INTERVIEW with Nick Howard
While growing up in Brighton, England with his mother,
grandmother and sister, Howard listened to a lot of American
and British soul, pop, rock and blues artists, ranging from
typical influences like The Beatles and The Who to inspirational
leading men like Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye and Freddy
Mercury. Watching these artists is what really inspired
confidence in Howard to get up and perform in front of people
grandmother and sister, Howard listened to a lot of American
and British soul, pop, rock and blues artists, ranging from
typical influences like The Beatles and The Who to inspirational
leading men like Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye and Freddy
Mercury. Watching these artists is what really inspired
confidence in Howard to get up and perform in front of people
Cove: Hi Nick. How are you today?
Nick: Splendid thank you...though I'm sad it's raining outside.
Where are you talking to us from? What's your current location?
The Big Apple
What was your childhood like in Brighton?
It was definitely 'interesting' and taught me a lot of things that many people
wouldn't learn until their adulthood. Music was definitely a huge part of it.
When did your first discover your singing talent?
I came from a family where music and singing wasn't something that was
unique. We were all musically minded and music was a part of so much of
our lives. There wasn't a time where I 'discovered' I could sing growing up
because it was just the norm. It wasn't until I noticed that people would
single me out for being able to do so outside of my family that it wasn't
something every one could do.
How do you like being in the U.S?
Its given me so much opportunity. I fell in love with New York when I first
came here and wanted to live here from that moment on. I was fortunate
enough to spend some time over here while at college and then even
more fortunate to be able to come over and work afterwards....giving my
music a real backbone. The thing I love most about New York is that
people want you to succeed and no one looks down on you. Every day I
walk outside and feel inspired by the city and everyone else here thats
trying to make a living in music or and the arts.
Do you notice any differences between American Rock music to
the British music?
I think recently the US music scene has fallen behind that of the UK. Both
places produce great music, artists and bands but I just think the UK
industry has taken more 'risks' of late which leads to a more varied music
market.
Have you been starstruck by anyone yet?
I've brushed shoulders with the Rolling Stones, Sting, Bill Clinton, Kanye
West and countess others since I've been here. You see a lot of
celebrities in New York and usually its an anti climax because they are
just normal people like you and I. However, every now and again you see
a super star like one of those guys and its the coolest feeling in the world.
How would you describe your type of music?
Its honest, sincere and varied. My influences are all over the place and I
think that comes across in my music. I can honestly say that there isn't a
genre I'm not a fan of, I can find something I like in all sorts of music and I
write material that reflects that. My music is catchy and melodic because
thats what makes it fun and interesting for me to write. I write lyrics as I
would think a thought in my head so everything you hear is raw and
unedited.
Who are your biggest musical influence?
I'm influenced by everything I listen to. Growing up I was influenced by
Rock, Pop, Motown and Soul acts such as The Beatles, The Who, Michael
Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye and by Singer/Songwriters like
James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin. More recently I'm influenced by
my own generation of music by the likes of Ben Folds, John Mayer and
Oasis.
Do you write your own songs?
Every last word.
I like your song "A Better Man". What was the inspiration behind
that song?
It's about a relationship thats gone wrong and neither party really knows
why. Its at the point where each person dreads everyday of it and
doesn't know what to do to fix the situation. A Better Man is almost a
desperate cry out for help.
'Something To Talk About" is your new album. What can you tell
us about it?
My first record 'Contradicted' was recorded in Brooklyn during my first
year here in New York. It's a window into my life at that time. I was trying
to work out what I was trying to do and writing songs that reflected that.
My new album is almost a coming of age record. I made it on my terms and
in my time. The content is varied and talks about things throughout my life
as well as things I've noted in other peoples along the way. I feel its well
rounded, and offers a fresh look into a number of different subjects. You
can expect the familiar honest approach that you find in all my material
coupled with some catchy hooks, excellent musicianship and great
production
What was the recording process like. Who did you work with?
