Meet Parker Winston, the 22-year-old singer-songwriter from New York City who’s quickly making a name for herself in the alternative pop space of the music industry with her refreshing and unique sound that blends indie pop with a raw grunge edge; airy synths meet gritty guitar lines wrapped in emotionally charged lyrics and a magnetic vocal presence. Winston is gearing up to release her upcoming single, “Lost Time” featuring her boyfriend, Ryder Beer, on November 7th. The song reflects a real-life story between Beer and Winston. The duo began dating when they were 15 and 16 and were together for two years. After spending five years apart, the two came back together after a series of coincidences that brought them back into each other’s lives and naturally began creating together again. Ahead of the highly-anticipated song, Spotlight sat down with Parker herself to learn about her inspiration, collaborating with her first love, and artistic vision. Check out the full interview below.
About “Lost Time”
SPOTLIGHT: “Lost Time” feels so personal — can you tell us what inspired you to turn your real-life story with Ryder into a song? Were there any emotional moments during the recording process that really stood out to you?
WINSTON: Since we’re both singer-songwriters, collaborating comes naturally to us. We often write together for our solo projects, but once we started working on Lost Time, we knew we wanted to share the song because of how it resonated with us both on a deep level. One of the most special parts about this experience was recording it in my flat in London, just the two of us. It made the whole process feel more intimate, and I think it comes through in the song.
SPOTLIGHT: The song is called “Lost Time” — what does that title mean to you now, looking back on your journey together?
WINSTON: The title speaks to the idea that, despite spending time apart, there was always an unwavering connection that ultimately brought you back to each other. For me it means, even though that time is gone, it’s about making up for it, rediscovering one another, and cherishing that person after feeling their absence.
On Her Artistic Vision
SPOTLIGHT: Your sound has been described as a mix of dreamy indie pop and raw grunge. Are there any artists specifically that inspire you and this type of sound?
WINSTON: Absolutely! I love indie bands fronted by women, like Metric or The Cranberries. I’m really drawn to how their music can be soft one moment and gritty the next. I think that push and pull feels familiar to me. The dreaminess in my songs mirrors who I am, and when it blends with grunge undertones, it shapes into my signature sound.
SPOTLIGHT: How do visuals and fashion influence the way you express yourself as an artist?
WINSTON: My visuals and style are an extension of my storytelling, helping create the complete picture of the music. I want to bring my songs to life in every way, translating their energy, emotion, and world before someone even presses play.
On Her Journey + Creative Identity
SPOTLIGHT: How has growing up in New York City influenced your sound and your perspective as a musician?
WINSTON: Growing up, I was surrounded by artistic diversity everywhere. People expressed their individuality freely and wore it on their sleeves. I was lucky to be raised in a place that championed uniqueness, and it made me work hard to preserve my own. New York City had a key role in shaping my identity, and its electric energy, restlessness, and raw edge are elements that absolutely pulse through my music.
SPOTLIGHT: What’s been the most defining moment for you so far as an independent artist?
WINSTON: As an independent artist, it’s incredibly easy to doubt yourself and question whether your music is worth the effort. These days, It feels like you’re competing with the entire internet just to be heard, and when you’re doing it all on your own, you can’t help but wonder if your time and resources are being wasted. My defining moment came when I started working with new Producers in LA. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened me up in ways I didn’t expect. I began trusting my instincts more, and grew confident as both a songwriter and a vocalist. Those experiences reignited something in me and reminded me of how much I love the process itself. It reaffirmed that I’ll still be here making music even if no one’s listening.
Looking Ahead
SPOTLIGHT: With “Lost Time” marking such a special chapter, what can fans expect next from you — musically or visually?
WINSTON: In the last few months, I’ve been developing tons of new music, where my writing, vocals, and sound have never been more cohesive or undeniably me. You can expect another single soon, followed by my upcoming EP in 2026.
SPOTLIGHT: If you could dream up your ideal collaboration, who would it be and why?
WINSTON: In this collaboration, I realized how special it is to work with someone who truly gets your vision and makes it even better. There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with, but honestly, my dream is just to keep creating with people who can bring a feeling to life, and help you express what you’re trying to say.
SPOTLIGHT: What do you hope people feel when they hear “Lost Time” for the first time on November 7th?
WINSTON: I hope listeners can find their own reflection in it and it becomes their own story, something beyond ours. My dream is for this song to stir up feelings that never really left, and I want it to belong to everyone who’s ever missed someone, or felt the beauty of finding their way back.
