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Some bands strive for perfection, but Spring Winds finds its magic in imperfection. The shoegaze/alternative outfit, originally founded in Saint-Petersburg, Russia, and now based in Amsterdam, crafts a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
With a deep love for the dirty, raw textures of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, they fuse elements of alternative rock, dream pop, and post-rock into something uniquely their own. Led by Ilona (vocals, rhythm guitar, and lyrics), alongside Vitaly (lead guitar) and Ivan (bass guitar), the band is driven by an ethos of raw emotion, analog warmth, and an unfiltered connection to life’s complexities.
Finding Their Sound: From Metal to Shoegaze
Spring Winds didn’t emerge overnight. Ilona and Vitaly have been making music together since 2008, exploring heavier, alternative sounds before shifting towards the hazy textures of shoegaze. In 2016, they officially started as a band, refining their style with their debut single “Chasing Tomorrow” on Bandcamp. Their 2019 EP Sway solidified their reputation, helped by the support of DKFM shoegaze radio. The band’s philosophy? To embrace the beauty of both darkness and light. “We are sadly optimists,” Ilona says, and their music reflects this duality—lush, dreamy, but always tinged with an undercurrent of melancholic reality.
The Art of Sound and Emotion
Spring Winds doesn’t just make music—they craft experiences. Their sound is an intricate mix of shoegaze’s signature “wall of sound” and the introspective storytelling of alternative rock. Ilona’s lyrics dive deep into self-reflection, channeling personal experiences, emotional conflicts, and even imagined narratives. “Sometimes I write from my own perspective, sometimes from someone else’s,” she explains. This approach allows their music to feel deeply personal yet universally relatable.
Vitaly, on the other hand, is fascinated by the process of creation itself. “Even metal bands inspire me to write shoegaze music,” he admits, proving that their influences are as diverse as their sound. Their inspirations include icons like Sonic Youth, Deftones, My Bloody Valentine, and Russian shoegaze acts like Pinkshinyultrablast and Blankenberge, blending these influences into a soundscape that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Live Music and the Future Ahead
Live performances have been rare for Spring Winds, but the ones they have played are unforgettable. Their 2019 and 2020 shows in Saint-Petersburg remain some of their most cherished memories. “The first show at Fish Fabrique was insane,” Ilona recalls, laughing about the cramped stage space that forced her to limit her movements. Vitaly echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the magic of playing live—an experience that’s both terrifying and exhilarating.
Though they have been on a long hiatus from the stage, Spring Winds is far from dormant. With members now split between Amsterdam and Saint-Petersburg, they are figuring out how to bring their live energy back. More importantly, they are gearing up for the release of their long-awaited debut LP Destabilized , set to drop on March 14, 2025. It’s a project that marks a new chapter for the band—one filled with both uncertainty and excitement.
Final Words: A Message to the Listeners
For Spring Winds, music is more than just sound—it’s a way of processing life. Ilona’s message to fans is simple yet powerful: “Even if you feel like there’s a complete mess in your head, you exist, and you’re enough.” Vitaly adds, “Be kind to yourself and to others. There should be no place for violence in the world.”
As they move forward, Spring Winds remains true to their ethos—creating music that is as messy and beautiful as life itself. Their journey is far from over, and with Destabilized on the horizon, the best may still be yet to come.
