Benjamin John Howard (born 24 April 1987) is an English singer-songwriter, born in West London. He moved to Totnes, Devon when he was 8 and is currently signed to Island Records.Howard was raised by musical parents who exposed him to several of their favourite records from singer-songwriter artists from the 1960s and 1970s including Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, by whom he was strongly influenced.
Ben Howard signed to Island Records in 2011, due to the label’s history of UK folk singers, including Nick Drake and John Martyn. After singles “Old Pine” and “The Wolves” were released in 2011, Howard recorded his debut album entitled Every Kingdom, which was released on 6 October 2011. It has since been nominated for the 2012 Mercury Prize.
Ben Howard worked alongside India Bourne and Chris Bond to make Every Kingdom, with India Bourne playing cello, Keys, Ukulele, Bass and contributing vocals and Percussion and Chris Bond playing Guitars, Bass, Double bass, Drums, Percussion, Keys, Acoordian and also contributing to Vocals. He also toured with India Bourne and Chris Bond on his 2012 Every Kingdom tour.
In 2012, Howard launched his music in America with Every Kingdom being released on 3 April 2012, and appearances at SXSW in Texas and a US tour confirmed. His song “Promise” was featured at the end of season 8, episode 12 of TV show House.
In May 2012, Howard performed “The Wolves” on Later… with Jools Holland. He played at Pinkpop in the Netherlands on 26 May and Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Hackney on 24 June 2012. He also played at the 2012 Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, the 2012 T in the Park music festival in Scotland, as well as Beach Break Live 2012 in South Wales, Bestival 2012 and Splendour in the Grass 2012. Howard also played a slot at the Austin City Limits music festival in October 2012.