They were getting some notoriety then but since, well, they're blowing up. The band reached out to me and thanked me for "getting what they're doing" so ya know, I will take some credit.
I'm only half joking. They did reach out and we shared a few extremely nice messages. I'm glad they liked the piece. But I'm obviously joking about receiving credit. They've earned everything they're getting now by being an awesome band with heart, grit, passion, and a relentless touring schedule which continues through the writing of this piece.
All that to say this, I stumbled upon another band I felt compelled to write about. So, Winona Fighter, if you take off after this article is released, hit me up!
Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, Winona Fighter is made up of singer Coco Kinnon, guitarist Dan Fuson, and bassist/producer Austin Luther. The trio caught my attention with their aggressive fusion of melodic punk rock and heavy (ish) alternative leanings. The band delivers its songs with enough pop sensibility for mass consumption yet sprinkles in a fair amount of boot-stomping chaos for old-school punk fans to jump aboard.
Kinnon's vocals have an Olivia Rodrigo feel (which I love) but with more angst and grit while Fuson and Luther supply frenetic riffs and big, catchy choruses to keep the crowd moving throughout each track.
Music for me is always about feeling, emotion, and passion, as most readers of mine know, and Winona Fighter lands in that wheelhouse. Songs like "HAMMS IN A GLASS" and "ATTENTION" off their forthcoming debut album, My Apologies To The Chef (due out on February 14, 2025, via Rise Records) hit hard sonically and lyrically.
Both songs draw you into the fold immediately. They're ferocious but catchy and memorable as well. They have a heaviness attached to them that is familiar and refreshing at the same time. Coco Kinnon has the type of voice and delivery that straddles the line of desperation and rage. You root for her throughout each track and nothing about her style is forced. The band provides the perfect vehicle to carry her angst across the finish line.
With humble beginnings and a DIY attitude, Winona Fighter released its first EP, Father Figure, in 2022. The band has been self-producing and touring constantly since. Their dedication and perseverance eventually paid off as they were signed to the popular indie label, Rise Records in March of 2024.
Rise, founded in 1991 by Craig Ericson, as an independent label, is home to the likes of punk and alternative bands such as AFI, Alkaline Trio, Sum 41, Flogging Molly, and others. In 2015 the label was purchased by BMG but is essentially left alone to be run as an indie. This is a good fit for Winona Fighter.
Discovering new music these days is a bit too random for me and I know so many great artists can and do, fall through the cracks. I'm glad Winona Fighter is one band that I'm able to learn about right before their spotlight gets hotter.
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