Electronic Press Kit
Nana Winston
Nana Winston is the one-man, no-vocals, all-feeling metal project of Benjamin IV—blending orchestral grandeur with riff-heavy grit. A studio-only force for now, with eyes quietly set on a live future.
Meet Nana
Nana Winston is the solo project of Benjamin IV, a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer based near Waco, Texas. Fusing the cinematic scope of orchestral music with the grit and emotion of melodic death metal, Nana Winston explores themes of grief, redemption, existential struggle, and spiritual confrontation. Every piece of music—performed, recorded, and mixed—is done entirely by Benjamin himself, with a DIY ethic that underscores the project’s raw honesty.
The name Nana Winston began as a joke from childhood— “Behave, or we’re sending you to Nana Winston’s house.” That name, once a harmless threat, evolved into a symbol of artistic rebellion and fearless storytelling. It's now the banner for a deeply personal discography spanning three full-length albums, each a snapshot of Benjamin’s inner world and transformation.
Godless In Freefall (2021) was born from a place of loss and detachment, capturing the raw emotion of confronting one’s inner demons. In Of Sorrow and Surrender (2024), Benjamin turned inward, seeking healing and reconciliation through an ever-deepening connection with his music. Whispers in the Waning Light (2025) reflects a broader narrative—society’s collapse and humanity’s existential struggle to find meaning amid the chaos.
Drawing inspiration from artists like Opeth, Devin Townsend, SepticFlesh, and All India Radio, Nana Winston doesn’t chase trends—it builds soundscapes that honor both the crushing weight and delicate nuance of the human condition. The music pulls no punches, but it's never hollow; there's always a pulse of hope beneath the distortion.
Though currently studio-based, plans for live performances are on the horizon. Benjamin’s passion for staying true to his craft is matched by his commitment to independence—whether in his music or his personal life. Outside of music, he’s a full-time graphic artist, crafting his own visuals and promotional materials. When not in the studio, Benjamin enjoys the simple pleasures of life—a connoisseur of cigars and good tequila, finding peace in quiet moments with his wife and three cats: Minnow, Ootah-Bahndha, and Newton. A laid-back soul who believes in walking his own path, Benjamin writes music first and foremost for himself. With zero interest in trends or contracts, his art is his own, always.
Nana Winston isn’t an “act”—it’s a vessel. A story. A rebellion. A symphony carved from scars.
Discography
Godless In Freefall (2021)
Whispers in the Waning Light (2025)
Of Sorrow and Surrender (2024)
A bold debut, Godless in Freefall captures the unfiltered essence of Nana Winston’s vision—raw, passionate, and unpolished. While technical riffs and heavy production choices may have been a bit ambitious, this album laid the groundwork for the sound that would evolve over time, marking the beginning of Benjamin IV’s musical journey.
“A spiritual exorcism wrapped in steel and sorrow.”
Of Sorrow and Surrender (2024)
Whispers in the Waning Light (2025)
Of Sorrow and Surrender (2024)
Building upon the chaos of the debut, Of Sorrow and Surrender turns inward—examining grief, humility, and reconciliation. The orchestration swells, the songwriting matures, and the vision sharpens. It’s an ode to life’s trials, steeped in melancholy and rebirth.
“Not just heavier—deeper. A record that bleeds and breathes.”
Whispers in the Waning Light (2025)
Whispers in the Waning Light (2025)
Whispers in the Waning Light (2025)
A cinematic exploration of societal decay, the fall of empires, and the battle between light and darkness. Lush arrangements meet sharpened aggression, with guest appearances adding new textures to Nana Winston’s evolving sound. A conceptual, ambitious third chapter.
“This is the sound of a world slipping—delicate, brutal, beautiful.”
Press
On Sunday, January 28th, Benjamin IV joined Robert Carrigan for a candid conversation on the ROCK'D Podcast. In this interview, they dive deep into the creative process behind Of Sorrow and Surrender, Nana Winston’s evolution as a project, and the personal stories that fuel Benjamin's music. They also explore the origins of the project’s unique name and touch on its overarching themes of grief, healing, and transformation.
Be sure to give it a listen and subscribe to the ROCK'D Podcast for more in-depth discussions on the latest in rock and metal! Benjamin expresses his gratitude for Robert's support and his ongoing commitment to showcasing independent artists.
