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Brittany Howard Elevates Her Sound with the Release of “WHAT NOW”

The Grammy-Winning Artist Unveils a Thought-Provoking Second Solo Album Amidst High Expectations

Brittany Howard, celebrated for her dynamic voice and multi-instrumental talent, has officially launched her second solo album, “WHAT NOW,” through Island Records. Garnering attention and high anticipation, the album features on several 2024 “must-hear” lists from prestigious outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, Grammy.com, Pitchfork, and TIME. This release follows her critically acclaimed singles including the introspective title track “What Now,” “Red Flags,” and the compelling “Prove It To You,” showcasing Howard’s diverse and mature sonic palette.

“WHAT NOW” reflects today’s tumultuous world, with Howard channelling the collective uncertainty and hope of modern life into her music. The Nashville-based artist, known as the frontwoman for the Alabama Shakes, describes the album as a journey through various emotions and states of being, with each track offering a unique glimpse into her thoughts and feelings. Howard’s approach results in an album where predictability is abandoned for a rich tapestry of sounds and stories.

Spanning 12 tracks, the album delves into various genres, from psychedelia and dance to dream-pop and avant-jazz, providing a versatile background for Howard’s lyrical exploration of love, loss, and human resilience. The New York Times praises the album for capturing the “emotional whiplash of falling in and out of love,” underscoring Howard’s ability to articulate complex emotional landscapes.

Following her debut solo album “Jaime,” which garnered seven Grammy® nominations and critical acclaim, “WHAT NOW” sees Howard again collaborating with Shawn Everett and taking on the producer role. The album’s creation involved a spontaneous and exploratory process, emphasizing live analogue sounds and intricate arrangements crafted by talented musicians.

Howard’s latest work is described as a monumental leap in her artistic journey, with Rolling Stone highlighting it as a bold departure from her previous endeavours. The album’s meticulous mix and innovative soundscapes were achieved through collaboration and Howard’s dedication to authenticity and creativity.

In a unique touch, Howard incorporated recordings of crystal singing bowls from the Nashville Center For Alternative Therapy to transition between tracks, intending for the album to be a personal and introspective experience for listeners. Howard hopes “WHAT NOW” will inspire self-reflection and a deeper understanding and kindness towards one another, recognizing the shared challenges and desires that unite us all.

Tracklist

  1. Earth Sign
  2. I Don’t
  3. What Now
  4. Red Flags
  5. To Be Still
  6. Interlude
  7. Another Day
  8. Prove It To You
  9. Samson
  10. Patience
  11. Power To Undo
  12. Every Color In Blue

Stream

Brittany Howard – What Now (lnk.to)

Brittany Howard On Tour

Brittany was recently announced at this year’s Coachella and Bonnaroo festivals. Howard will also tour in 2024 across the US and Canada, and the UK. Her North American tour kicked off with a sold-out show in Chicago on February 6th and is continuing with sold-out stops in New York City, Boston, Toronto, and Washington D.C. with support from Becca Mancari. The tour will pick up again in April with support from June McDoom. Tickets available at www.brittanyhoward.com.

2024

Date   City Venue
Feb. 6 Chicago, IL Thalia Hall (SOLD OUT)
  7 Chicago, IL Thalia Hall (SOLD OUT)
  9 Toronto, ON Danforth Music Hall
  10 Toronto, ON Danforth Music Hall
  12 Boston, MA The Wilbur (SOLD OUT)
  16 New York, NY Webster Hall (SOLD OUT)
  17 New York, NY Webster Hall (SOLD OUT)
  20 Washington, DC 9:30 Club (SOLD OUT)
  21 Washington, DC 9:30 Club (SOLD OUT)
  23 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel (SOLD OUT)
  24 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel (SOLD OUT)
Apr 12 Indio, CA Coachella
  13 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
  16 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore (SOLD OUT)
  17 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
  19 Indio, CA Coachella
  22 Albuquerque, NM Revel Entertainment Center
  23 Tulsa, OK Cain’s Ballroom
  24 Kansas City, MO The Truman
  26 St Louis, MO The Pageant
  28 Austin, TX Austin Blues Festival
June 14 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
July 2 London, UK KOKO
  3 Lytham, UK Lytham Festival++
  5 Dublin, IE Marlay Park++
  6 Manchester, UK Albert Hall
  7 London, UK London Finsbury Park++
  9 Chepstow, UK Chepstow Summer Sessions++
  10 Glasgow, UK Glasgow Green++
  13 Bruges, BE Cactus Festival

*All February dates with support from Becca Mancari

*All April dates (outside of festivals) with support from June McDoom ++Dates with Hozier

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