'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.
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.
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
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
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
by Darien-Mark
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.
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.
Listen to Nick Howard "A Better Man" and more music on his official Myspace page!
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.
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.
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.
Cove Magazine 2002 - 2008 | Cove Magazine is a Not For Profit Publication
IMPORTANT The above stars/artists have been interviewed and 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!
Contradicted (EP) is currently available on iTunes and Rhapsody.
Something to Talk About – hitting stores and iTunes on May 7, 2008!
Something to Talk About – hitting stores and iTunes on May 7, 2008!
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FMR Breaking & Entering Stars
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
Nate McDonough
Alexa Wilkinson
David Sides
Sebastian
Lasette
Griffin House
James Cappra
Johanna Stahley
Ameer
Renaissanz
Tippy
Jared Lee
Corinne Vielle
Rashod Holmes
Julius
Hall of Fame
Breaking & Entering:
Starla
Starla's songs like "Breathe" and "Look What You've Done" have been on television shows such as Ghostwhisperer, CSI, Tru Calling, Roswell, Army Wives, and Dawson's Creek DVD- Season 1, just to name a few. Her music has also appeared in movies such as Lost in Plainview, Walk Hard and Baby For Sale. The emotion and depth in Starla's haunting voice and her uniquely subtle vocal delivery has drawn comparisons to such artists as Sarah McLachlan, Dido and Evanescence's Amy Lee.
Breaking & Entering:
Nick Howard
Meeting Nick Howard for the first time, you might think he was anything but a talented singer-songwriter and upcoming star. Sure, his British accent and light brown locks may make you think of a young, fresh-faced Paul McCartney with a Hugh Grant smile. Seeing him dressed in a button-down, skinny tie and working as an IT buff for a large corporation, you would think this guy is just an ordinary 9-to-5 white-collar type who perhaps has the emotional depth of an ashtray. Nothing would be farther from the truth. After getting to know Howard, listening to his albums, and seeing him perform, your initial perceptions are turned completely upside down.
Special Issue Appearances
Alex Tinker, Focus the Nation.org
Sharlok Poems
YL
John Shehan, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Lost October
Elijah Bossenbroek
Kim Kline
Africa Miranda
William Larsh
Michael Paulus, michaelpaulus.com
Zindy S.D. Nielsen
Yuri,CelineDreams.com
Sharlok Poems
YL
John Shehan, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Lost October
Elijah Bossenbroek
Kim Kline
Africa Miranda
William Larsh
Michael Paulus, michaelpaulus.com
Zindy S.D. Nielsen
Yuri,CelineDreams.com