Introducing the Brighton quartet Winter Gardens, a band known for their experimental sound that blends ethereal shoegaze with a post-punk edge.
Formed by a group of passionate musicians, Winter Gardens has cultivated a distinctive style that combines swirling reverb, driving rhythms, and haunting vocals. Their lyrics explore complex themes of identity, self-worth, and the challenges of modern life, resonating deeply with audiences seeking both emotional depth and sonic richness.
This interview will delve into the band’s creative process, the inspirations behind their music, and the themes that shape their artistry.
– Can you tell us how Winter Gardens originally came together? What brought each of you into the project, and did you always envision the band having the ethereal, shoegaze-inspired sound you’re known for?
Jim: Winter Gardens originally started as a side project from my previous band (Let’s Talk Daggers). I had been writing material and demoing music alongside what I was writing for Let’s Talk Daggers, veering more into the ethereal sound scaping I longed to be playing. This had no place in a math-punk trio, so I started to put there feelers out with the intention on forming an additional band. As I was finalising the lineup, Let’s Talk Daggers decided to call it day, so from project to project the transition was seamless. Ananda and I had been in previous projects, as had the original rhythm section. Through many ups and downs, various lineup changes and a national lockdown, Winter Gardens are finally in a place that feels complete.
Ananda: Yes, completely. I had always enjoyed the cinematic sound scaping of shoegaze and the emotion and atmosphere it evokes. Admiring artists like Beach House, Mazzy Star, Saccades, Bat For Lashes – who aren’t necessarily shoegaze as such, but used elements from the genre, tastefully creating this world that I would always find myself lost in.
– You’ve mentioned influences like Cocteau Twins and post-punk icons, but what were some of the earliest bands or artists that made you want to start playing music? Was there a particular album or performance that sparked that desire?
Jim: The first album that really opened my eyes to whole new world of creativity and imagination was probably Frank Zappa’s ‘The Grand Wazoo‘ which then led to a deep dive into jazz & fusion (Jaco Pastorius, Allan Holdsworth, Weather Report, Mahavishnu Orchestra…) This pushed my playing as a bassist to a new level, giving me a fresh perspective on boundaries within most music I was exposed to at that age.
Although I grew up in small town with no music scene, I was very privileged to have found myself within a group of friends who were as passionate about music as myself, always listening out for the newest bands & sharing our discoveries with each other. I was always finding myself at shows of artists I may have only heard a few weeks prior, punk & hardcore shows were firm favourites of a few of my mates, the raw energy of bands like Trash Talk and The Flaming Tsunamis really ignited something in me, as much as I love the orchestral flavours of dreampop & shoegaze, I thrive off a raw energy that’s usually only found in punk & hardcore.
– With a recent lineup change, how has the band’s dynamic shifted? Has the new lineup brought any fresh ideas or energy to the recording process or live performances?
Jim: Oh yes, completely. Connor (drums) & Jasmine (vocals and keys) have bought a whole new dimension to the project, not only to the live sound but to the recording process. This along with friend and producer Luke Marsden (who has co-written some the newtracks featured on the EP), the team is stronger than ever. Connors dedication to his craft has allowed the sound of the band to expand, with the addition of track we can now create an atmosphere more immersive than ever before. Jasmine’s vocals harmonise & compliment Anandas beautifully .Jas is always looking at ways to utilise the atmospheric sounds of the synth within the tracks, and her harmonies are sublimely haunting.
– With cryptic and intimate lyrics, your songwriting feels very personal. How do you approach the balance between revealing personal experiences and keeping things open to interpretation?
Ananda: I started writing lyrics at the inception of Winter Gardens. Initially, I was afraid of laying out my feelings bare, so a more cryptic route is what I opted for, aside from a simple lovesong to minimise judgement. As we’ve progressed I’ve felt more comfortable with showing more of my internal monologue, though it still evokes fear when revealing the lyrics as I struggle to open up not in songform… However, I still like allowing people to fill in the blanks. One of my favourite lyricists (and vocalist) is Elisabeth Fraser – although cryptic, it still hits you in the heart.
– Your latest single ‘U/U’ explores imposter syndrome and self-doubt. Why was this theme important to you, and how did you approach expressing these difficult emotions through the music?
Ananda: Unfortunately, one of my persistent traits is comparing myself to others; In daily life, amongst other artists, even within Winter Gardens. I’ve always loved performing and expressing myself through various art forms but writing is the one that comes least natural to me, ironically. Having the voice in the back of my head telling me I’m not good enough, or worthy of reward is a constant frustration so facing that head on, expressing these thoughts makes them somewhat less consuming. Navigating life can be difficult, so people relating to the lyrics is comforting.
– With the upcoming release of the EP Uncomfortable/Unlovable and the success of your recent performances, what are Winter Gardens’ next big steps? Are there any dream collaborations or projects you’d like to pursue in the near future? What can fans expect from this new EP?
Jim: Ideally we would love a booking agent, with us all working full-time jobs it would relieve the stress & we could mainly just focus on writing, recording & promoting ourselves, but yes, play, play, play & get out there, another European stint would be marvellous too. At the moment we need the sole focus on us, I have every faith in this project.
Fans? 
This is the most complete body work of work the band have released, with numerous identity crises since the bands inception, I feel now the band is ready to show an audience what we are all about. The EP flows like a soundtrack, taking the listener through a myriad of emotions & feelings. I don’t want to give to much away, but we are proud of what we’ve created and look forward to people hearing it.
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