Her Make Believe Band
About Her Make Believe Band from Auckland
Led by New Zealanders Cy Winstanley and Vanessa McGowan, Her Make Believe Band is a London born band described as a "masterful blend of Americana fused with jazz, soul and pop".
Her Make Believe Band has been getting rave reviews in New Zealand and the UK for debut album, AM Radio (Old Oak Music, 2009), including Uncut Magazine UK who describes songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Cy Winstanley as “a potent songwriter with a voice gently reminiscent of Paul Simon” while vocalist/bassist Vanessa McGowan “adds beguiling harmonies”.
Cy Winstanley cut his musical teeth in New Zealand singing, playing guitar and harmonica and, after a passing teenage obsession with guitar rock, discovered bluegrass, jazz and blues, eventually meeting fellow New Zealander, bassist Vanessa McGowan.
Following the urge to discover his Liverpudlian roots, Cy moved to London in 2004 and, upon their reunion in 2007, Cy convinced Vanessa she could sing and Her Make Believe Band was born.
Joined on AM Radio by keyboardist Sebastian Weiss and drummer Tom Greenhalgh, Her Make Believe Band performs in London as a four-piece band and as an acoustic duo.
"In Cy Winstanley they have a potent songwriter with a voice gently reminiscent of Paul Simon, while fellow Kiwi Vanessa McGowan adds beguiling harmonies" Uncut Magazine
"...a masterful blend of Americana fused with Jazz, Soul and Pop... A truly worthwhile addition to anyone's music collection" (4.5 out of 5) www.themusiccritic.co.uk
"A stunning debut album... Winstanley's songs are intelligent and original" Country Music People Magazine
"Beautiful melodies with a fragility that is a joy to behold... a little gem of a release." Crack Magazine UK
"Their songs are as pretty and romantic as the Southern Cross itself. Sweetened by Cy’s mellifluous delivery and double bass player Vanessa McGowan’s gorgeous harmonies, they sound like love letters between Amy Mann and a slip-sliding Paul Simon." The Crypt Sessions
"Celebrated as one of the most exciting new alternative country acts around, Her Make Believe Band have undoubtedly created some beautiful and original tunes...They have the right mix of smart lyrics and sweet melodies that appeal to the old romantic in me." Morning Star
"Delightful album...hooks you in with melodies and keeps you there by virtue of the words...very sharp stuff" Graham Reid elsewhere.co.nz
“Alt-country pop perfection… irresistible in their soulfulness and pure pop quality” James Smith mixitup.co.nz
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Awesome, they sound like a great duo.