McKenna Faith Winters
- David Lannan
- Jun 27
- 5 min read
Hard work and perseverance are such an important part of this business and you really have to believe in yourself when others aren’t ready to believe in you yet. - McKenna Faith Winters
SEE YOU AT THE OPRY?
ILLINOIS TEEN MCKENNA FAITH WINTERS HAS HER SIGHTS SET HIGH
By David C. Lannan
At age 17, singer/songwriter McKenna Faith Winters from Machesney Park, Illinois has released 13 singles (since July 2023). In 2025 she has been nominated for three Josie Awards, for the Tennessee Songwriters’ Association Youth Achievement Award, for the Rockford Area Music Industry’s Country Group of the Year and for the Midwest Country Music Organization’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Six of McKenna’s releases have already hit #1 on indie charts in four different countries. She has 5 new releases slated for 2025.
In an interview with McKenna we learn how she got her start and her plans for the future.
Q&A WITH ARTIST NAME
DL: How and when did you first start singing? Where?
MW: A Christmas program at school in 5th grade; a lot of singing in the car; during COVID my dad and I started a YouTube and FaceBook page and we recorded cover songs and posted them.
DL: Do you remember the first song you sang in public?
MW: I remember some of the words but not the title. It was a Christmas song and Christian in nature
DL: Have you written any of your own music or songs or co-wrote with anyone?
MW: I have co-written 5 of my songs that have been released so far and am writing more and more. I have written two with Corey Barker who has lots of Sync licensed songs in Hallmark Christmas movies. Also written with my producer Cedric Israel and Megan Kelly, Hannah McDonald, Greyson Campbell and Tim Comeaux to name a few. All are up and coming and very talented writers in Nashville.
DL: What is your inspiration for your songs?
MW: My experiences in life with friends and relationships and even my friends’ experiences.
DL: What is your favorite or couple of favorite originals you have sung/written and what do they mean to you?
MW: “Someone You Don’t Deserve” is one of my most streamed songs and it is about that empowering moment when you realize you are better off without the person you thought you needed and that they don’t deserve you. “Can’t Hug A Memory” is important to me because it is about my grandpa who passed away when I was younger.
DL: Do you or have you ever played any musical instruments? If you do, how do you feel it helps your musical journey?
MW: I am teaching myself to play the acoustic guitar and keyboard. Not playing an instrument has made it challenging at times to schedule gigs or live interviews that want me to play. I have found good support though and am growing in confidence on the guitar.
DL: What do you find most challenging about the music business?
MW: Figuring out who to trust and who is just trying to make money off of you. Also, competing against record labels as an independent artist is incredibly challenging regardless of how good your music is.
DL: What is your favorite part of the music business and why? Your least favorite?
MW: Definitely the connection with fans and the connection fans have to your music. My least favorite thing is how difficult it is for a female to break through into country music. You see younger males get so many more opportunities than female artists.
DL: Where is your favorite place to perform and why?
MW: Well the dream is the Grand Ole Opry. My favorite thus far was the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, IL on their main stage. Once you get a taste of that environment (sound, lighting, etc) it really motivates you to get back to a stage like that.
DL: Why did you pick country as your main focus?
MW: Country is just what I have always loved. It’s what was on in my house and car all the time. The fans are amazing and I just don’t see myself singing anything else. My music does have some pop vibes to it.
DL: What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get in the music business as a singer/songwriter?
MW: Find your niche, find your passion, discover who you want to be and then work on your brand. You will be judged on your brand before they even listen to your music!
DL: What life lessons has the music business taught you?
MW: Hard work and perseverance are such an important part of this business and you really have to believe in yourself when others aren’t ready to believe in you yet.
DL: What is a typical day like for you?
MW: It really depends on the time of year but a full day of school, followed by softball practice or a game and then sometimes followed by a vocal lesson, a hitting lesson for softball or even a band rehearsal all in one day. Probably should mention homework in there somewhere too. We are often eating in the car on the way to the next thing.
DL: If you could perform with anyone in the music business who would it be and why?
MW: Tough to choose just one. I would say Avery Anna, Meg Moroney, Carrie Underwood or Kelsea Ballerini.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
McKenna said among her memorable achievements so far were overcoming spinal fusion surgery to return to sports and getting recognized and nominated for awards with the Midwest Country Music Organization, the Josies, the Tennessee Songwriters Association and the Rockford Area Music Industry. She would like to be remembered “as someone who treated not only her fans but people in general with a great deal of respect and compassion.”
“McKenna is the future of female country singers. She is so talented. We will support her anyway we can.” - Robert Moody of Tailgate Country Radio
HAVE A LISTEN
WHERE TO FIND MCKENNA
Website: https://mckennafaithwinters.com
plus YouTube, social media, and many music streaming platforms
BOOKING ARTIST
If you would like to book McKenna for your fair, festival or other special event, contact Mike Winters for booking via email at
or by calling 815-978-5657
In addition to writing this blog for KICR, David C. Lannan is a freelance designer and writer with feature stories published across the country. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors for The Branson Opry. If you would like to be considered for a future blog, send your contact info and links to your music to dlannan@LFE.design.
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