Her breakout moment came in 2018, when she co-wrote and featured on The Chainsmokers’ hit single “Hope”, followed by “Beautiful” with Australian producer What So Not, setting her unique voice on a global path. Since then, Winona has released a string of heartfelt songs and an acclaimed debut album, Island of the Sun (2022), earning praise for her blend of melancholic pop and lyrical depth.

This summer, a new Winona is stepping into the spotlight. After a breakup, a hair transformation, and a renewed appetite for travel and adventure, she’s entering what she calls a new era creatively and personally. “I’m finally allowing myself to be light, to have fun, to just live,” she says.

Her latest EP Salt, showcases this shift that is still emotionally grounded but braver, bolder, and danceable.

Parallel to this, she’s launched a new alter ego, Oaks, diving into electronic and club-driven sounds. “It’s the other side of me,” she says. “A little darker, but also liberating.”

Winona will perform live at Aperitivo Peroni at Bar Buco in collaboration with Peroni on Wednesday, July 16, in Visby, Gotland, marking a fresh moment in her evolving story. “This summer is about freedom, movement, and doing things on my terms.” 

It’s not easy to get a moment with Winona in a time when everyone wants a piece of her. We manage to catch her while in Toronto between gigs and studio sessions. A lifestyle that would throw many off balance but for Winona, it’s the opposite. After 10 years as an artist, she’s in a place in life where she knows who she is and what she wants, both personally and in her musical artistry.

“I’m not as afraid of what people think anymore. I’ve gone through so much on a personal level that it’s forced me to grow. It’s shaped me. I’ve grown thicker skin, and that shows in my music too.”

The past few years have brought heartbreaking challenges for Winona, and that emotional journey has been reflected in her music. On her latest EP Salt, Winona opens up in a way that is both brave, personal, and raw.

“I used this album to process everything I’ve been feeling and thinking. That’s why it’s more personal than I’ve ever dared to be before.”

In the song “My Body” she sings honestly about the anxiety around body image and the struggle with self-perception in a society that demands perfection. In “I Broke Me First” she explores mental health and a self-destructive side many can relate to.

“I’ve struggled with panic attacks since I was young. My mom got sick when I was 14 and passed away two years ago, that’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to survive. The sound also reflects my personal journey. It’s become a broader spectrum, not just about heartbreak but going much deeper than that.”

When we meet Winona at the photoshoot for The Forumist, we notice a different energy. It’s lighter, freer. She’s left much of the heaviness behind and wants to face the future with curiosity and newfound energy. There’s also an edge in her grounded strength—the confidence to know what she wants, to focus, and follow her own creative rhythm. This sense of liberation has also led to a new album coming this fall.

“The album is about being a woman. Sexuality. Playfulness. I came out of a long relationship, and this is about throwing myself out there again, daring to fall in love. It’s also about the importance of my friends. They were there for me when I needed it the most. They’re the ones who keep me going.”

Like everything Winona creates, it’s deeply personal and unfiltered. We get to follow her spiritual journey with all its ups and downs. The music is an eclectic blend of ballads, electronic beats, and a more organic, natural sound.
The new Winona allows herself to have fun again. Making music is more than just a creative outlet or passion, it’s literally the blood in her veins.

“Creating music is what has kept me alive. Without it, I would’ve gone under. It’s how I process everything.”

But it’s not just music that gives a healing foundation, interest in photography and fashion also offers Winona space to express herself and reflect. This constant hunger for new influences, playfulness, and her insatiable drive to evolve make Winona an exciting artist musically. A whirlwind blending indie pop with dance music like electro and house. The latter is something she explores through her alter ego, Oaks.

“Oaks is dedicated to dance music. It’s a broad spectrum of DJs I’ve worked with, from Martin Garrix to Tiësto. It’s a variety of electronic styles and the only thing that ties it together is my songwriting, my lyrics, and my voice.” Oaks mixes dubstep with mainstream house and progressive house. She also plans to learn how to DJ soon and add yet another creative form of expression, with more original material released under Oaks.

“There’s something in dance music, the frequency and tempo that’s very healing. It lets you release so much energy. It’s also less pretentious. More forgiving.”

It’s been three years since Winona released her critically acclaimed debut album Islands of the Sun, an electro-pop and synth-pop record with an almost cinematic sound. Back then, it was with a major label. Now she’s on her own. Then, label execs interfered in the creative process. Now, she stands alone with a clear vision and the freedom to realize it.
“This album is much more me. The sound has evolved constantly, and this marks a fresh start for me and my music.”

