Ben Howarth

Features

A Life in Music (2022)

In her series, 'A Life in Music', in which she speaks to Pennyblackmusic staff about how music has affected and influenced them, Cila Warncke talks to our writer Ben Howarth.

Interviews

McCookerybook and Rotifer

Interview Part 2

In the second of a two part interview about their new joint EP 'Equal Parts', Helen McCookerybook and Robert Rotifer talk to Ben Howarth about their discovery of each other's music and working with one another.

Apartments

Interview

Ben Howarth speaks to Peter Milton Walsh, the frontman with Australian alternative rock band the Apartments about his group's second 'comeback' album 'In and Out of the Light', his approach to songwriting and his plans for touring.

Ben Bedford

Interview

Singer-songwriter Ben Bedford has recently revisited three albums of storytelling folk with a new compilation. He tells Ben Howarth about the process of choosing the songs and how his musical influences have shaped a gradual change of direction on more recent albums.

Matt Hill

Interview

After releasing several albums as Quiet Loner, Northern English singer=songwriter Matt Hill speaks to Ben Howarth about his latest album, the folk-influenced 'Savage Pilgrims', which is also his debut LP under his own name.

John Howard

Interview

John Howard speaks to Ben Howarth about his as-yet-untitled new album, the benefits of home recording and the next two volumes of his memoir.

Darren Hayman

Interview

As he prepared for the release of 'Home Time', his 17th album, Darren Hayman speaks to Ben Howarth about his most personal album and his reflections on the end of his epic, award-winning 'Thankful Villages' project.

Joe Gideon

Interview

Back for his sixth interview with Pennyblackmusic, Joe Gideon tells Ben Howarth about his new album 'Armagideon', recorded with Jim Sclavunos and Gris-de-Lin. Having set out to write a set of lighthearted songs, he ended up with an album themed around the upcoming end of the world.

Spielbergs

Interview

Ben Howarth speaks to Mads Baklien, vocalist, guitarist and synth player of new Norwegian group Spielbergs, about their latest EP, the surprise at being on tour, and what years in bands has taught them about surviving as a group.

Papernut Cambridge

Interview

Ben Howarth visits the home of Ian Button and chats about his Papernut Cambridge project.

Jack Hayter

Interview

Former Hefner member Jack Hayter speaks to Ben Howarth about his new album which was inspired by a year spent living in the suburb of Abbey Wood, which soon to change with the arrival of a new train line, is on the borders of outer London and Kent.

David Ford

Interview

As he prepares to release his fifth solo album, ‘Animal Spirits’, David Ford tells Ben Howarth how an obsession with the causes of the 2007-8 banking crisis prompted him to write a ‘concept’ album about market economics.

John Howard

Interview

Singer songwriter John Howard has published his autobiography, a heartbreaking and hilarious tale of how to nearly become a pop star in the 70s. He tells Ben Howarth how he wanted to be 100% honest but non-judgemental.

Jarrod DIckenson

Interview

After a long wait and a move to a major label, Texas-born singer-songwriter Jarrod Dickenson is ready to unveil 'Ready The Horses' to a growing fanbase. He tells Ben Howarth about his love of recording on 2-inch tape and his desire to reach for the classic sounds of the 50's and 60's.

Port Erin

Interview

As Port Erin prepared for a set at Glastonbury and the release of their excellent fourth album ‘Ocean Grey’, Ben Howarth speaks to Reuben Myles Tyghe, the frontman of the west country three-piece Port Erin to learn more about their ten years as a band

Nils Lofgren

Interview

Nils Lofgren, the guitarist with Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band, talks to Ben Howarth about his long solo career, forthcoming tour of the UK and 'Face the Music', his new ten CD box set

Papernut Cambridge

Interview

Ben Howarth chats to Death In Vegas and Rotifer member Ian Button about his band Papernut Cambridge's second solo album, 'There's No Underground'

Dan Michaelson and the Coastguards

Interview

Ben Howarth speaks to critically-acclaimed London-based singer-songwriter Dan Michaelson about being back with his band the Coastguards after two solo albums, and his just released latest album, 'Distance'

