Editorial: Winona Oak Spills SALT, Not Sugar
- Vingt Sept
- 3 hours ago
- 8 min read
Music
Swedish singer-songwriter Winona Oak is no stranger to emotional vulnerability. Known for her ethereal voice and disarming honesty, she invites listeners into her inner world—a place shaped by grief, love, and the quiet resilience that comes from surviving both.
Raised in the wilderness of Sweden's forests of Sollerön surrounded by animals, Oak’s early life reads like a prologue to the artist she would become: imaginative, intuitive, and deeply attuned to the invisible. Her music—whether collaborative pop anthems with The Chainsmokers or raw, confessional ballads on Salt—unearths the messy complexity of being human.
In this intimate conversation, Oak opens up about her childhood spent vaulting on horseback, her unflinching approach to mental health, and the evolving power of self-compassion. The result is a portrait of an artist intent on turning pain into poetry—on her own terms.
You practised vaulting from a young age—a demanding and expressive sport. What lessons did you learn from that experience that you still carry with you today?
That connection with animals really shaped me. It taught me not to give up, to trust the animal, and for them to trust me. That bond is so powerful. It helped me build self-confidence, learn to stand up for myself, and become fearless from a young age. I was never afraid of failure or mistakes because I knew it was all part of the process. My sister, who was my mentor, always said, “You’re not a good rider until you’ve fallen off at least a thousand times.” It’s all about learning the hard way.
How did your early experiences with music, poetry, and instruments influence your songwriting process?
Music, poetry, and instruments have had a huge impact on my songwriting. I grew up immersed in folk music and started playing the violin at age 5. I played Swedish folk music, and my mom would send me to violin summer camp for five years, which was focused on that genre, though people from all over the world attended. It was such a beautiful experience. I started writing songs when I began playing the piano, and while they weren't great at first, I always had a passion for writing. I turned my poems and writings into songs. The key is to write a lot of bad songs, have fun with it, and let your creativity flow. Over time, you'll find your style through years of practice. It's all about not being afraid to make mistakes and enjoying the process.
Your debut album, Island of the Sun, and EP Void explore deep emotional themes. What was the most challenging aspect of writing about grief and loss?
Writing about something so personal is always a challenge. It’s the most vulnerable I feel, sharing intimate parts of myself with the world. But I also know that I’m not alone in these experiences. Others going through the same thing can find comfort in it. While it’s difficult, I find it even harder to keep those emotions inside. Writing and being creative is my way of venting and expressing myself—it’s healing. It’s how I cope with everything—the beauty, loss, grief, and pain—it all comes out through art. I always turn to art to process, and I think it would be even harder to keep it inside. I need to write about what's true to me.
How has collaborating with What So Not and your work with the Chainsmokers influenced your growth as an artist?
It influenced me greatly. Those collaborations were some of the first songs I ever released, and working with such big artists was a huge boost. They were fantastic mentors who believed in me, and sometimes that’s all you need—someone to say, “You can do this.” Their support gave me such confidence, and I’m so grateful they took me under their wing. There’s more to come—who knows what’s next.
You described your songwriting process for Salt as therapeutic. Can you elaborate on how writing these songs helped you confront your past?
The songs on Salt are rooted in some of my most traumatic experiences. Writing them with people I trust was incredibly healing. I took all that pain and poured it into those songs, and in doing so, I felt like I got it out of my system. Of course, those experiences don’t just disappear—they're part of me now. But it was empowering to express myself in this way. I’m grateful to share these experiences through music, even though it’s painful.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music, especially from Salt?
I hope listeners feel empowered—to dance, to cry. If they relate to the heavy themes, especially triggering ones, I want them to feel less alone. I want them to know that they’re strong and didn’t deserve the hardships they’ve been through. I hope Salt can ease their burdens and provide a beautiful, safe space for them.
You mentioned that grief can feel like an ocean of trauma. How do you navigate those feelings when they resurface?
There’s no right or wrong way to grieve. I’m still in the midst of it, in the darkness, but I know there’s still light. I think you just have to let yourself feel everything. Some days are harder than others, and I’m incredibly grateful for my beautiful community of friends, family, and my dog. Music and creativity are my ways of surviving. I don’t think I would have gotten through the loss of my mom without music. It’s been my greatest form of healing.
