Biography

Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, and now based in Nashville, TN, guitarist and songwriter Cy Winstanley and bassist Vanessa McGowan met in high school where they played together in a jazz big band. From living on three different continents together, to ending their romantic relationship before the release of their first album, their success has been hard won, but their latest release, Dancing Under The Dogwoods (New Zealand Music Award for Folk Album of the Year 2020) leaves little doubt about the immense payoff from all the difficult choices they’ve made. Tattletale Saints debut album How Red Is the Blood also won the 2014 New Zealand Music Award for Folk. Complicated Man, a standout track from the album was also nominated for the APRA Silver Scroll songwriting awards for Song of the Year, alongside Lorde’s “Royals”. In the past seven years, Tattletale Saints have found their footing in Nashville, playing for artists such as Brandy Clark, Sugarland, Peter Bradley Adams and Aubrie Sellers. With the 2020 release of their third full length album, Winstanley and McGowan celebrate choosing a tough path, and conquering seemingly insurmountable obstacles to chase a dream. With thoughtful and minimal production, their third release showcases the duos perfectly intertwined harmony vocals and Winstanley’s clever yet emotional songwriting.