Ben Howard
Biography
Benjamin John Howard, born on April 24, 1987, is an English singer-songwriter and musician. He was born in Richmond, London, and at the age of eight, he moved to Devon. Raised by musical parents, he was exposed to the music of 1960s and 1970s singer-songwriters like John Martyn, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, and Simon & Garfunkel, who became his major influences. Howard started writing songs at the age of eleven. He initially studied Journalism at Falmouth College of Arts but decided to focus on his music career six months before completing his course.
Career
Howard's music career began with the self-released EP "Games in the Dark" in 2008. This was followed by two more EPs, "These Waters" (2009) and "Old Pine" (2010). His growing reputation in Devon and across the UK led to a record deal with Island Records. In 2011, he released his debut studio album, "Every Kingdom," which reached number four on the UK Albums Chart and was certified triple platinum. The album's success earned him a nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2012.
In 2013, Howard won two BRIT Awards for British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act. His second album, "I Forget Where We Were," was released in October 2014 and debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. This was followed by his third album, "Noonday Dream," in June 2018, which peaked at number four in the UK. His fourth studio album, "Collections from the Whiteout," was released in March 2021, and his fifth, "Is It?", came out in June 2023. Since 2017, Howard has also been a member of the band A Blaze of Feather.
Musical Style
Ben Howard is known for his distinctive percussive strumming style, often referred to as "pick and go". He plays the guitar left-handed and is known for laying the guitar flat on his lap to play it percussively, a technique influenced by fellow folk guitarist John Smith. Howard frequently uses alternate tunings and a partial capo, which contributes to his unique sound. His musical style is broadly categorized as folk, indie folk, and alternative rock, with his later work incorporating more experimental and electronic elements.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Every Kingdom (2011)
- I Forget Where We Were (2014)
- Noonday Dream (2018)
- Collections from the Whiteout (2021)
- Is It? (2023)
Extended Plays
- Games in the Dark (2008)
- These Waters (2009)
- Old Pine (2010)
- Ben Howard Live (2011)
- The Burgh Island E.P. (2012)
Awards and Nominations
Ben Howard has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. In 2013, he won two BRIT Awards for British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act. He was nominated for the Mercury Prize for his debut album "Every Kingdom" in 2012. Howard has also been nominated for three Ivor Novello Awards, winning one in 2019 for "Nica Libres at Dusk".