Russell Howard to release album in July

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2013

RUSSELL HOWARD TO RELEASE ALBUM IN JULY

Charlotte, NC-based singer-songwriter Russell Howard is set to release his album, City Heart +, on July 30, 2013, via Rock Ridge Music. His debut EP, City Heart, had such a positive reception that Howard is releasing it in an expanded edition as City Heart +, and the new incarnation augments the EP with freshly recorded acoustic versions of the core tracks (each acoustic version will be paired with a video) and masterfully crafted bonus cuts (“Too Far” and “Find Me”) that showcase Howard’s artistic growth.

His irresistible and intimate blend of indie, folk, and pop with a touch of honeyed 1960s soul colors the songs on the record, which address the rewards and struggles self-discovery; they shimmer with awe, melancholy, and steely optimism. “I wrote these songs at a time when I was playing colleges and traveling a lot,” says Howard. “The feeling of being far from home was setting in, but writing was really grounding. It’s like that saying ‘You play the blues to keep yourself from feeling the blues.’ I pulled myself up by writing this record.”

Reviews have praised Howard’s smart hooks and warmly confessional lyrics. Vintage Guitar Magazine says: “Howard seems to have no agenda other than writing good, tight, and trim tunes and transmitting the joy of performing them into the joy of listening.” Howard has shared the stage with such diverse and respected artists as The Lumineers, Sister Hazel, Teddy Geiger, Griffin House, Greg Laswell, Brendan James, Matt Hires, Tyrone Wells, Ari Hest, Ernie Halter, Red Wanting Blue, and Michael Tolcher. Howard plans to tour in support of City Heart +, with dates already being slotted in (see tour schedule below).

Born and raised in Dallas Texas, Howard grew up the only child of two professional symphony musicians. As a child he was immersed in classical music and played violin and sang in the school choir. In high school he began playing along to pop rock records with a ukulele, and later a guitar. By college he was regularly performing at open mics.

His most profound artistic growth has been through working with producer and, good friend, percussionist Lawson White (Norah Jones, Shakira, Santigold, Chromeo). The two met at the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado where Howard’s father has taught for 30-plus years. Howard was a kid then but the two musicians kept in touch and forged a strong personal and creative bond. Howard is currently signed to White’s production company, Good Child Music. The duo spent a year finessing the songs on the City Heart EP.

RUSSELL HOWARD TOUR SCHEDULE:

8/23 – Madison, WI – Redamte

8/28 – Bloomington, IN – Rachael’s Café

9/5 – Dallas, TX – Poor David’s Pub

9/7 – Winnsboro, TX – Crossroads Music Co.

9/14 – Chattanooga, TN – The Camp House

… more dates to be announced soon!