Winyah x Penelope Road

About this show

There’s a raw, restless fire at the heart of Winyah’s music. It’s in the crackle of their guitars, the growl of Thomas Rowland’s voice, and the way their songs always feel like they’re chasing something – a feeling, a high, a truth you can’t quite name. With southern swagger, indie rock bite, and a live show that hits, the South Carolina five-piece have quickly emerged as one of the most exciting new bands in the country. Their songs are gritty and real – full of friction, soul, and defiance – and their high-energy live shows are like a shot of adrenaline. Winyah is more than a band name; it’s a hometown, a headspace, a heartbeat. Formed in 2023 and named after Winyah Bay – the coastal South Carolina landmark where four out of five members grew up – the group pulls their sound straight from the source: Humid nights, endless highways, and the push-and-pull of small-town life. Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Thomas Rowland, bassist Stephen Russell, keyboardist Robert Buffington Jr., lead guitarist Luke Gordon, and drummer Jacob “Jake” Riley all cut their teeth grinding weekends – independently touring far and wide, all the while juggling jobs, college classes, and long drives – each member committing to the vision long before there was a plan.