The future is undeniably exciting for Winona both personally and artistically. Her dreams stretch from developing new projects to inspiring collaborations with DJs, artists, and musicians. She doesn’t just want to travel the world and see new places, she also wants to take a spiritual and mental journey to grow as a person.

“I want to throw myself into the unknown and challenge myself. I want to heal, feel good, and enjoy the moment. I want to be more present. And I want to allow myself to be in love.”

Talent: Winona Oak

Team Credits:

Photography by Marcus Askelöf
Styling by Mili Malinovic
Words by Mattias Kristiansson
Hair & Makeup by Moona Narancic
Retouch by Jim Widgren

Fashion Credits:

1) Dress by ALIDA BARD. Stockings by WOLFORD. Shoes by PRADA.
2) Bodysuit by MANIÉRE de VOIR.
3) Silver chain belt by INAN.
4) Top and pants by NORMA KAMALI. Shoes by PRADA.
5) Cutout mini dress by COPERNI.
6 & 12) Silk blouse by HEIDER ACKERMANN. Uterus bottoms by MARAN. Stockings by SWEDISH STOCKINGS.
7) Pleated dress by DAVII.
10) Dress by OVAL SQUARE. Shoes by DRIES VAN NOTEN.
11) Detachable sleeves by ALIDA BARD. Biná tank top by STUDIO PRETA. Stockings by WOLFORD. Shoes: stylist’s archive.
13) Holographic asymmetric gown by RICK OWENS.
14) Shoes by PRADA.
15) White layered tank dress by CHRISTIANA HADJIPAPA. Stockings by SWEDISH STOCKINGS. Shoes: stylist’s archive.
16) Draped mini dress by KHAITE.
17) Transparent nail ring nails (used as ear cuffs) by WHYNOEN. Draped silver top by DION LEE. Stockings by SWEDISH STOCKINGS.

Team Credits:

Photography by Shahin Hefter
Styling by Marieke Merts
Hair & Makeup by Bianca Beh 
DOP: Daniel Konrad
Sounddesign by Niklas Hoffmann 
Photo Assistent: Alina Schröder 
Models: Elizabeth Lan at TIGERSMGMT

Fashion Credits:

#1 Cape – Rick Owens Necklace: XMLADENOVSKI
#2 Laurin Schuler
#3 Hat: Alex Vanova, Dress: J. A. I. W
#4 Sangenjaya
#5 Laurin Schuler
#6 Cape – Rick Owens Necklace: XMLADENOVSKI
#7 Helena El Malek
#8 Marie Louise Vogt
#9 Laurin Schuler
#10 Hat: Alex Vanova, Dress: XMLADENOVSKI

Team Credits:
Photography by Vahab Bandari
Styling by Rosalind Seehusen
Hair & Makeup by Karen Burton
Model: Ava Coffen

Fashion Credits:
1,2&3) Dress by Rick Owens. Stocking by Wolford. Shoes by Miista.
4) Dress by Zimmermann.
5) Shirt and jacket by Sportmax. Socks, stylist’s own. Shoes by Prada.
6) Shoes by Miu Miu.
7) Shoes by Miu Miu.
8) Bag by Balenciaga.
9) Shoes by Coach.
10) Jacket by Victoria Beckham. Shorts by Marni. Stockings, stylist’s own.
11&12) Coat by Strateas Carlucci. Stockings, stylist’s own. Shoes by Coach.
13) Shoes by Prada. Socks, stylist’s own.
14) Hat and socks, stylist’s own. Dress by Anna Quan. Boots by Coach.
15&16) Coat and boots by Coach. Socks, stylist’s own.
18) Jeans by JW Anderson. Shoes by Miista.

Team Credits:
Photography by Yulia Reznikov
Styling by Leo Kochman
Hair & Makeup by Yulia Holovina
Model: Ryan at Fifteen Minutes Agency
Special thanks to @cityoptikhaus

Fashion Credits:
1) Sunglasses by Rick Owens. Shirt by Walter van Beirendonck. Shoes by Dr. Martens.
2&6) Sunglasses by Balenciaga. Skirt by H&M. Shoes by Ninamounah.
3&5) Blazer by DAY. Belt from fetish shop. Leggings: 7 For ALL Mankind.
4,8&9) Blaze and shoes by Maison Margiela.
7) Skirt by Comme des Garcons. Belt; vintage. Top by Maison Margiela. Shoes by Eytys.

