We were lucky to catch up with Jade Winings recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jade thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
During each timeline of life events, I have always held writing and music discovery closest to my heart. I have found myself as “the new kid” throughout my ages, making it a bit hard to connect with others, thankfully music made it’s way into helping me gain meaningful friendships due to the connection in music. After eons of time wanting to share my thoughts and writings with others, I finally pushed myself past my social anxieties by reaching out to artists of my interest to interview in order to connect with others on an authentic level. Despite being in a long-term debilitating physical state due to a chronic condition, I decided to focus on what I can do now rather than what I can’t do now, which turned some things around quickly. I expected to write for a long time, but I didn’t expect writing the amount that I have in the time that I have had, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities and friendships I’ve accumulated along the way.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My original expectations were to start writing about local Midwest Emo bands I discover in the DIY scene for my website behindthemidwestscene.com, but my work ended up branching out after my second interview with a Philadelphia band “Knifeplay”. After realizing the how much I love reverb, I fell into the genre of shoegaze and began interviewing and gaining friends with following bands like “Ridgeway” , “Glare”, “Greet Death”, “Trauma Ray” and have been granted the blessing of interviewing producer Will Yip (Studio 4 / Memory Music). Having the trend of speaking to bands on the same labels, reviewing albums sometimes has turned into book shows and providing PR services to upcoming bands.
Things I’m most proud of within my work are the authentic friendships I’ve made accross the states and seeing their growth, and the opportunity to write for a favorite media site “Post-Trash.com”. I would like mutuals to know that their art will be handled with care when in my hands, and also know nothing is ever written half-hearted.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I have gratitude for the mutual appreciation I have been shown through guest lists and awesome merch, but the friendships and experiences developed through writing, DIY Scene participation, and show-going have been the rewarding aspect, nothing beats having good people in your life to relate to.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The original personal goal in which persists is the goal to have an outlet of self-expression, which never runs dry. Another main goal is to introduce mutuals to each other in order to help create a “small world” vibe to the music community, nothing is cooler than bringing friends from different coasts together to play a show. Collaboration is a huge goal as well, but so is the intention of collaborating with real, genuine people.
Contact Info:
- Website: behindthemidwestscene.com
- Instagram: jadewinings
- Twitter: jadewinings
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Kyle Exton Second picture is Soft Blue Shimmer playing at Mahalls Third is Tedward playing at Birdhouse in Cleveland