In March of 2022, a Northeastern University student newspaper quoted Justin Schaefers, speaking into the mic at their After Hours venue, as saying, “I’m not used to playing on a stage this big!” Just six months later, Winkler graced the positively giant stage at the University’s Common Cents music festival, warming it up for Armand Hammer and Faye Webster later in the evening. This rapid growth categorizes the past two years for one of Boston’s most exciting indie rock bands; in addition to the festival they’ve opened for both Loving and Drugdealer at the Crystal Ballroom in Somerville, passed nearly 400,000 streams on their 2022 single, “Mona”, and were nominated for Boston Music Awards in 2022 and 2023: Best New Artist & Song of the Year in 2022, and Album/EP of the Year & Alt/Indie Artist of the Year in 2023.

Riding the wave of excitement, Winkler released their first long form project in February of 2023; an 8-song album titled “For You, Now” with a sold out show at the Lilypad Inman presented by Get to the Gig Boston. This record was a long time coming- recorded at home by Schaefers and drummer/songwriter/engineer Christian Schmidt over the span of four years (and in four small Boston apartments), it embodies where the band has come from and shows a clear direction on where they’re headed. Soaring vocal melodies, lush orchestral arrangements, and lots of charm are a thru line from the first song until the instrumental end, showcasing Schmidt’s jazz training and Schaefer’s dedicated folk rock studies. Adding on top the melodic angle of guitarist Alex Massey (Dino Gala), the driving bass of Ava Connaughton, and steady vocal harmonies from both Madison Simpson (Sweet Petunia) and Alianora Reilly, “For You, Now” is full of passion for music and the friends that make it together.

Winkler began 2024 with a bang, selling out Brighton Music Hall on January 25th with fellow Boston locals Hush Club and Little Fuss!