INTERVIEW: Sir Winston drops new remix

Winston Giles, known by his artistic moniker Sir Winston, has enjoyed a prolific career in the music world, boasting acclaimed releases under various aliases. Intwined with his sonic exploits is his endeavours in the fashion sphere, having designed multiple sustainable clothing collections, while his music has become synonymous with large-scale fashion campaigns for renowned brands such as NIKE, VOGUE, Victoria’s Secret and Maybelline.

In a recent musical move, he dropped the Démons à Combattre EP in September, on which he explored his indie dance and electroclash influences. Recorded in Brooklyn, New York, the EP is a Parisian creation that pays homage to the Bloghaus era, featuring standout tracks like “Perfectly Numb” and “Sex in Paris.”

Following up the EP, Sir Winston unveiled four dynamic tech house remixes, with the latest addition being the pulsating “Fashion is a drug (Remix).” This musical fusion of electroclash and tech house offers a savage and mind-bending trip that challenges the very essence of reality. The relentless basslines and frenetic synths collide to create a hedonistic and dystopian soundscape, inviting listeners to surrender to the madness.

From the outset, the remix plunges into the sonic abyss, featuring Sir Winston’s processed vocal lines that become an integral part of the relentless energy. The deep bass and punchy beats form a hypnotic foundation, setting the stage for a journey through pulsating rhythms and electrifying soundscapes.

Stuttered and spliced vocal shots intensify the experience, building anticipation for the impending drop. As the track reaches its climax, a powerful force erupts, full of gritty synth lines and snapping hi-hats. Sir Winston’s lead vocals glide over the driving mix, adding a layer of energy to the high-octane sonic landscape.

The remix showcases the artist’s ability to navigate between genres, delivering an intense and party-ready sound that stands as a showcase to his unique musical vision. It’s a superb display of his production panache and knack for reimagining music in a thrilling way.

We caught up with Sir Winston to find out more about his creative journey so far, his new single “Fashion is a drug (Remix)” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Sir Winston below.

Hey Sir Winston, how’s things?

Things are great – back in Australia – ready to DJ all summer.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I remember my twin brother and I, when we were very young, dressed up in KISS make up and banging on pots and pans.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

Artists who take big risks and push boundaries inspire me. I like artists with a unique identity and passion. David Bowie has always been a big influence.I listen to a lot of music. These days I’m focused on Djing and producing, so I’m listening a lot in that world. If I’m ever needing a boost of inspiration, I’ll play Laurent Garnier’s “Crispy Bacon”.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I like to work with a theme, a concept. I released an EP last year that I wrote in Paris that had a French theme to it. It was called Démons à Combattre – which means Demons to Fight. It explored temptation and resistance. I have a message in my music. I feel that I communicate better with music than any other way. When I hit challenges in life, I turn to music to deal with it. So it’s fair to say that life inspires me.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

It’s been a non-stop year of releasing and playing.There’s been a lot of highlights. Djing in the French Alps was amazing. I’ve also had a lot of fun making the videos to some of the tracks. I shot the video to the latest release with a friend in New York – Meg Superstar Princess. It was a crazy fun day. That was another highlight.

What do you love about the New York music scene?

The music. Going all the way back to The Velvet Underground, I’ve felt an affinity with music from New York. I love The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem & Talking Heads. I like artists who articulate life in the city. I think Lou Reed probably did that best. There is something very real, raw, honest and transparent about music from the city. It is art, it’s palpable. I also have a lot of respect for artists who try to come up in New York. It’s a tough city and can be a real grind.You have to be extremely committed and determined topersist and succeed. There can be no plan B.

How has your connection to the fashion world influenced your musical output?

I love the romance between music and fashion. Vivienne Westwood and The Sex Pistols started it for me. It’s such a great story. Fashion makes music sexy and vice versa. I love electroclash – it rolls with fashion so well. A lot of dance and electronic music sits well with fashion. I’ve incorporated a fashion element into Sir Winston, by designing sustainable clothing collections. I also do music supervision for a lot of fashion brands. Music and Fashion is my world.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

A rocking house party.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I’ve experimented in many different genres. I started in hard rock and punk bands and toured for years and years, mainly in the USA. I returned to Australia and started partying and clubbing a lot in Melbourne and fell in love with dance and electronic music. I worked with a lot of local DJ’s and producers and released a lot of music. I still try to incorporate my punk rock background into what I do today – even if it’s just in spirit. I like hybrid styles and tracks that blend genres. Tracks like “Let Forever Be” by the Chemical Brothers with Noel Gallagher’s vocals – I absolutely love that track. I think some of that vibe came through on my last EP.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Nick Cave. I’d love to make something dark and hard with him.

How did you find making your new track “Fashion Is A Drug (Remix)”?

I started it in Australia working witha DJ and Engineer friend Doshpot, and then Abe Seiferth mixed it back in New York. It really came alive in the mix. We got the synths to sound crazy.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I really do think that Fashion is a Drug. It has been for me. I’ve been obsessed with designing clothes. It’s also a tongue in cheek line, a wink at those who’ve gone very far down a path with their fashion to where it’s alarming and amusing.The track is chaotic, it’s mayhem – which from my experience is exactly what addiction is.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve got playlists for every mood and daily routine. I’ve been back listening to some old favorites lately like Bob Dylan. The world is really fucked up right now and songs of hope keep me sane. For my DJ sets – it’s endless. My latest mix has tracks by Torren Foot, Kyle Walker, Adrian Hour & ESSEL – to name a few.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

That going wild and crazy to music is a good thing – do it.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Oasis, ACDC, Fatboy Slim. On the beach in Melbourne, Australia.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Enjoy the ride.

Finally, what do you have lined up for 2024?

Starting the year off in Australia and DJing over summer, then back to New York and into the studio pumping out tracks.

Listen to Fashion is a drug (Remix) below