Ben Howard’s new song, “Murmurations,” as well as his music video for the lead single, “Nica Libres At Dusk,” is out now—listen to the song HERE and watch the video HERE. The new music appears on Howard’s highly anticipated new album, Noonday Dream, out June 1 on Republic Records. Howard filmed and directed the “Nica Libres At Dusk” video with Australian cinematographer Allan Wilson in the Atlas Mountains.
The new music has begun to receive widespread critical praise—The Independent proclaims, “‘A Boat To An Island On The Wall’ is a sprawling, mesmerizing track that shifts restlessly, rocking back and forth like that small boat on the waves, with the familiar sound of Howard’s low, gruff vocals,” while Paste adds, “This seven-minute single [‘A Boat To An Island On The Wall’] features Howard harmonizing with himself, as ambient chords slowly ease the quiet song into a grungy guitar riff.” NYLON furthers, “Press play and let this cinematic gem wash over you.” Additionally, you can watch Howard’s performances of “Towing The Line” and “Nica Libres At Dusk” on “Later… with Jools Holland” HERE and HERE.
Howard will return stateside this fall confirming a run of headlining North American dates, which include stops at legendary venues such as Berkeley’s Greek Theatre, Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium, New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom, Montreal’s Bell Centre as well as DC’s new venue Anthem. Fans can purchase tickets at http://benhowardmusic.co.uk/live. See below for complete tour details.
Noonday Dream was written and produced by Howard, with production contributions from regular collaborator and band-mate Mickey Smith. The album was recorded over the course of two years in various studios throughout Europe, including the legendary Sawmills Studio as well as locations in southwest France. The new recording continues to highlight Howard’s sonic evolution with unpredictable and textured arrangements and rich, emotive songwriting.
Howard’s debut album Every Kingdom was released in October 2011. The album sold more than one million copies globally, receiving a Mercury Music Prize nomination, and winning him two Brit Awards in 2012 for “British Breakthrough” and “British Solo Male Artist.” The follow up, I Forget Where We Were, which was released in 2014 was met with similar critical and commercial acclaim—the album earned an Ivor Novello Award nomination, the U.K.’s most prestigious songwriting accolade, and charted #1 in the U.K. Howard’s music has amassed well over half a billion streams to date.
