Formed in January 2018, Wynona Bleach began after a 12 Date Russian Headline Tour under their former name of R51. Prior to this they played BBC Introducing stages at Reading and Leeds festivals, supported Feeder, and performed on a televised anniversary of the BBC’s Introducing music show in Northern Ireland at a sold out show in the Ulster Hall alongside Therapy? SOAK Villagers and The Divine Comedy.

Wynona Bleach Are: Melyssa Shannon (Vocal), Jonny Woods (Guitar/Vocal), Carl Gilmore (Bass), and James Foy (Drums)

Wynona Bleach released their Debut Single “Eyes Burning” in January 2018, and an EP titled “Sugar” in late 2018. They supported Alice in Chains on the Irish leg of their World Tour in 2019, after which they retreated to an abandoned warehouse in central Portugal, where they recorded their debut album “Moonsoake” with Bill Ryder-Jones in 2019/early 2020. In august 2021 ahead of announcing a release date for “Moonsoake”, they signed a record deal with Fierce Panda Records.

“Moonsoake” was mixed across the lockdowns in 2020, with the title track recorded in isolation and added “last minute” to the album. Three singles were released “Glimmer” “Moonsoake” and “Drag” – the latter being play-listed on BBC radio ulster, as well as charting in the top 40 of Amazing Radio and being featured on multiple Spotify editorial playlists, amassing 20k+ streams.

The band performed at Other Voices Festival in 2022, ahead of SXSW and New Colossus Festival NYC 2023, amidst heavy touring of the UK and Ireland. In 2023 they toured Ireland with fellow NI Power-Poppers Ash, and embarked on recording a sophomore album in 2024, releasing singles “Swim In The Bay” and “I Deserve That” ahead of an 11 date UK tour in October 2024.

Returning to the US for SXSW 25 and New Colossus (NYC) 25, Wynona Bleach were invited to perform and preview new album tracks at Bob Clearmountain’s Apogee studio in Los Angeles. Further singles from the album will be released in 2025.