Winter Gardens

In their own words, Winter Gardens have developed their own 'Dream Punk' sound - combining elements of Shoegaze and Dreampop with the energy of Punk. Their shows promise to take you through a cascade of shimmering tones, hazy melodic vocals and raw energy. We spoke to guitarist Jamie Windless to get a further insight in to the band.

What’s new with you guys?

We have just spent the last few months making the finishing touches to our debut EP 'Tapestry', we've worked very hard and are looking forward to seeing it's release in the new year, I'm hoping the EP will showcase a clearer insight to what WG is all about. We are also working on our live set for our show with 'Piroshka' on the 20th December at The Piper, really looking forward to this one.

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

At this very moment in time I have TEEN's latest album (Good Fruit) on the deck, I was very lucky to catch them in Brighton a few weeks ago at The Green Door Store, beautiful, melodic synth-pop, very underrated band that have now sadly called it a day, I was also dancing round in my pants listening to The KLF earlier this eve.

WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE SHOW YOU’VE PLAYED?

Without a shadow of a doubt 'Rockaway Festival', It was the second show I had booked for the band and felt we may have been a little out of our depth, It was a pretty surreal experience for us that we enjoyed thoroughly.

WHAT’S THE STRANGEST SHOW YOU’VE PLAYED?

Hmm... I wouldn't say as WG we've played shows I would consider as strange, during a tour in and old band I played a gig in a Pool Hall in Wales (Pool World..) Which the owner knew nothing about moved a few tables and let us play two (maybe three??) songs, I think maybe five people showed up.

WHERE’S GOOD FOR PRE/POST-GIG GRUB?

We play The Hope & Ruin fairly often (Which is great because it's probably my favourite venue in Brighton) the kitchen downstairs has a completely vegan kitchen and serves up probably the best vegan junk food in Brighton, I recommend the 'The Pengest Poppers' but make sure you order extra sauce!

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE LOCAL SUSSEX MUSIC SCENE?

It's the best it's been in years, I sincerely believe that, I feel people are making more effort to go to gigs, the vinyl revival has helped massively and radio stations like 6 Music, Introducing or Hailsham FM's alternative slot are showcasing new up and coming bands on a daily basis. Sussex hosts some incredible venues too (Printworks, The Piper, Blackmarket (Hastings), De La Warr (Bexhill) The Hope & Ruin, Green Door Store, C2, The Dome, All Saints Church, The Old Market (Brighton) I also feel as society evolves for the greater equal good, anybody and everybody can feel welcome and comfortable at a gig.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE/MOST CHERISHED BIT OF GEAR?

Probably my Lego Ewok Village or my Dyson Hot+Cold...I'm rather fond of my Vintage White Japanese Fender Jazz Bass too.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ALBUM?

I can't answer that! I'll tell you my favourite album of the year (so far) which is the soothing, textured 60's pop/psych-esque 'Mystery Hour' by Pavo Pavo (Bella Union) I don't understand how this label churns out gold after gold!

IF YOU COULD INVITE THREE ICONS, ALIVE OR DEAD, TO A DINNER PARTY WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE, AND WHAT WOULD YOU TALK ABOUT?

Martin Luther King and The Dalai Lama - and Rory Bremner. Just cos' they could get a bit heavy, couldn't they and he'd lighten things, probably do impressions of them... and me.