Music

Music
Lone Pine Studios, December 13, 2024. Photograph by Meredith Fell.

In three whirlwind days this past winter, we laid down the foundational demos for WIN, recording eleven tracks that capture the heart and range of our score. #preparedtobeprepared

We’re excited to share a taste of the score--as well as the epic talents of the music team, the musicians, vocalists, and studio gurus--through these first sample clips. In the months ahead, we’ll post companion stories on our blog, exploring the history, humanity, talents, and creative sparks behind each number.

About the Music

The score for WIN is a sonic journey across a century of Americana, with a musical vocabulary that shifts with each era to capture the authentic sounds and vibes of the time. It balances grand spectacle with intimate, character-driven moments, weaving together a tapestry of public history and private humanity.

Home studio recording: "Here's to Steps." January, 2025.

First Listen: Samples from the Score


Curious about the WIN's sounds? Here are a trio of clips representing the latter half of our "Century of Americana" vibe.

For present-day with retro flair, first up is a taste of our opening number, "Every Moment a Museum."

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Every Moment A Museum, from WIN: An AmericanAmusical ©️ 2024 Darren McDaniel
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Act I's closing number, "You're the President Now," finds us back in the '70s...and the cusp of Ford's presidency:

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"You're The President Now" from WIN: An AmericanAmusical ©️ 2024 Darren McDaniel
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Finally, here's an early slice of Betty's election-eve signature solo, "Winsome Times," our 11:00 number:

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"Winsome Times" from WIN: An AmericanAmusical ©️ 2024 Darren McDaniel
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We'll be adding clips in the weeks ahead. To support the production and release of additional demos (and receive some insider perks in so doing), we invite you to consider joining WIN's Music Commission, where you can help sponsor one or more thematic suites from our score. In sequence, suites represented by the clips above are "The Muse," "Major Moments," and "The Betty Bunch." Ensemble level sponsorships packages start at $250.


Join the Company

Want access to behind-the-scenes stories, first listens to new demos, Q&As with the creative team, and development updates? Subscribe for early, inside access to the unfolding story of the making of a musical.

Up for stepping up to help further? Visit our Support page to explore the many ways you can step into our harmonies and become part of the story--or click below to join our First 100 Fund.

"Win some, lose some, winsome again"

Betty Ford — from Winsome Times

"You know that thing that shouldn’t happen, then it happens?"

Junior Gerald Ford — from Getting There

"If the rooms had been someplace else, there would be no Gate"

Richard Nixon — from For the Record

"All aboard the carousel; Where, when stable starts to smell; Just look up, around as well; Other riders parallel; Maybe one will ring your bell..."

The Muse, M — from Rapids Redux Carousel

"No matter IF or HOW, the systems sure SEEMS broken
And if the people, having spoken…"

Jimmy Carter — from Nuts and Jolts

"Able-bodied, field or pool; Trained to keep most of my cool"

Gerald Ford — from Remarkably Unremarkable

🎧 Hover or tap a lyric to hear its story