Kazakhstan’s music scene has never fit neatly into one category. Ancient throat singing exists alongside lush classical arrangements; R&B blends naturally with modern pop. Artists like Dimash and boy groups such as Ninety One and Alpha have shown the world just how wide and expressive the country’s musical identity can be. There is genuinely something for everyone, a spectrum of sound that feels endlessly open. Within this rich ecosystem, a new generation is creating its own space, and among them stands WinL, a trio whose music feels contemporary and very connected to the Kazakh language.

Comprised of Islam, Issatay, and NL, WinL brings the breath of fresh air. Whether slow or fast, their songs are beautiful and pull you naturally into the story. Singing mainly in Kazakh strengthens this sense of closeness. It’s a melodic, vowel-rich language that gently takes you back to their music again and again.

Their newest release, Niet, is a perfect example of this confidence. The track feels natural and almost conversational. “For making Niet was simple and natural for us,” WinL explains. “First, we created the melody, and then we wrote the lyrics to match it. We wanted the song to feel honest and easy to understand, so we kept everything simple.” That simplicity, however, doesn’t mean a lack of story. The song was famously written in a car, during a day that nearly ended in an accident, a moment so real that the group chose to share it on their YouTube channel. It’s a reminder that music often emerges from ordinary, even chaotic, moments – life happening in real time.

Each of us has a unique voice and style, so we complement each other. One of us focuses on melody and harmony, another brings emotion and atmosphere, and the third adds stage energy and presence.

While WinL has a diverse catalogue, Synarym is the song that stays with me the most, emphasising the group’s vocal chemistry in its gentlest form. The harmonies are beautiful, almost like shared breathing. The more you listen, the more you want to keep it on repeat. When asked what they wanted to express vocally from the very first demo, the answer was clear: “When we heard the song Synarym we wanted our voices to be warm and honest. We wanted the song to be soft and nice for the listeners.” It’s a philosophy that runs through much of WinL’s work.

Language plays a crucial role in shaping that bond. Singing in Kazakh is not only a cultural choice, but also a creative one. “Singing in Kazakh gives us a special feeling,” the group shares. “The melody and natural rhythm of the language add emotion to the song. In Kazakh, the melody and phrasing feel different, and the sound and stress of each word give the song a unique colour.” Even for listeners who don’t understand the lyrics word-for-word, that emotional colouring comes through.

Tracks like Niet, Synarym, B.B.D, QBoy, and Win Life each have their own feel, moving between a gentle feel and that energetic vibe. Instead of sticking to a strict formula, the group follows their instincts. “Each song has its own energy, and we usually feel it by intuition,” they explain. “Sometimes we plan in advance to give each track its own world, but mostly we follow the emotion and mood.” And I think that particular approach keeps their music fluid, allowing WinL to show multiple sides without losing cohesion.

One of the most compelling developments in the group’s journey is the arrival of Issatay, the youngest member. At just 18, Issatay brings a fresh and youthful spirit to the trio. Entering the music industry so young can be nerve-wracking, especially in an environment that often favours established names, but Issatay approaches it with humility. “For me, this is an exciting and new experience,” he says. “Of course, sometimes the responsibility feels big, but I try to learn and fit well with the group.”

Togetherness is also central to the group’s identity. “Each of us has a unique voice and style, so we complement each other,” WinL explains. “One of us focuses on melody and harmony, another brings emotion and atmosphere, and the third adds stage energy and presence.” As a group, they create something greater than the sum of their parts.

As Kazakh music continues to reach Western audiences, WinL is conscious of the responsibility and opportunity that comes with global exposure. “We feel very happy when international listeners hear and understand our songs,” they say. “It gives us motivation.” At the same time, they recognise that visibility requires infrastructure – marketing, visuals, and production quality that can carry Kazakh music further without diluting its essence.

Singing in Kazakh gives us a special feeling. The melody and natural rhythm of the language add emotion to the song. In Kazakh, the melody and phrasing feel different, and the sound and stress of each word give the song a unique colour.

The poetry, rhythm, and storytelling that influence Kazakhstan’s musical heritage still manifest through WinL’s modern sound. “Even in our current Q-pop style, you can sometimes hear traces of these traditions,” they say, “in the melody structure, the way we deliver words, or in rhythmic elements.”

Looking ahead, WinL is far from standing still. New songs, evolving visuals, stronger stage concepts, and even English-language tracks are on the horizon, a step towards reaching wider audiences while staying true to their roots. There’s also the promise of a special collaboration with a historically significant figure from Kazakhstan, so I guess we will all have to wait and see.

If the group were to design their dream stage, it would be immersive and cinematic, filled with lights and screens, opening with a song like Niet to show you what they are capable of. And if they had to introduce Kazakh culture through food, the answer is simple: beshbarmak, a dish that, like their music, carries history and identity in every bite.

WinL is not trying to change Kazakh music; they are simply adding their voice to it. In doing so, they remind us that modern pop doesn’t need to abandon language and tradition to travel far. Sometimes, all it needs is honesty and the courage to sing in your own voice.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of WinL

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to film, music, and the arts, with a special focus on the Asian entertainment industry. Alongside in-depth features on emerging and established musicians, we provide thoughtful coverage of cinema, from independent films to international releases, exploring the stories and work that bring them to life. Through interviews, reviews, and features, we connect our audience with the voices and visions driving the cultural landscape today.}