It was long and tiresome. The whole process took over a year because of
the fact I was intent on making sure my first full length album sounded
exactly how I wanted it to. I recorded the same songs a few different
times with different producers but eventually found the producer who
could achieve the sound I was looking for. Its no disrespect to anyone
else I worked with during the process but its like getting into a relationship
with someone...it takes a few before you find the right one :) I ended up
tracking the whole album with Jamie Siegel (Joss Stone, Lauren Hill,
Dashboard and Del Amitri) and we brought in musicians Nicholas D'Amato
(Lizz Wright), Fil Izler (Robbie Williams), Joe Tomino (Dub Tro), John Deley
(Dido) and Tobias Ralph (Duncan Shiek). I'm privileged to have worked
with such a great team of musicians.
Any favorite track on the album?
"The Pressure", I think it's my most rounded piece of work.
What was it like hearing your song featured on MTV's The Hills?
I didn't believe that it was going to happen up until the song came in. It
was so surreal, to have your music play in something with that kind of
exposure is bizarre. My sister made a cake and we all sat gathered
around the TV...it was a cool evening.
Do you watch the show regularly? What do think about it?
Its a great platform for artists and bands like myself to gain exposure and
credibility. As far as the show itself I'm not the biggest fan of faux reality
TV but I'd be lying if I said I didn't watch it. Any scene with a Nick Howard
song in it is definitely worth watching.
Where did you first performed after reaching into the U.S.? How
nervous were you to perform in a whole new country for the
first time?
I think it was probably an Open Mic somewhere in the East Village. Most
probably I was terrified and my performance a shambles. You'll be please
to know my subsequent shows weren't such a disaster and I've managed
to get a grip on my nerves since that day.
Which musician you would love to collaborate with?
If I could ever perform with The Who or Paul McCartney I would retire
(don't hold me to that)
You opened for Jack Johnson once. What was that like?
A complete fluke to be honest. I managed to land a spot playing on a side
stage at The Gorge in Washington, it was an incredible experience,
especially given that I didn't even have a record out at the time. The crowd
were great and the venue gorgeous, it was definitely a highlight.
So what's next for Nick Howard?
I have no plans to stop writing, recording or performing...if people enjoy
the result then it's a bonus.
Nick: Splendid thank you...though I'm sad it's raining outside.
Where are you talking to us from? What's your current location?
The Big Apple
What was your childhood like in Brighton?
It was definitely 'interesting' and taught me a lot of things that many people
wouldn't learn until their adulthood. Music was definitely a huge part of it.
When did your first discover your singing talent?
I came from a family where music and singing wasn't something that was
unique. We were all musically minded and music was a part of so much of
our lives. There wasn't a time where I 'discovered' I could sing growing up
because it was just the norm. It wasn't until I noticed that people would
single me out for being able to do so outside of my family that it wasn't
something every one could do.
How do you like being in the U.S?
Its given me so much opportunity. I fell in love with New York when I first
came here and wanted to live here from that moment on. I was fortunate
enough to spend some time over here while at college and then even
more fortunate to be able to come over and work afterwards....giving my
music a real backbone. The thing I love most about New York is that
people want you to succeed and no one looks down on you. Every day I
walk outside and feel inspired by the city and everyone else here thats
trying to make a living in music or and the arts.
Do you notice any differences between American Rock music to
the British music?
I think recently the US music scene has fallen behind that of the UK. Both
places produce great music, artists and bands but I just think the UK
industry has taken more 'risks' of late which leads to a more varied music
market.
Have you been starstruck by anyone yet?
I've brushed shoulders with the Rolling Stones, Sting, Bill Clinton, Kanye
West and countess others since I've been here. You see a lot of
celebrities in New York and usually its an anti climax because they are
just normal people like you and I. However, every now and again you see
a super star like one of those guys and its the coolest feeling in the world.
How would you describe your type of music?
Its honest, sincere and varied. My influences are all over the place and I
think that comes across in my music. I can honestly say that there isn't a
genre I'm not a fan of, I can find something I like in all sorts of music and I
write material that reflects that. My music is catchy and melodic because
thats what makes it fun and interesting for me to write. I write lyrics as I
would think a thought in my head so everything you hear is raw and
unedited.
Who are your biggest musical influence?
I'm influenced by everything I listen to. Growing up I was influenced by
Rock, Pop, Motown and Soul acts such as The Beatles, The Who, Michael
Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye and by Singer/Songwriters like
James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin. More recently I'm influenced by
my own generation of music by the likes of Ben Folds, John Mayer and
Oasis.
Do you write your own songs?