With my friends, my chosen family, and my real family—my nephews, sisters, and dad—I've surrounded myself with beautiful people. Sometimes, you just need to reach out for a hand, and they’ll help you through the worst. Grief doesn’t come with a manual or a timeline. It’s something you live with for life. Some days it feels like it happened yesterday, and others are easier when you’re distracted. But then you remember, and it never goes away. I’m just trying to live my life fully for my mom and allow myself to feel everything—the good and the bad.
In I Broke Me First, you explore mental health and self-harm. How do you want to change the conversation around these topics through your music?
"I Broke Me First" is about self-destruction and pushing people away before they can hurt you. I want to start conversations around topics that are often stigmatised, especially because I can relate to them. By being honest about my experiences, I hope to help others. I’ve struggled with panic attacks and anxiety, and I want people to know that things can improve if you seek the right help. It’s not the end of the world if you get your heart broken. Life is about taking risks—you have to jump sometimes. I love this quote I came across: “Where do broken hearts go? Back to their best friends.” How beautiful is that?
You’ve addressed the importance of affirmations in It’s Not My Fault. How has this message impacted your own journey, and what do you hope to bring to audiences with it?
Affirmations are crucial. You have to remind yourself that the blame doesn’t lie with you. I hope those who hear the song—especially those who’ve been through similar experiences—understand that they are not the problem. It took me years to realise that what happened to me wasn’t my fault. That understanding is why I wrote the song. It’s one of the most important songs I’ve ever written.
In My Body, you tackle societal beauty standards. How do you see the conversation around body image evolving in today’s music industry?
It’s getting better, but we still have a long way to go. Beauty standards can be cruel, especially for women. In the fashion and music industry, the world is always watching, and there’s constant commentary on every little change. It can feel impossible to live in peace with your body. We need to respect others’ bodies and focus on our own journeys. I hope my song opens up this conversation, so people can feel seen. When I was underweight, I wanted curves, and when I had curves, I wanted to be skinny again. It’s exhausting. Now, I’m learning to love my body as it is, no matter what.
What does self-compassion mean to you, and how has your understanding of it changed throughout your career?
I’m still learning how to take better care of myself. I’m setting boundaries, saying no when I need to, and speaking up for myself. As I turn 30, I’m realising that I don’t need to compare myself to others as much as I did when I was younger. I’m focusing on doing things I love and allowing myself to have days where I’m not being productive. It’s all about balance, taking care of myself, and separating from my ego.
You’ve worked with high-profile fashion brands like Chanel and Acne. How do you feel fashion intersects with your music and personal identity?
Fashion is a huge part of my creativity and self-expression. I love vintage stores—it’s like a treasure hunt. I also enjoy buying limited or custom pieces at auctions. When I’m having a bad day, I dress up to feel better, even if I don’t feel great inside. Fashion helps me step outside myself and express creativity. It’s part of who I am—just like music. The clothes I wear reflect my identity.
How do you see your visual style evolving as you continue to grow as an artist?
My visual style is always evolving because I’m constantly inspired by new things. I make mood boards, get inspiration from books, photography, and exhibitions, and incorporate that into my aesthetic. It’s a big part of my brand. I love how my visual style ties in with my music—it adds another layer to the songs. It’s exciting to express different aspects of my music through visuals, whether in music videos or visualisers.
What can fans expect from you in the future, both musically and personally?
I hope to continue evolving, experimenting, and making music that people can connect with. I want to make songs people can dance to and cry to, becoming the soundtrack to their lives. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I’d tell myself not to be so hard on me, to take better care of myself, and to stop living up to others' standards. I’d encourage myself to just do my own thing.
Is there a particular song or moment from your career that you feel encapsulates your journey so far?
There are so many moments that feel special. One that stands out is when people bring me flowers or art pieces. Once, a fan made a doll of my dog while I was on tour in Spain because I missed him. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and it showed me that my music means something to people. As for a song, “Break My Broken Heart” has a special place in my heart. It was a moment when I thought, “Wow, this song is something I would listen to myself.”
Salt is out now
Photographer Emily White Garay
Photographer assistant Gabby Thomas
Editorial Director Philipp Raheem
Fashion Lily Lam
Stylist assistant Chloe Bobwana
MUA Heidi North
Hair by Sheree Jourdan using John Frieda, Got2b & Revlon
Location & Special thanks to Flash Studios
Editor & Words Jheanelle Feanny
