Brittany Howard Channels Her Roots for the 'What Now' Album

Brittany Howard, known for her soul-stirring vocals and bluesy guitar riffs, has bottled her creativity during the challenging times of the pandemic. The accumulation of her musical exploration and emotional experiences during this period has yielded a powerful collection of songs on her second solo album, What Now.

A Haunted Inspiration

Howard's journey into music is as unique as her sound. At the tender age of 17, she found herself living alone in a house in Athens, Alabama, that once belonged to her great-grandmother - a place she believed was haunted. The Alabama Shakes, a band she formed in high school, used the house for practice, but strange occurrences like self-opening doors and inexplicable sounds suggested otherworldly inhabitants.

While these experiences were unsettling, they established a profound connection with her ancestors, which has profoundly influenced her music. The Alabama Shakes carried an air of yesteryear's legends, echoing the tunes of Otis Redding and Janis Joplin, rooted in the rich soil of the American South.

Embracing a Solo Path

After achieving recognition with Alabama Shakes, Howard chose to embark on a solo journey, releasing her first solo album named Jaime after her sister who had passed away. This release marked a new chapter for Howard, distinguishing her individual artistry from the ensemble’s achievements.

As the world slowed down during the pandemic, Howard turned her frustrations, pains, and moments of love into songs. These creations now form her second solo album, What Now, which stands as a testament to her resilience and ability to transform personal turmoil into a relatable and powerful auditory experience. The album not only reflects Howard's own growth but also pays homage to those who came before her, tapping into the ancestral spirit that has always haunted her music.

singer, guitarist, album