If you’ve spent any time in the Vancouver indie scene over the last year, you’ve definitely heard the name Winona Forever. They’re a band that gives off a vibe, a kind of band that makes you feel like you’re living in a coming of age movie set right here in the Pacific Northwest.

One of my biggest gripes with a lot of indie bands is that they’ll often try way too hard to be dark and mysterious. Whereas, Winona Forever leans more into their authentic selves. Their music is this perfect blend of jangle-pop and sophistic pop, it’s catchy enough to hum along to on your first listen, but musically complex enough to keep you coming back.

They aren’t afraid to play everywhere, from tiny DIY spaces to bigger stages. In 2024 they went on their first tour, going as far as Fresno California. 

They have this incredible ability to capture the specific feeling of being young in BC right now. Their songs are often an emotional roller coaster with lyrics like “I’ve never been so into someone talking about gardening. Isn’t it weird” It’s that mix of glass half full and glass half empty that relates so heavily to younger adults.

What’s really cool is seeing them get the recognition they deserve outside of the province. Just this past year, they’ve been picked up by major tastemakers like KEXP and have been a staple on CBC Music. It’s proof that you don’t have to move to Toronto or LA to build a global following, you can do it right here with a loyal local fanbase and a sound that feels authentic to where you’re from.

If you’re looking for a band to soundtrack your drive up the Sea-to-Sky or your next afternoon at Spanish Banks, this is it. They represent the best of what the BC indie scene is right now, talented, unpretentious, and consistently great.

Next time you see their name on a poster at the Biltmore or the Rickshaw, buy the ticket. They’re one of those bands that you’ll want to be able to say you saw “before they were huge.”