Havanna Winter
Interview conducted Aug. 17, 2022
By Dan Locke
16 year old viral teen sensation Havanna Winter, is a musical artist, actress, and influencer. In 2020 she gained worldwide attention after going viral on TikTok and currently has a fanbase of over 6 million followers across her social media platform
What was your upbring like?
I grew up in Norway and spent most of my summers in Spain. My mom and I have always loved traveling and the first time we went to California we just fell in love with it so I moved to California at the age of 9.
How did you discover music?
My mom would always play rock songs in the car when I was younger so ever since then I became obsessed with music.
How did you start to write music?
So I am currently learning about it! But I’m really into gathering inspirations from old school movies and bouncing off of that.
Do you play any instruments?
I’m currently taking lessons in guitar and piano.
What was your first performance like?
I haven’t had the chance to perform yet, I just released my first single, but I’m excited for it to happen soon.
Describe your music.
My music is dark and campy, pop, and rock.
What makes a good songwriter?
I think what makes a good songwriter is to just have a creative mind and have fun with it.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
it was called “The Arrow” and yes I did record it but it was never released.
What is the process of writing your music?
Maya K is a really talented writer who I am working with. She, me, my mom, and sometimes other writers get together and brainstorm ideas and try different things until it feels right.. Some days it’s easy, other days it can take a little more time and patience to get going. But it’s really fun when we get something we are all happy with, it’s such a great feeling.
How is it to be signed with Stevie Van Zandt’s new label?
Stevie is great, he is old school and understands my vision. He gives me creative freedom, and I have known him for a long time so it just made sense.
Tell me about “Rain Rain Go Away”?
Rain Rain Go Away is about a girl who wants to run away from all her problems. I felt like that was very relatable because I think we all feel like that sometimes.
This is the first in a triple releases of singles. How long before we get the next two singles?
The next one is coming out in September which will be followed by another in October.
How was it working with Rhyan Besco?
It was really fun! Rhyan’s an amazing writer and he gets me.
How was it to hear your music on SiriusXM Hits the first time?
Omg, it was so surreal. I was in the car and it was just crazy cool. We were literally screaming.
You have over 3 million TikTok followers. What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
It’s exciting to share something that I love doing, and have worked really hard on with everyone.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Vinyl is cool, I like retro stuff.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
This was fun! Thank you so much! 🙂
