WOKE In Dreamland
A queer kid of color, Billy Winn, on the inspiration for Another Broken Heart.
BY ORLY LYONNE
Billy Winn’s Dreamland II picks up where Dreamland I left off. Thematically, at least. Sonically, its debut single, Another Broken Heart, released last month, turns up the drama with a heavy-octane dance number. “I love going back to EDM, where it all started for me,” Winn explains. “High energy dance is always a great place to get things started.”
Both EPs tell stories from the perspective of a queer kid of color who has had his heart broken. “It’s the only position that I can write from and it’s one that I can’t recall ever hearing in pop music,” Winn continues. “My hope is that regardless of where you come from, who you are now, or who you are becoming; you’re able to find something in these songs that resonates and makes you want to play them over and over again.”
Another Broken Heart was inspired by a series of circumstances in Winn’s life, including the death of his father. “He and I weren’t close but at the end of his life, I was asked to return home to take care of him and my family. It was an extremely emotional situation, and definitely something that I’m still healing from.”
Winn is a Billboard-charting singer, songwriter, recording artist, and performer who regularly thrills audiences with his shows and music releases, ranging from high energy dance records to emotionally charged EDM. With Dreamland II, Winn notes his inspirations as being a mix of 90s R&B and the EDM of the last decade.
“I was listening to a lot of TLC and Janet Jackson while I was working on Dreamland II; specifically, Crazy, Sexy, Cool, Fanmail, and Janet’s Velvet Rope album. At the same time, I was listening to artists like Flume, Owl City, Robyn, and Tove Lo; trying to find a place musically where all those influences could exist or become something completely different altogether.”
It’s been a year since Winn released Dreamland I and the acclaim from the album has allowed him to tour and expand his fan base. It has also taught him to not doubt or second guess himself.
“I’m trusting my instincts a lot more these days and I have to admit I’m pretty confident in the road ahead.”
“Things will happen that are outside of my control, but I’m not letting those forces control me.”
Billy Winn’s Dreamland II is distributed by Ferocious Music and OneRPM and is available on iTunes, Spotify and all digital platforms. For more information, visit BillyWinn.com or follow him on Facebook.
