Columbus musician Winston Hightower has released his latest album, ‘100 Acre Wood,’ a project that deeply explores themes of personal reflection and the importance of carving out time for oneself. The album, released under K Records/Perennial, features songs that emphasize slowing down and embracing solitude, with tracks like “On Our Own Time” and “Me Time” highlighting the value of doing things at one’s own pace.
The album title evokes a sense of retreat and escape, much like the expansive, forested setting of the famous fictional wood, symbolizing Hightower’s desire to create space free from outside pressures. This idea is echoed in songs such as “Poppi,” which includes lyrics about rejecting the outside world and seeking solitude. Hightower explained that during the album’s creation, he found himself deeply engrossed in documentaries about diverse topics such as the Great Depression and organized crime, which fueled his desire to protect his personal time.
Hightower described a shift in his creative process with this album, noting that he approached the music with a more relaxed attitude compared to previous works. He experimented with adding double bass parts and embraced a playful, circus-like musical style. However, he balanced this musical looseness by writing more intentional lyrics that carry meaningful messages, moving away from the “goofy” verses he had written in earlier years.
One standout track, “The Me I Know,” captures a complex self-awareness as Hightower reflects on how he has changed over time. The song acknowledges the ongoing process of shedding old versions of oneself and learning from past mistakes. He shared that this track initially felt unfamiliar because it did not clearly fit into any existing musical style, but it represents a new direction for his sound.
The recording sessions took place at Mobile Control studio in Olympia, Washington, where vintage gear and producer Hayes Waring encouraged Hightower to push boundaries. This collaboration led to unique sonic choices such as using melodica on “Lay Low” and double-tracking vocals throughout the album, creating an off-kilter yet captivating atmosphere.
Themes of vulnerability and authenticity permeate the album. In “Virtue Signaling,” Hightower addresses the tendency to mask true feelings behind a facade of being okay. He related this to his own experiences of maintaining a smile despite hardships, likening himself to Robin Williams, whom he considers a spirit animal. Hightower’s music on ‘100 Acre Wood’ offers listeners an intimate look at his journey toward self-understanding and artistic freedom.