Team Credits:
Photography by Felicianne Kevin
Styling by Geraldine Hatton
Assitant: Stéphane Arnaud
Hair by Zahra
Makeup by Ninnog
Models: Ginette at The Clow Models and Sompa at Elite Models

Fashion Credits:
#1 Ginette wears a dress by COMME DES GARCONS. Sompa wears a dress by ISSEY MIYAKE, earrings vintage.
#2 Ginette wears a dress by ISSEY MIYAKE. Necklace by LUKHANYO MDINGI Shoes by RICK OWENS for Birkenstock.
#3 Ginette wears a full look by ISSEY MIYAKE.
#4 Ginette wears a dress by ISSEY MIYAKE. Blue cap scarf by VICTORIA TOMAS. Shoes and hat vintage.
Sompa wears a full look by JUNKO SHIMADA. Hat and shoes vintage.
#5&7 Ginette wears a full look by ISSEY MIYAKE.
#6 Ginette & Sompa wearing full looks by ISSEY MIYAKE.
#8 Ginette wears a dress by ISSEY MIYAKE. Blue cap scarf by VICTORIA TOMAS. Shoes and hat vintage.
#9 Ginette wears a dress by COMME DES GARCONS.
#10 Ginette wears a dress by ISSEY MIYAKE.

Team Credits:
Photography by Shuhei Tsunekawa
Styling by Ippei Ishida
Hair by Masashi Konno
Makeup by Arina Nishi
Model: Anastasia

Fashion Credits:
#1 Jacket and Trousers by UNDERCOVER. Belt and Shoes by ISABEL MARANT
#2 Full look by UNDERCOVER
#3&5 Full look by RICK OWENS
#4 Jacket, Shirt, Trousers, and Jewelry by TOMWOOD Shoes by EYTYS
#6 Top and trousers by ISABEL MARANT Shoes by JOHN LAWRENCE SULLIVAN
#7 Full look by ANN DEMEULEMEESTER
#8 Coat and trousers by FORSOMEONE. Shirt and shoes by JOHN LAWRENCE SULLIVAN

Film Credits:
Cutting by CHRISTIAN CANSIN MEYER
Color grading by MERLIN JAHN
Video and concept by SAMIRA KREUELS 

Team Credits:
Photography by SAMIRA KREUELS 
Model by WESLEY BEDIAKO 
Styling by ANNE NEWMAN 
Hair & Makeup by MELANIE BULU 
Retouch by MARINA KARASKEVICH

Fashion Credits:

#1 shirt by BODE, short by RICK OWENS DRKSHDW, bracelet by MIANSAI, hat by LEVI’S
#2 jeans by JAQUEMUS
#3 shirt by ISABELLA MARANT, short by BODE, jeans by JAQUEMUS
#4 suit by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, scarf by DOLCE & GABBANA
#5 jacket by NANUSHKA, t-shirt by JIL SANDER, shorts by MARNI, hat by LOEWE
#6 blazer by JAQUEMUS, shirt by PRADA, shorts by JAQUEMUS
#7 blazer by DRIES VAN NOTEN, t-Shirt by GABRIELA HEARST, jeans by NANUSHKA
#8 ring left by GUESS, ring right by FENDI

Team Credits:

Photography by Per Florian Appelgren (at Snaetch Artist Management)
Styling by Moritz Lindert
Hair & Make Up by Elena Köhler (at Ligawest)
Model: Sara (at Tigers MGMT)

Fashion Credits:

#1 Top by Ralph Lauren, Earrings by 1064 STUDIO
#2 Blouse by Beyond Retro, Denim by Anna Galaganenko, Tights by Falke 
#3 Jacket & Skirt by vintage Thierry Mugler, Vest stylist’s own, Blouse by Jil Sander, Tights by Falke, Shoes stylist’s own
#4 Top by Ralph Lauren, Dress by Rick Owens, Earrings by 1064 Studio, Shoes stylist’s own
#5 Blazer by Tory Burch, Shirt by Anna Galaganenko, Turtleneck by MaxMara, Tights by Falke, Shoes stylist’s own 
#6 Coat by Dalpaos, Blouse by Chloé, Boots by Aeyde 
#7 Blouse by Beyond Retro, Denim by Anna Galaganenko, Tights by Falke
#8 Coat by Dalpaos, Blouse by Chloé, Boots by Aeyde 
#9 Dress by Stine Goya, Shoes by Uterque, Tights by Falke