Brittany Howard's Chaos Theory (with Brittany Howard)
Feb 6, 2024
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Brittany Howard, a powerful and versatile artist, discusses her new album 'What Now' and her creative evolution. Topics include her diverse musical style, personal growth, creative freedom, writing music during the pandemic, and gratitude. A must-listen for fans of Howard's unique artistry.
Brittany Howard's new album 'What Now' showcases her exploration of different genres and sounds, highlighting her evolving artistry and growth as a musician.
Brittany Howard's solo career has granted her complete artistic freedom, allowing her to push musical boundaries and experimentation, while maintaining accessibility in her music.
Deep dives
Exploring Genre and Sound: Brittany Howard's Eclectic Style
Brittany Howard's new album 'What Now' showcases her exploration of different genres and sounds. The album is a departure from her previous Americana and soul sound with her band Alabama Shakes. On this record, Howard experiments with rock, dance, and pop influences, creating a diverse and dynamic musical experience. She combines elements such as garage rocky fuzz distortion, mid-tempo 60s inspired guitar, and roomy drums. The album also features genre experimentation, from R&B to modern textures. Howard's willingness to venture into new territory highlights her evolving artistry and growth as a musician.
The Evolution of Brittany Howard's Solo Career
Brittany Howard's solo career has allowed her to break free and make her own creative decisions. With Alabama Shakes, she had a band to bounce ideas off, but her solo work grants her complete artistic freedom. Her second solo album, 'What Now,' reflects this sense of liberation, with Howard feeling more evolved and experienced. Throughout her solo journey, she has explored different genres and expanded her sound. While maintaining accessibility in her music, she also invites listeners to experience songs that they might not have otherwise encountered, slowly pushing musical boundaries and experimentation.
Lyrics, Chaos, and Juxtaposition in 'What Now'
Brittany Howard's album 'What Now' reflects themes of chaos and juxtaposition through the music and lyrics. The album's chaotic elements, such as reverb, distortion, and surprising musical choices, mirror the chaotic state of the world during its creation, including the pandemic and social unrest. Meanwhile, Howard's lyrics provide a counterbalance, displaying simplicity, emotional resonance, and a reflection of her influences from 1950s love ballads. This combination creates a unique and compelling listening experience, where chaos and order coexist harmoniously.
When it comes to powerful artistry, few can match the intensity of Brittany Howard. Over the past decade, we’ve seen her bring her signature Southern belt to the Alabama Shakes, her intimate songwriting to her first solo record, and now, her boundary-pushing genre experimentation on her new album What Now. The record, which drops on Friday, February 9th, continues to show Howard’s versatility – the record jumps from disco pop to pared-back R&B to roaring psychedelia.
This episode of Switched On Pop, we’re giving you an early look at all What Now has to offer, as well as an interview with the woman behind it all: Brittany Howard.