Our Stories
It’s Wynter Time, and This Girl is on Fire
If there ever was an artist on the cusp, R&B singer Wynter Gordon would be it. Working with artists such as Flo Rida, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, and more, Wynter’s first album “With the Music I Die,” was released in 2011 to wide acclaim. In addition to her musical stylings, Wynter is also a burgeoning force in fashion. Her personal style has been featured in Lucky, Paper Mag, as well as MTV.com, and Refinery29.com
This season, Housing Works is collaborating with Wynter as she presents two specially curated-window displays in two of Housing Works’ Thrift Shops. Showcasing her distinctive style, Wynter’s personalized windows will be shown at the Hell’s Kitchen Thrift Shop on Monday, January 28, and in Chelsea on Friday, February 8.
We recently sat down with Wynter to learn more about the creative forces behind her musical stylings, her support of the LGBT community, and what we can expect to see from her this year.
Housing Works: I understand you grew up in South Jamaica, Queens, which has also been home to a number of successful artists, including Nicki Minaj, 50 Cent, Ja Rule, and G-Unit, among many others. How has your experience growing up in Queens and under the mystique of other successful local artists influenced your writing and musical styles?
Wynter Gordon: Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to listen to any music that wasn’t classic or Christian-based. It wasn’t until my late teens that I started listening to “secular music” freely. And while I enjoyed some of that music at parties, I didn’t really identify with it.
HW: Your curated window designs for Housing Works’ Thrift Shops (opening in Hell’s Kitchen on Monday, January 28th and in Chelsea on Friday, February 8) are debuting soon. Can you tell us about how you were first introduced to Housing Works, as well as what influences your upcoming designs?
WG: I’ve been shopping at Housing Works Thrift Shops for years, and was recently able to team up with them through LOGO.
My inspiration for the featured windows at Housing Works is “music meets art and fashion.” One of my musical inspirations is Debbie Harry, and I know that in the 80s she was a part of the art scene and the underground culture, and she purchased one of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s first works for $200. This inspired me to use the influence of NY street artists to design the windows’ backdrops. I am also dressing the mannequins in some of my own clothing to reflect my personal style as well.
HW: At LOGO’s “New Now Next” Awards in 2011, you were nominated for the “Brink of Fame: Music Artist” award, and you have also performed a number of times at LGBT-themed events, such as Dinah Shore and Pride celebrations across the globe. Why is it important to you that you continue to support the LGBT community?
WG: I’d have to say that my most beloved person on this planet is a gay man. I watched him struggle with his faith, image, and with himself from a child until now. I’ve seen him get picked on and I have been his defender and I will forever be.
I believe in equal rights and the culture of love. My gay fans have always had my back and stuck with me and I am grateful to them, and so if my performing and music is just a token of my appreciation, I’m going to give it.
HW: In a number of interviews, you have mentioned a desire to be a comedic actor. Can you tell us a joke or an anecdote that reflects your own personal humor?
WG: That’s a hard question, hmmm. Well I’m just a silly person and growing up, I was an ugly duckling and used humor all the time to deflect. Looking back, I think that this helped me develop a great sense of humor and made me into a more likable woman now.
One of my favorite funny songs sings like this:
“Black socks they never get dirty,
the longer you wear them the stronger they get.
Sometimes I think I should wash them,
but something inside me keeps saying not yet!”
I know it’s gross, but hey!
HW: What upcoming projects can we look forward to from you in the coming year?
WG: I will be finishing the final two EPs of the Human Condition: Sanguine series (a collection of four extended plays she is self-releasing) and then hopefully touring all year!
Wynter’s stylized windows will debut in Hell’s Kitchen on Monday, January 28th and in Chelsea on Friday, February 8.
You can listen to Wynter’s music, watch her videos, and view photos at her website (http://wyntergordon.bandpage.com).
You can also follow her online at:
Twitter · www.twitter.com/wyntermusic
Facebook · www.facebook.com/wyntergordon
Tumblr · wyntergordon.tumblr.com