Henry Priestman

Interview

Ben Howarth talks to Henry Priestman, the much acclaimed main songwriter and former keyboardist with the Christians, about his new career as solo artist and second album, 'The Last Mad Surge of Youth'

John Howard

Interview Part 1

In a two-part interview, both parts of which we are publishing consecutively, rediscovered 70's singer-songwriter John Howard talks to Ben Howarth about his musical career, recent return to live work after an absence of several years and his latest solo album, 'Storeys'

Slaid Cleaves

Interview

Ben Howarth speaks to Nashville-based country singer-songwriter and yodeller Slaid Cleaves at a show in London about his long musical career and latest solo album, 'Still Fighting the War'

Profiles

John Howard

Illusions of Happiness

Returning with the second volume of a three-part autobiography, John Howard takes Ben Howarth and John Clarkson on a compelling guided tour of the fringes of the late-70s, early 80s music industry, while also navigating an increasingly complex personal life in the shadow of the Aids crisis.

Unthanks

Profile

Ben Howarth profiles the Unthanks' extraordinary three CD latest album which combines elements of jazz and modern classical music as well as traditional folk and sets to music the work of several poets.

John Howard

Profile

While he waits for a new studio album from rediscovered 70's songwriter John Howard, Ben Howarth enjoys a trilogy of vinyl pressings of his overlooked early work, an ideal companion to the recently-published autobiography.

Andy Babiuk

Beatles Gear: All the Fab Four's Instruments from Stage to Studio

Ben Howarth finds Andy Babiuk's book 'Beatles Gear: All the Fab Four's Instruments from Stage to Studio', which provides a history of the Beatles' equipment, to be original and unique

Book-Craig Statham

Springsteen: Saint in the City 1949 -1974

Ben Howarth finds much to recommend in a new book about the early years of the young Bruce Springsteen

Jackie Leven

1950-2011

Ben Howarth and his brother Charles pay tribute to Scottish singer-songwriter Jackie Leven, who died in November

Profile

Frames

Ben Howarth examines the early history of Irish rock band the Frames, who have just had their first three albums, 'Another Love Song', 'Fitzcarraldo', and 'Dance the Devil', reissued on CD in expanded editions

Profile

Average White Band

Ben Howarth examines the career of 70s funk and soul outfit the Average White Band, who have just had twelve of their albums re-released on four double CD packages

DVD-John Martyn

The Man Upstairs

There have been a spate of John Martyn releases and reissues in recent years. Ben Howarth finds him on new DVD 'The Man Upstairs', recorded in 1978 during a high point of his career, to be nevertheless very much worth checking out

DVD-Fairport Convention and Matthews Southern Comfort

Fairport Convention and Matthews Southern Comfort

Recorded originally for TV, Fairport Convention and the Matthews Southern Comfort Band's new DVD was filmed at a country fair in Maidstone. Ben Howarth finds it an absolutely fascinating and unique period piece

Jade Tree

Interview

After having spent over nearly a decade at the top with his alternative rock label Jade Tree, co-owner Darren Walters explains to Ben Howarth why other things, like a regular Friday night soccer game,have begun for him to take on increasing meaning

Deep Elm

Interview

One of independent musics greatest success stories, Deep Elm have developed a reputation over the last five years as a label to be constantly relied upon. Publicist Chuck Daley talks to Ben Howarth about why Deep Elm is far more than an 'emo' label.

