Performing in Tempe for the first time, Nashville-based punk rock band Winona Fighter took the stage marking their debut at the Innings Festival. For the band, festivals like this serve as both a challenge and a celebration—a chance to introduce their music to fresh ears, connect with new fans, and solidify their place in the alternative music scene, all while doing what they love most: performing live.

“It's always so cool getting to do these festivals where we're introduced to such a wide range of audiences,” frontwoman and multi-instrumentalist Coco Kinnon said. “There's always nerves before we go on, wondering if we can win people over, and then by the end, it feels amazing.”

The band’s latest album, “My Apologies to the Chef,” dropped on Valentine’s Day with a total of 14 songs. Bassist and producer Austin Luther shared his excitement, saying, “I checked Spotify today, and it’s like almost 100,000 streams a week. Like, people seem to like it, which is great.”

Kinnon explained that the title represents her childhood dream of becoming a punk artist and the internal conflict of breaking away from expectations.

“My parents worked so hard to build a life for us, and yet here I am saying, I don’t want to go to college—I want to be in a band. It’s an apology, but it’s also me following my own path,” she said. “They’re the chefs, and I’m apologizing.”

Since the album’s release, Winona Fighter’s fan base has expanded rapidly, with audiences already singing along to brand-new songs at their shows. Lead guitarist Dan Fuson reflected on the excitement of seeing fans connect with their music so quickly.

“Since the record’s come out, so many people already know the words to songs that just dropped a week ago. That’s kind of blowing my mind too.” Their commitment to authenticity and live performance has played a key role in their growth.

“You have to be uncomfortable,” Kinnon emphasized when asked about advice for up-and-coming artists. “This is the most uncomfortable thing you can do. You will be broke. You will play to zero people. But if you work hard, put your head down, and play as many shows as possible, you’ll build real fans who stick with you for life.”

Looking ahead, the band has an extensive U.S. tour lined up, with plans to take their music across the Atlantic for UK dates as well. As they wrapped up the interview, their gratitude was evident.

“Thank you to everyone for the support,” Kinnon said. “We took an alternative path—we didn’t focus on social media, we focused on playing shows. The reward for years of discomfort has been beyond our wildest dreams, and this is only the beginning.”

With their raw energy, heartfelt storytelling, and relentless work ethic, Winona Fighter is proving that punk is alive and well in the modern music landscape. Their journey is just getting started.