In summer 2014, New Zealander Nick Stone and Colorado native Dani Cichon met as volunteers building greenhouses in South America. There, on a Peruvian rooftop, they wrote their first of many songs together - a song that would one day become South for Winter’s first single, “Fallen Seeds.”
After years spent pursuing separate projects oceans apart, Stone and Cichon joined up in Christchurch, New Zealand as a duo. Upon moving the project to Nashville TN, they met cellist Alex Stradal, who rounded out the eclectic blend of instrumentation and vocals that has since become so characteristic of their music. With Stradal in the lineup, the sound and entity of South for Winter were born and as a trio they hit the road; touring through over twenty-one States and two Canadian provinces within their first two years.
Often described as “folk-blues," "folk-jazz," or “Renaissance,” South for Winter's songs are intoned with a depth of emotion and richness of experience that invites listeners into the story - eager and anxious in turn with each verse. In a landscape saturated with incredible songwriters and musicians, South for Winter have developed a sound all of their own. With meticulously crafted lyrics, captivating natural charisma, and an impressive assortment of instruments at their command, South for Winter have time and time again established themselves as a crowd favorite.
The band has landed accolades such as a Semi-Finalist in the 2022 International Songwriting Competition, Finalist for “Best Group/Duo” in the 2023 International Acoustic Music Awards, Official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International in 2022, Top DJ Pick by John Platt of NYC’s WFUV in 2021, and “Most Wanted” Emerging Artist at Falcon Ridge Festival in 2019. Their music has been praised by sites such as American Songwriter ("laden with delicate harmonies, intricate guitar-work, and earthy vocals... impeccable sound"), NoDepression ("must-see artist"), For the Love of Bands ("a wonderful mix of indie and folk rock"), Grateful Web ("eclectic in the best sense of the word"), AmericanaUK ("An ethereal, dreamy, journey...a journey well-worth taking"), Relix Magazine, and DittyTV. The band has toured nationally and internationally in 2022-2023, with highlights including Mile of Music Festival (Appleton WI), Lake Orion Music Festival (Lake Orion MI), The Ark in Ann Arbor MI (opening for Seth Walker), and a sold-out show at City Winery's Lounge in Nashville TN. The trio has recently completed a tour of the West Coast of North America and their second tour of New Zealand, with Summer 2023 dates in the U.S., Canada, and Europe to be announced shortly.
South for Winter has also re-entered the studio with GRAMMY award-winning producer Matt Leigh for their sophomore album, with the first single just released this March 2023. Join the band's email list and follow along on social media to stay updated!