Winyah: From South Carolina Shores to National Stages

Photo by Harrison Hargrave

Winyah, a rising indie-rock band hailing from the picturesque Winyah Bay in South Carolina, is making waves across the country. Comprised of Thomas Rowland (23, lead singer/rhythm guitar), Stephen Russell (25, bass), Robert Buffington Jr. (22, keyboards), Jacob Riley (24, drums), and Luke Gordon (25, lead guitar), the band recently completed the first leg of their "We Need a Van" tour, a testament to their hard-earned journey to owning their own tour vehicle.

Their recent "We Need a Van" tour, a testament to their dedication and growing success, marked a significant milestone. This tour, following a period of supporting the New York band Dogpark, allowed Winyah to showcase their unique sound and electrifying live performances to a wider audience, solidifying their reputation as a band to watch.

The tour's name, a seemingly simple phrase, carries deep meaning for the band. It symbolizes their hard-earned journey from relying on borrowed transportation to owning their own tour vehicle, a crucial step in their pursuit of musical independence. "The energy exchange between us and the crowd is palpable," Thomas explains, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship that fuels their performances. "We feed off their energy, and they feed off ours. It's a constant cycle."

Before embarking on their national tour, Winyah primarily honed their craft on local stages in South Carolina. While these performances were invaluable in developing their sound and stage presence, the transition to a national tour presented new challenges and opportunities. The increased pressure to deliver consistently high-energy performances, night after night, was met with unwavering enthusiasm.

The experience of touring with Dogpark provided invaluable insights into the demands of a national tour. "Seeing how other bands operate, the level of professionalism and dedication required, it really motivated us," Luke reflects. "It made us realize the potential we have and the work it takes to reach that level." This exposure fueled their ambition, solidifying their determination to not only succeed but also to inspire and mentor other aspiring musicians.

Photo by Brooke Jennings

Their journey has taken them to iconic venues, including the renowned 9:30 Club in Washington D.C., a significant achievement for any emerging band. They harbor dreams of revisiting cities like New York, with its vibrant music scene; Texas, with its rich musical heritage; and the West Coast, with its laid-back yet energetic vibe.

A pivotal connection in their career has been their relationship with Evan Honer, the founder of Cloverdale Records. Introduced through their manager, Honer has become more than just a business associate; he's a trusted friend and mentor. "Evan's support has been instrumental in our growth," Stephen acknowledges. "He understands the challenges of the independent music scene and has provided invaluable guidance."

Winyah's collaborative spirit is a defining characteristic of their creative process. "We're a family," Thomas emphasizes. "We trust each other's instincts and are always willing to compromise." This collaborative approach is evident in their debut album, "Lot to Learn," released in February 2025. The album's title reflects the band's ongoing journey of discovery and growth.

The album's tracks, a collection of songs that chronicle their experiences and reflect their evolving sound, showcase their versatility and musical range. "Mamacita," one of their earliest compositions, represents their raw, unfiltered beginnings. In contrast, "Thread," their latest single, embodies their current sound, a more refined and nuanced blend of indie-rock and blues influences. "Thread," Luke explains, "is the song that best represents who we are as a band right now. It's the culmination of our collective efforts."

The creation of "Lot to Learn" was an organic and evolving process. "We were essentially building the plane while it was flying," Stephen recalls. "We were learning as we went, experimenting with different sounds and arrangements." The mastering process, in particular, presented its own set of challenges. "We're all perfectionists," Robert admits. "We debated every nuance, every subtle variation, until we arrived at a version that we all felt represented the song's essence."

Winyah's musical influences are as diverse as their personalities. While their Southern roots are undeniable, their sound transcends the typical country music narratives of their region. They draw inspiration from a wide range of artists, including indie-rock icons like Flipturn and Backseat Lovers, psychedelic pioneers like Tame Impala, classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin, and experimental groups like King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard.

Photo by Brooke Jennings

"We're a melting pot of influences," Jacob explains. "We all bring different musical backgrounds to the table, and that's what makes our sound unique." Their sound also carries a strong blues influence, especially in their guitar work. "Growing up in the South, blues music was always around us," Luke says. "It's ingrained in our musical DNA."

The band's formation is a testament to the power of serendipitous connections. Luke and Stephen's high school jam sessions, Luke and Rob's previous band, and Thomas's invitation to Luke to play drums at a fraternity event all played a role in their eventual formation. Jacob joined the band after a successful audition, completing their current lineup.

Winyah's members lead diverse lives outside of the band. Stephen works in information technology, a stark contrast to the world of rock and roll. Luke is a former professional surfer and real estate agent, bringing a unique perspective to the band. Thomas is an environmental consultant and also pursues his own solo musical projects, revealing a very prolific artist. Rob and Luke both work part time jobs in order to fund touring, and other band needs. Jacob works at a skater store, and brings a unique style to the group.

Their eclectic taste in music is reflected in their walk-up songs: Rob's "Gangnam Style," Thomas's "Let It Happen," Luke's "Olsen," Jake's "Demolition Man," and Stephen's "Baker Street." These diverse selections highlight their individual personalities and collective musical tastes.

The band's dedication to their music is evident in the sacrifices they've made. Rob and Jacob both left school to pursue music full-time with Winyah. "It was a difficult decision," Rob admits. "But we knew that music was our passion, and we were willing to take the risk." Jacob, who had struggled with the traditional school system, found a sense of purpose and belonging in the band.

Winyah's journey is just beginning. With their debut album released and their national tour completed, they are poised to take their music to new heights. Their dedication to their craft, their collaborative spirit, and their unique blend of indie-rock and blues influences have set them apart from the crowd.

Photo by Brooke Jennings

They are currently working on new material, exploring new sonic territories and pushing the boundaries of their creativity. "We're always evolving," Thomas says. "We're always learning and growing as musicians and as a band."

Winyah's story is a testament to the power of music to connect people, to inspire dreams, and to transcend boundaries. As they continue their journey, they carry with them the spirit of their coastal origins, the energy of their live performances, and the unwavering support of their fans. 

Written by Mckenzie Blasi