Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Howle. They and their team shared their story with us below:
A lifelong artist and natural storyteller, Howle has lived a million lives in one, releasing well over a dozen studio albums in a four-decade career that has traversed genres, styles, and cultures, encompassing everything from country-swamp-blues and jazz to folk, southern rock, indie, and Americana – all while endlessly exploring the depths of the human condition. She’s opened for legends like Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt and was a close friend of the late singer/songwriter Elliott Smith. Still, Howle doesn’t focus on, nor does she live in the past: Her head and heart are in the present, as made abundantly clear throughout her highly anticipated sixteenth studio album, Current (out November 2023 via Kill Rock Stars Nashville). Howle’s latest adventures include songwriting workshops and creative writing trails. Trail example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Sw-zgnUm6s&t=2s
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some obstacles that I face as a touring artist are inconsistent food, water, and lodging quality, the percentage increase of possible car wrecks, extreme fatigue, and seasonal illnesses. I have been through them all and remain vigilant in ensuring there are No longer obstacles but rather Challenges. Also, creating a network of people you can help and be helped by is an obstacle. Once you get it, you have to manage it. Funding has been an issue for me and most artists. Staying vigilant and grateful helps me overcome these obstacles. If it weren’t for my Artist in Residence at Awendaw Green, I would have more obstacles. Instead, I have a job where I can serve my community by creating musical experiences for them.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in writing and singing my original compositions. My latest album, ‘Current’, released under the esteemed Kill Rock Stars Nashville label, is a project I am deeply proud of. This album, supported by my network and the label, has allowed me to achieve my touring goals and gain a greater presence on streaming platforms and in music publications. But what truly fills me with pride is my ability to connect with musicians and people, a skill I hold dear.
Quotes from Bio:
My vision is one of urgency and connection. I’m attuned to what my spirit and the earth are urging me to write now,” Howle reveals. “My songs remind us that we’re not alone, that we’re part of something greater than ourselves, and that there’s a responsibility there. These are the emotions I feel, but I prefer to live them through my observations and my music rather than speaking them aloud.
Current exists at the epicenter of Howle’s singular vision. “Producer Jeff Leonard, Jr wanted to record an album with a very intentional ensemble that highlighted my voice and flows with my sonic essence,” she says. Working with Leonard, Howle brought on bassist Kerry Brooks (Amy Ray Band) and guitarist Josh Roberts (Josh Roberts & the Hinges), along with accordion player Tony Lauria (Spottiswoode and His Enemies), all of whom added their exemplary skills in excellent service to Howle’s songs. “Some of these musicians met and played together for the first time virtually before we gathered for our in-person rehearsals,” Howle says. “I chose well! They gelled like magic, and I realized this was a unique dream team situation. It was a beautiful collaboration among musicians, and I’m very proud of the album we created.”
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from growing up.
I was rather shy as a child. In 5th grade, I went to the chorus room to get out of math class. I was new to the school and super scared. When our chorus teacher, Mr. Manning, asked the class who would like to sing a verse on “The Twelve Days Of Christmas,” for some reason, I raised my hand and was assigned The Fourth Day of Christmas. The students there started to turn their heads and look at me when it was my turn to sing. A lovely girl in the class said, “Hey, you sing well.” Being involved in music helped me make friends, which still does to this day.
Pricing:
- Danielle Howle Songwriting Workshop $125 per person
- Danielle Howle online songwriting lessons $45 an hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daniellehowle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellehowlemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielleHowleMusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellehowle/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/daniellehowle
Image Credits
Brennan Wesley
