Saint Etienne Respond to Winona Ryder’s Heartfelt Fandom and Saying They “Rescued” Her

Winona Ryder credits Saint Etienne’s album with rescuing her during a tough time, and the band happily confirms they’re still going strong decades later.

When Indie Dance Meets Hollywood: Winona Ryder’s Lifeline

If you’ve ever had a soundtrack that pulled you through a rough patch, you’ll connect instantly with Winona Ryder’s recent confession. The Stranger Things and Beetlejuice star opened up in a charming interview with Elle about how British indie dance band Saint Etienne became her unexpected saviors during a dark moment in her early 20s.

Ryder recalled her time filming in Portugal in the early ‘90s, a period shadowed by personal struggles. “There was a great band called Saint Etienne that I loved,” she shared. “Their album totally rescued me when I was going through a really hard time when I was making a movie in Portugal when I was 20.”

The image of a young Winona wandering Lisbon’s streets, buying albums from street vendors, hits a nostalgic note for anyone who remembers the tactile joy of discovering music in physical form. She continued, “I was just walking down the street, you know they used to sell albums on the street in Lisbon, and I bought it and it got me through that time. Saint Etienne…I wonder if they’re still together?”

Saint Etienne’s Playful and Warm Response

Saint Etienne didn’t miss a beat. They took to their official Facebook page to share a snippet of Winona’s interview, captioning it with a cheeky, “Stranger things have happened… but glad we were there for you, @winonaryderofficial. And yes, we’re still together!”

“Stranger things have happened… but glad we were there for you, @winonaryderofficial. And yes, we’re still together! Watch full @elleuk interview at https://youtu.be/hfjXrT_3Gd4”

— Saint Etienne Official

It’s a sweet moment of mutual admiration—a band whose music became a beacon during a tough time, and an actress who remains a fan decades later. Yes, Saint Etienne are very much alive and kicking!

Back in Time: The Album That Got Winona Through

Looking at the timeline, Winona’s mention of filming in Portugal likely points to The House Of The Spirits, her 1993 film about a Chilean family during military dictatorship, shot partly in Lisbon. Around the same period, Saint Etienne dropped their sophomore album So Tough in February 1993, an indie dance gem filled with catchy, emotive tracks.

So Tough gave us singles like “Avenue,” “You’re In A Bad Way,” and “Hobart Paving,” all of which found their way into the UK Top Ten. It’s easy to imagine how this album’s uplifting yet wistful vibe could provide solace amid personal turmoil.

Take a moment to revisit Avenue, a standout from So Tough, here:

Saint Etienne’s Final Chapter: A Bittersweet Farewell

For fans holding onto every beat, Saint Etienne have announced that their forthcoming album International will be their last. Set for release on September 5, the band looks to go out with a bang after an incredible 35-year career.

The lineup of collaborators on International reads like a pop-dance fan’s dream: Janet Planet of Confidence Man, Erol Alkan, Vince Clarke, Nick Heyward, and Paul Hartnoll of Orbital, to name a few. This final chapter promises to be a vibrant celebration of their legacy.

Despite calling it quits with new music, Saint Etienne members stress they “remain the best of friends” and are ready to savor this last musical journey together.

Winona Ryder’s Latest Wisdom on the Stranger Things Set

Winona’s bond with music and acting continues to inspire. Recently, she shared a heartfelt nugget about working with the young cast of Stranger Things. She noted how the kids are often told the show “made” them, but she flips that script:

“I’m like, ‘No. Netflix is so lucky. You guys are the special ones. Like, you guys are magic.’”

It’s a perspective shaped by decades of experience in the spotlight—a gentle reminder that talent and magic often shine brightest where you least expect.

Did a Saint Etienne record ever rescue you during a rough patch? Or maybe a favorite album has been your personal soundtrack in tough times? Share your stories—we’d love to hear how music has been your lifeline.

FAQ

• How did Winona Ryder discover Saint Etienne?
  Winona bought their album from a street vendor in Lisbon while filming in Portugal during a challenging phase in her life.
• Which Saint Etienne album did Winona Ryder say rescued her?
  She referred to So Tough, their 1993 album featuring hits like “Avenue” and “You’re In A Bad Way.”
• Is Saint Etienne still active as a band?
  Yes, they confirmed they are still together and are about to release their final album, International.
• What collaborations are featured on Saint Etienne’s final album?
  Collaborators include Janet Planet (Confidence Man), Erol Alkan, Vince Clarke, Nick Heyward, and Paul Hartnoll (Orbital).
• What advice did Winona Ryder give to the Stranger Things cast?
  She told them they are the special ones and that Netflix is lucky to have them, emphasizing their unique magic.

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