Who is Ben Howard? Ben Howard is a British singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and intricate guitar work. What makes him unique? His music blends folk, indie, and rock elements, creating a sound that's both soothing and thought-provoking. Why should you care? If you enjoy artists who pour their heart into every note, Ben Howard's music will resonate with you. What's his story? From his early days busking on the streets to winning prestigious awards, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. Ready to learn more? Here are 40 fascinating facts about Ben Howard that will give you a deeper appreciation for his artistry.
Early Life and Background
Ben Howard, a talented singer-songwriter from England, has captivated audiences with his soulful music and poetic lyrics. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early life and background.
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Born in West London: Ben Howard was born on April 24, 1987, in Richmond, London. His full name is Benjamin John Howard.
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Raised in Devon: Although born in London, he grew up in Totnes, Devon, where he was surrounded by the beautiful English countryside.
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Musical Family: Howard's parents were both musicians, which greatly influenced his passion for music from a young age.
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Surfing Enthusiast: Growing up near the coast, Ben developed a love for surfing, which later influenced his music and lifestyle.
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Early Instruments: He started playing the guitar at the age of eight and also learned to play the cello and piano.
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University Dropout: Ben attended the University of Falmouth to study journalism but dropped out to pursue his music career full-time.
Musical Influences and Style
Ben Howard's music is a blend of folk, indie, and rock, with deep lyrical content. Here are some key influences and elements of his musical style.
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Influenced by Joni Mitchell: He cites Joni Mitchell as one of his biggest influences, particularly her intricate guitar work and storytelling.
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Nick Drake's Impact: Another major influence is Nick Drake, whose melancholic and introspective style can be heard in Howard's music.
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Unique Guitar Tuning: Ben often uses alternative guitar tunings, which give his songs a distinctive sound.
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Fingerstyle Guitar: He is known for his fingerstyle guitar technique, which adds a rich texture to his music.
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Poetic Lyrics: Howard's lyrics are often poetic and introspective, exploring themes of love, nature, and self-discovery.
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Multi-Instrumentalist: Besides guitar, he plays several instruments, including the banjo, harmonica, and drums.
Career Milestones
Ben Howard's career has been marked by several significant achievements and milestones. Let's explore some of these key moments.
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First EP Release: His first EP, "Games in the Dark," was released in 2008, marking the beginning of his professional music career.
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Debut Album: In 2011, he released his debut album, "Every Kingdom," which received critical acclaim and commercial success.
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Mercury Prize Nomination: "Every Kingdom" was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2012.
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Brit Awards: In 2013, Ben won two Brit Awards for British Breakthrough Act and British Solo Male Artist.
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Second Album: His second album, "I Forget Where We Were," released in 2014, showcased a darker and more mature sound.
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Chart Success: "I Forget Where We Were" debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart.
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Third Album: In 2018, he released "Noonday Dream," which continued to explore new musical territories.
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Fourth Album: His fourth album, "Collections from the Whiteout," was released in 2021, produced by Aaron Dessner of The National.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond his music, Ben Howard leads an interesting personal life filled with various hobbies and interests. Here are some insights into his personal world.
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Private Person: Ben is known for being quite private and rarely shares details about his personal life in the media.
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Environmental Advocate: He is passionate about environmental issues and often supports various conservation efforts.
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Surfing Passion: Howard's love for surfing remains strong, and he often spends his free time catching waves.
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Travel Enthusiast: He enjoys traveling and draws inspiration for his music from his experiences around the world.
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Art Lover: Ben has a deep appreciation for visual arts and often collaborates with artists for his album covers and music videos.
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Animal Lover: He is known to be an animal lover and has a pet dog that he adores.
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Minimalist Lifestyle: Howard prefers a minimalist lifestyle, focusing on simplicity and mindfulness.
Collaborations and Side Projects
Ben Howard has collaborated with various artists and participated in several side projects throughout his career. Here are some notable collaborations and projects.
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Angus & Julia Stone: He has performed with the Australian sibling duo Angus & Julia Stone on several occasions.
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Mumford & Sons: Ben has shared the stage with Mumford & Sons, contributing to their folk-rock sound.
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Monsters of Folk: He has been associated with the supergroup Monsters of Folk, which includes members from My Morning Jacket, Bright Eyes, and M. Ward.
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Side Project: In 2019, he formed a side project called "A Blaze of Feather" with his bandmates, exploring a more experimental sound.
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Collaborations with Aaron Dessner: His work with Aaron Dessner on "Collections from the Whiteout" marked a significant collaboration in his career.
Awards and Recognitions
Ben Howard's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. Here are some of the most notable ones.
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Ivor Novello Award: In 2013, he won an Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically for "Only Love."
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Q Awards: He received the Q Award for Best Solo Artist in 2012.
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NME Awards: Ben was nominated for Best Solo Artist at the NME Awards in 2013.
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European Border Breakers Award: He won this award in 2013, recognizing his success outside the UK.
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BBC Music Awards: In 2014, he was nominated for British Artist of the Year at the BBC Music Awards.
Fun Facts
To wrap up, here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Ben Howard that fans might find interesting.
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Surfing Injuries: He has sustained several injuries from surfing, including a broken arm, but continues to surf passionately.
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First Concert: The first concert he ever attended was a Paul Simon show, which left a lasting impression on him.
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Favorite Book: Ben's favorite book is "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway, which he often references in his music.
Ben Howard: A Musical Journey
Ben Howard's career is a testament to his talent and dedication. From his early days busking on the streets of London to headlining major festivals, he's shown that hard work and passion can lead to incredible success. His unique blend of folk, rock, and indie music has captivated audiences worldwide, earning him numerous awards and a loyal fan base.
Howard's lyrics often reflect personal experiences and emotions, resonating deeply with listeners. His ability to evolve as an artist while staying true to his roots sets him apart in the music industry. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his music, there's no denying the impact Ben Howard has made.
So, next time you listen to one of his tracks, remember the journey he's been on and the stories behind the songs. Ben Howard isn't just a musician; he's a storyteller, and his music continues to inspire.
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