Winona Oak’s journey began on Sollerön a forested island in Dalarna, Sweden, known as the “Island of the Sun” where she grew up surrounded by animals, music, and her grandmother’s operatic legacy. Now, she’s become one of Sweden’s most intriguing voices in pop, with a career marked by global collaborations, cinematic storytelling, and emotional honesty.
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.