Brittany Howard On Prince, Break-Up Songs, And Her Haunted House
Aug 1, 2024
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Brittany Howard, a Grammy-winning singer and guitarist known for her role in Alabama Shakes, shares her life experiences and creative journey. She reflects on growing up biracial in Alabama and the emotional weight of loss in her music. The haunting tales from her eerie home add a unique twist. Brittany also discusses her collaboration with Prince, the inspiration behind her break-up songs, and the joy of connecting with fans, especially from the LGBTQ+ community, showcasing her journey of identity and artistic freedom.
Brittany Howard draws inspiration from her personal experiences and relationships, notably exploring emotional struggles in her song 'Power to Undo'.
Howard emphasizes the profound influence of Prince on her musical journey, highlighting the importance of artistic collaboration and creative freedom.
Deep dives
Brittany Howard's Musical Journey
Brittany Howard reflects on her evolution as a musician, highlighting her notable career with Alabama Shakes and her transition to a solo artist. Her new album, What Now?, incorporates influences from soul music, dance, and her personal experiences. Howard's first solo album was dedicated to her late sister Jamie, showcasing her journey from a small-town upbringing to achieving Grammy-winning success. The podcast emphasizes her growth as a creative individual, illustrating how her musical style has been shaped by significant life events and influences.
Themes of Personal Relationships in Music
Howard discusses the intricate emotions tied to relationships, particularly illustrated in her song "Power to Undo." This track explores the struggle of breaking free from dysfunctional love while grappling with fear of the unknown. The mechanical feel of the instrumental breaks mirrors the process of establishing personal boundaries and redefining one's identity outside of a relationship. Through her lyrics, Howard conveys the emotional turbulence of reclaiming one’s power and the challenging dynamics that often accompany intimate connections.
Influences and Collaborations
A significant focus is on Howard's admiration for Prince, who has greatly influenced her musical style. She recounts a memorable experience performing at Paisley Park, where Prince jammed with her band, leaving a lasting impression on her artistic journey. The dialogue reveals Howard's deep appreciation for musical experimentation and the ways in which Prince's boundary-pushing approach inspired her own creative freedom. By reflecting on personal encounters with iconic artists, Howard emphasizes the magic of collaboration within the music industry.
Navigating Identity and Fame
Howard addresses the complexities of her identity as a biracial artist growing up in Alabama and the contrasts she faced within different social spaces. She candidly shares her experiences with racism and the notion of being perceived as an outlier in predominantly white environments. This discussion extends to her queer identity and the supportive community she has found amongst her fans, further enriching her performances. Howard's story highlights how these multifaceted perceptions shaped her artistry and strengthened her resolve to embrace her truth in both personal and public spheres.
Grammy-winning singer, guitarist and producer Brittany Howard fronted the band Alabama Shakes before going solo. She talks with Terry Gross about growing up biracial in a small Alabama town, living in a haunted house, and writing break-up songs for her new album, What Now.