Detroit-based artist Alex Winston does it all. From playing the piano to ripping chords on the guitar, the 22-year-old has been playing music since an early age. In fact, her father musician taught her how to play the drums before she could even walk. Winston released an EP, The Basement Covers, where she covers artists including The Rolling Stones, Mumford & Sons and Jack Penate. Recently, Bestnewbands.com caught up with Winston to discuss her plans for the rest of 2010, her decision to an EP of covers and what was the best concert she’s ever seen.

DK: When did you start playing music? How many instruments can you play?

Winston: I got my first guitar at 7, but I could barely read at that point, so realistically, guitar seemed like a stretch at that point. I’d say I’m strongest on guitar piano and ukulele, but I’ve been working on drums and the accordion as well.

DK: How does being a classically trained musician give you an advantage over many of the other musicians in your genre?

Winston: I guess this would be a good time to clear this up.  I’m not a classically trained musician.  I did study opera for around 9 or 10 years, but I never actually learned how to even read music.  I did everything by ear and still do.  I must have fooled a lot of people.  To this day, I don’t read music.

DK: What made you decide to do an EP of covers and what drew you to the songs that you selected?

Winston: I never intended on making a covers EP.  In fact, before this year I never knew how to play anyone else’s songs.  Everyone told me it would help me to become a better musician, but I really had no interest, even though I eventually realized they were right!  It wasn’t until I started using Garageband and recording that I really started this whole covers thing. As for the song selection, it always just happened randomly.  I’d be working on my own music, take a break to listen to something else then my focus would go in a completely different direction and I’d spend all night trying to take a Ramones song and make it my own.  It’s just a fun challenge for me.

DK: Who would you cite as some of your musical influences?

Winston: I’m a huge PJ Harvey.  She is one of my biggest influences.  Musically, I don’t sound like her at all, but I think she is a genius songwriter and I really look up to her.  I’m also a big fan of early rock and roll.  Chuck Berry and Little Richard and two I’m very fond of as well.  Oh and The Beach Boys!  Their harmonies blow my mind.

DK: What are you plans for the rest of 2010? Is there a tour in the works?

Winston: The early parts of 2010 were all about writing for me.  Now its time to get the live act together!  I have a few shows coming up that I’m really excited about.

DK: Have you written any material for your full-length yet? If so, when do you expect to start recording?

Winston: Yeah, I have a few songs that I’ve been waiting to record that I would love to have on a full length.  I’m really lucky that I’m very close with my producers and the studio is around the corner, so we have kind of been recording since I moved here.

DK: What’s the best concert you’ve been to and why?

Winston: Little Richard at The State Theatre in Ann Arbor.  He put on a show like I’ve never seen.  At 75 he had more energy than most new bands I’ve seen.

 

Winston released her first 7”, Choice Notes, on July 27 through Heavy Roc, which is produced by Whiz Kids. If you are a fan of groups like Feist and Lykke Li, then Alex Winston should be on your radar.