New Zealand Teen Winnie Conlan Celebrates Debut Single Success

Winnie Conlan, a talented young artist from New Zealand, has celebrated the release of her debut single, “One Sided Love Getaway,” on Spotify. The single follows her impressive performance in the Play It Strange songwriting competition earlier this year, where she secured second place among a record-breaking 194 entries from secondary school students across the country.

The competition, which showcases the creativity of young songwriters, provided Winnie with a valuable opportunity. As part of her award, she was granted a studio session at Waitaki Valley’s Sublime Studios to record her song. Since its release nearly two weeks ago, the track has garnered a positive response from listeners both locally and internationally.

Winnie expressed her excitement regarding the reception of her music. “It’s been amazing. I have had lots of people messaging me, which is lovely. It’s quite cool. I logged into my Spotify account, and I have 91 listeners from the USA and around 390 from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and places all around the world,” she said.

Inspiration Behind the Music

The inspiration for “One Sided Love Getaway” came from Winnie’s observations of her peers entering relationships while she had not experienced one herself—although she noted that this has since changed. The year 12 student at Waitaki Girls’ High School has also been busy in the studio, having recorded an EP earlier this year alongside her long-time musical collaborator and best friend, Olivia Morriss.

The duo showcased their talents by winning the Harbour Street Jazz and Blues talent show in Oamaru last September. Their success continued when they claimed the Smokefree Rockquest Best Vocals award in Timaru this year, following their first-place win in the national competition for intermediate and high school bands throughout New Zealand.

Winnie’s achievements reflect not only her musical capabilities but also her dedication to her craft. As she continues to gain recognition in the music industry, her journey serves as an inspiration to young artists everywhere, demonstrating that passion and hard work can lead to success.