Ben Howard

Ben Howard – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Dive into the life and music of Ben Howard: from his English roots and folk beginnings, to his evolving sound, albums, challenges, and the wisdom in his lyrics.

Introduction

Benjamin John “Ben” Howard (born 24 April 1987) is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and composer known for his emotive vocals, intricate guitar techniques, and evocative lyrics.

What makes him stand out is the way he blends folk roots with ambient, experimental touches, and evolves over time rather than staying static. His music feels personal yet expansive, and his journey includes health challenges, creative shifts, and a deep connection to nature and introspection.

Early Life and Family

Ben Howard was born in Richmond, London, England on April 24, 1987. Devon, specifically Totnes, which would become formative in his identity and musical sensibility.

His parents were musically inclined and exposed him early to records from 1960s and 1970s singer-songwriters such as John Martyn, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Simon & Garfunkel, among others. That environment helped him develop a sensitivity to melody, tone, and lyrical depth.

He began writing songs by around age eleven.

For schooling, he attended King Edward VI Community College (in Totnes) and later Torquay Boys’ Grammar School.

Youth, Influences & Musical Foundations

Howard’s early exposure to folk, acoustic songwriters, and atmospheric musical settings shaped his approach.

His influences include not just classic folk and singer-songwriters, but also guitar techniques and tunings that push boundaries. He was drawn to expressive, introspective songwriting — often more concerned with mood, texture, and internal landscapes than radio-ready hooks.

He began self-releasing music in his late teens — notably the EP Games in the Dark (2008) — which helped him build early momentum.

Career and Achievements

Early Releases & Breakthrough

• In 2008, Ben Howard self-released Games in the Dark (EP).

• He followed with two more EPs: These Waters (2009) and Old Pine (2010).

• In 2011, after signing with Island Records, he released his debut studio album Every Kingdom.

• Every Kingdom reached No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified triple platinum in the UK.

• He also released EPs Ben Howard Live (2011) and The Burgh Island EP (2012).

At the BRIT Awards 2013, Howard won two awards: British Solo Male Artist and British Breakthrough Act.

Musical Evolution & Later Albums

His second album, I Forget Where We Were (2014), marked a darker, more expansive tone and experimentation beyond pure folk.

In 2018, he released Noonday Dream, which embraced more ambient, dreamlike textures and sonic exploration.

In 2021, his fourth studio album Collections from the Whiteout released, with production collaboration from Aaron Dessner (of The National / Big Red Machine).

In June 2023, he released his fifth studio album Is It?, which was heavily influenced by his health experiences (two transient ischemic attacks in 2022) that affected his memory and speech.

Discography & Recognition

• As of now, Howard has released 5 studio albums.

• He has also put out 6 EPs and 16 singles.

• His live performances have earned him acclaim and sold-out tours across the UK, Europe, and the U.S.

• His music has been featured in television series — for example, “Promise” appeared in House and Suits, and “Oats in Water” in The Walking Dead.

Historical Milestones & Context

Ben Howard’s career unfolds in a period when indie folk and singer-songwriter music enjoyed a resurgence, aided by streaming, festival culture, and the hybrid blending of genres. His willingness to evolve — incorporating ambient, electronic, and experimental elements — places him among artists who resist being pigeonholed.

His health challenges (mini-strokes in 2022) also become part of his narrative against adversity — his creative trajectory adapted to newfound vulnerability.

He is also a member of a band project called A Blaze of Feather, a collective with India Bourne, Mickey Smith, Nat Wason, Rich Thomas, Kyle Keegan, where cross-collaboration, shared textures, and artistic synergy are important.

Legacy and Influence

Ben Howard’s influence lies in several dimensions:

• Genre fluidity: He shows that an artist rooted in folk can expand outward without losing identity.

• Emotional honesty: His lyrics and tone resonate for their sincerity, introspection, and vulnerability.

• Guitar innovation: His use of alternate tunings, partial capos, percussive techniques, and laying the guitar on his knees (for rhythmic effect) have become part of his signature style.

• Resilience & adaptation: Confronting health crises and weaving them into his art gives his later work depth and authenticity.

• Collaborative spirit: Through A Blaze of Feather and working with producers like Aaron Dessner, he shows how evolving musicianship can benefit from community.

Personality and Talents

Ben Howard is often described as introspective, somewhat private, deeply committed to musical integrity, and cautious about the trappings of fame.

He has spoken about not being overly “careerist” — focusing more on pleasing himself creatively than chasing trends.

Musically, his talents include:

• Vocal expressiveness: A fragile, tremulous voice capable of intimacy and intensity.

• Guitar mastery: His combination of tunings, percussive techniques, and experimental choices make his guitar work a central voice in his arrangements.

• Songwriting depth: His lyrics often reflect themes of fear, identity, impermanence, relationship, and self-discovery.

• Adaptive creativity: When challenged by health struggles, he altered his musical approach — integrating electronics, ambient textures, and reclaimed voice.

Famous Quotes of Ben Howard

Here are some insightful quotes and lyrics by Ben Howard:

“My motive has always been just to be who I am, and play what I love — if that doesn’t get me anywhere then at least it wasn’t because I tried to be something I’m not.” “The only thing you can worry about is pleasing yourself and that’s probably more impossible than pleasing other people.” “I think music piracy is forcing many people to look at the live aspect of the record industry as an income … that sets apart good music and musicians from the fly-by-night pop sensations.” “I’ve been worryin’ that we all, live our lives, in the confines of fear.” “What I love about the tours is the day to dayness of it all… you meet so many people… it’s always so concentrated and focused that it stops you thinking beyond the box too much.”

These quotes reflect his philosophy: authenticity, vulnerability, and care for creative integrity.

Lessons from Ben Howard

1. Stay true to yourself
   Even with success, he emphasizes being authentic rather than chasing formulaic paths.

2. Music evolves — so can you
   He didn’t remain a “folk guy” only — he expanded into ambient and experimental territory, showing creative bravery.

3. Adversity shapes art
   His health struggles weren’t hidden — he made them part of his story, integrating them meaningfully into his music.

4. Let tools serve emotion
   His mastery of guitar tunings, technique, and sonic textures always serves the emotional truth of a song, not the other way around.

5. Connection over acclaim
   He often speaks of songs being “shared” between artist and listener — suggesting that music’s purpose is connection, not just consumption.

Conclusion

Ben Howard’s trajectory is compelling: a young songwriter from Devon, growing through folk roots, climbing to acclaim, then evolving beyond genre constraints, confronting health challenges, and continuing to make deeply expressive music.

He exemplifies a musician who resists stagnation, listens to life’s changes, and allows vulnerability to become art. His legacy is not just in his records, but in how he invites listeners to reflect, feel, and evolve themselves through sound.