Interview: Winona Avenue
Brothers Daniel and David Deputy are Winona Avenue, an exciting band who have just released their long-awaited self-titled debut album. Louder Than The Music caught up with the duo to find out how they started out, the story behind the music, and their plans for the future.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourselves and how you got involved in making music?
Daniel: Our names are Daniel Deputy and David Deputy and we are brothers from Indianapolis, IN. We started performing music together back in 2011 and started Winona Avenue at the beginning of 2019. In 2011, I was a part of another band and suddenly needed a drummer for the band’s biggest show to date. David had just started playing the drums, so I asked if he’d be willing to perform. He practiced the songs every day for three months straight and was able to step in and do a great job. We have been playing music together ever since.
Tell us about your self-titled album and what the inspiration behind it was?
Daniel: We just released our self-titled debut album on June 25. We have actually been releasing songs from the album since the beginning of 2019 when we started Winona Avenue, so it was exciting for us to finally release the whole album that we worked so hard on! The album was inspired by our Christian faith and our desire to write music that can relate to people and make a positive impact on their lives. Most of the songs on the album were not directly inspired by something that I went through personally. Instead, I wrote this album with the mindset of “How can I help the listener?” The inspiration for each song on the album came from whatever God put on my heart.
Which is your favorite track on the album and why?
David: I would have to choose “December Night.” The song does a good job mixing some of my favorite genres together like pop, rock, and pop punk. I also really enjoy the melody.
Daniel: It’s a tough decision, but if I had a pick a song, I’d choose “Masterpiece.” I think it’s a catchy track musically, and I enjoy having the opportunity to talk about the message of the song. It’s about how we believe that God created all people as a masterpiece, and I think it’s a message that needs to be heard.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
Daniel: We want people to know that they are loved and that there is always hope no matter the circumstances. We also hope that the album encourages people to take the next step in faith to accomplish whatever they feel that God is calling them to do.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Daniel: I would describe the sound as pop rock with elements of pop punk, synth pop and alternative rock. We try to write music that doesn’t sound too similar to any other artist so that we have our own unique sound. We were both inspired by pop punk music of the 2000’s. Some of our favorite Christian music artists growing up included Relient K, Switchfoot, Owl City, Skillet, and Stellar Kart.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Daniel: I would enjoy collaborating with Jon Foreman. I enjoy the music that he writes, and I think his lyrics are thoughtful and inspiring.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
David: The term “success” is very subjective. For us, we view success in two different ways. First and most importantly, we are successful if we make a positive difference in people’s lives and point them to Jesus. As long as we are doing that, we feel like we are successful. Secondly, if we love what we do, we would consider that to be success.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Daniel: It’s very tough for me to choose my favorite album of all time. I think it’s probably tied with around 10 different albums! But one album I really enjoyed listening to growing up was Relient K - Mmhmm.
David: I honestly can’t narrow it down to one album. There isn’t just one that stands out to me above all of the others. My music tastes are constantly changing and I love various genres.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Daniel: I’d be listening to “Ships in the Night” by Mat Kearney while building a boat.
David: I’d be listening to “Umbrella Beach” by Owl City while watching Daniel build the boat.
What does the next year hold for you?
David: We plan to start playing live shows regularly again. We are trying to get back on the road by the end of the year and we are hoping to have our busiest year yet in 2022.