Every last word.
I like your song "A Better Man". What was the inspiration behind
that song?
It's about a relationship thats gone wrong and neither party really knows
why. Its at the point where each person dreads everyday of it and
doesn't know what to do to fix the situation. A Better Man is almost a
desperate cry out for help.
'Something To Talk About" is your new album. What can you tell
us about it?
My first record 'Contradicted' was recorded in Brooklyn during my first
year here in New York. It's a window into my life at that time. I was trying
to work out what I was trying to do and writing songs that reflected that.
My new album is almost a coming of age record. I made it on my terms and
in my time. The content is varied and talks about things throughout my life
as well as things I've noted in other peoples along the way. I feel its well
rounded, and offers a fresh look into a number of different subjects. You
can expect the familiar honest approach that you find in all my material
coupled with some catchy hooks, excellent musicianship and great
production
What was the recording process like. Who did you work with?
It was long and tiresome. The whole process took over a year because of
the fact I was intent on making sure my first full length album sounded
exactly how I wanted it to. I recorded the same songs a few different
times with different producers but eventually found the producer who
could achieve the sound I was looking for. Its no disrespect to anyone
else I worked with during the process but its like getting into a relationship
with someone...it takes a few before you find the right one :) I ended up
tracking the whole album with Jamie Siegel (Joss Stone, Lauren Hill,
Dashboard and Del Amitri) and we brought in musicians Nicholas D'Amato
(Lizz Wright), Fil Izler (Robbie Williams), Joe Tomino (Dub Tro), John Deley
(Dido) and Tobias Ralph (Duncan Shiek). I'm privileged to have worked
with such a great team of musicians.
Any favorite track on the album?
"The Pressure", I think it's my most rounded piece of work.
What was it like hearing your song featured on MTV's The Hills?
I didn't believe that it was going to happen up until the song came in. It
was so surreal, to have your music play in something with that kind of
exposure is bizarre. My sister made a cake and we all sat gathered
around the TV...it was a cool evening.
Do you watch the show regularly? What do think about it?
Its a great platform for artists and bands like myself to gain exposure and
credibility. As far as the show itself I'm not the biggest fan of faux reality
TV but I'd be lying if I said I didn't watch it. Any scene with a Nick Howard
song in it is definitely worth watching.
Where did you first performed after reaching into the U.S.? How
nervous were you to perform in a whole new country for the
first time?
I think it was probably an Open Mic somewhere in the East Village. Most
probably I was terrified and my performance a shambles. You'll be please
to know my subsequent shows weren't such a disaster and I've managed
to get a grip on my nerves since that day.
Which musician you would love to collaborate with?
If I could ever perform with The Who or Paul McCartney I would retire
(don't hold me to that)
You opened for Jack Johnson once. What was that like?
A complete fluke to be honest. I managed to land a spot playing on a side
stage at The Gorge in Washington, it was an incredible experience,
especially given that I didn't even have a record out at the time. The crowd
were great and the venue gorgeous, it was definitely a highlight.
So what's next for Nick Howard?
I have no plans to stop writing, recording or performing...if people enjoy
the result then it's a bonus.
Breaking & Entering © 2008
| IMPORTANT The above stars/artists have been interviewed and/or appeared inside our "Breaking and Entering" article/section in Cove Magazine and on covemagazine.com during the period 2006-2008. For more information, please contact us! Anyone claiming to have been interviewed by us and have not their name listed above are completely fake! FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COVE MAGAZINE VISIT "CONTACT US" ABOVE! COVE MAGAZINE IS A NOT FOR PROFIT PUBLICATION |
Former Breaking & Entering Stars
Nick Howard
Starla Gladden
Cylia
Nate McDonough
Alexa Wilkinson
David Sides
Sebastian
Lasette
Griffin House
James Cappra
Johanna Stahley
Ameer
Renaissanz
Tippy
Jared Lee
Corinne Vielle
Rashod Holmes
Julius
Starla Gladden
Cylia
Nate McDonough
Alexa Wilkinson
David Sides
Sebastian
Lasette
Griffin House
James Cappra
Johanna Stahley
Ameer
Renaissanz
Tippy
Jared Lee
Corinne Vielle
Rashod Holmes
Julius
Breaking & Entering
Also See:
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