Deep Elm

Profile

Often seen as the world's definitive emo label, Deep Elm have recently released a free sampler, 'This is How I Kill my Tears'. Ben Howarth looks at how much the label has progressed in the seven years since it first formed

Slow Noir

Interview

Slow Noir is a new label that has been formed by La Nuit Americaine's Christian Govoni, and Pennyblackmusic's John Clarkson and Olga Sladeckova. All three chat to Ben Howarth about Slow Noir's first release, a compilation 'Sunset : False'

Ignition

Interview

Ignition is a Kent-based record label and distribution service , with a self-proclaimed mission "to help hardcore kids get the music they want at affordable prices". Label co-owner and Rydell guitarist Milo talks to Ben Howarth about its first two years

Iris Light Records

Interview

Predominately a dance and electronica label, the British label Iris Light has been releasing records since 1996. Label boss Adam Sykes talks to Ben Howarth about its diverse history

Live

Press Club

New Cross Inn, London, 5/9/2019

Ben Howarth at the New Cross Inn in London enjoys an emotionally intense set to promote their second album 'Wasted Energy' from rising Melbourne punk band Press Club.

Ash

Shepherd's Bush Empire, London, 4/12/2015

Ben Howarth winds back the years to the mid-1990s as he watches Ash play a Greatest Hits set at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in London

Craig Finn

Slaughtered Lamb, London, 15/9/2015

Ben Howarth watches Craig Finn, more used to playing with a booming rock band behind him, perform an intimate solo set in front of an enthralled crowd in the basement room of London’s Slaughtered Lamb pub

Nils Lofgren

Union Chapel, London, 15/1/2015

Ben Howarth watches E Street Band multi-instrumentalist Nils Lofgren play a magical masterclass from his extraordinary back catalogue of own material at the Union Chapel in London

Rotifer

Rotifer, John Howard and Mel Mayr - Servant Jazz Quarters, London, 26/11/2014

In the second of two showcases from record label and collective Gare du Nord, Ben Howarth at the Servant Jazz Quarters in London enjoys sets from indie trio Rotifer, rediscovered 70's singer-songwriter John Howard and Austrian singer-songwriter Mel Mayr who was playing her first British gig

Joel Gion

(and the Primary Colours) Hoxton Bar and Kitchen, London, 29/9/2014

Ben Howarth watches Brian Jonestown Massacre member Joel Gion play an erratic set at the Hoxton Bar and Kitchen in London

Dodgy

Under the Bridge, London, 31/10/2014

Ben Howarth watches reformed 90's pop outfit Dodgy play a exuberant Halloween show in the unusual location of Under the Bridge in London

Arbouretum

Corsica Studios, London, 21/2/2013

Ben Howarth enjoys Baltimore trio Arbouretum's mix of country, blues and psychedelica at a gig at the Corsica Studios in London

Lambchop

Barbican, London, 1/3/2012

Ben Howarth enjoys Lambchop's familiar, yet subtle-sounding brand of country porch songs at a show at the Barbican in London

Roddy Woomble

Scala, London, 17/10/2011

Ben Howarth finds Idlewild singer and now solo artist Roddy Woomble embracing the sounds of traditional British folk music and also paying tribute to his old group in a show at the Scala in London

Gomez

Roundhouse, London, 21/6/2011

Mercury Music Prize winners Gomez have always been more out than in fashion, but Ben Howarth watches them play a near perfect set to promote their new album 'Whatever's On Your Mind' at the Roundhouse in London

Ani DiFranco

Shepherd's Bush Empire, London, 27/2/2011

At Shepherd's Bush Empire, Ben Howarth enjoys a night of spiky politics and first rate songwriting from the still critically underacknowledged Ani DiFranco

Anais Mitchell

Union Chapel, London, 25/1/2011

Ben Howarth at the Union Chapel in London watches American singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell, with an extensive set of guest musicians including both Thea Gilmore and Jackie Leven, reenact her concept album, 'Hadestown', to standing ovation and hypnotic effect

Darren Hayman

Camden Head and Bush Hall, London, 19/10/2010...23/11/2010

Despite the former Hefner frontman's claim that he had gone off playing gigs after being attacked in the street after a show in Nottingham earlier this year, Ben Howarth watches Darren Hayman play five very different shows over a month in his native London

Anais Mitchell

12 Bar Club, London, 24/5/2010

On the first night of a three night residency, Ben Howarth watches Anais Mitchell play a triumphant set to promote her much acclaimed 'Hadestown' at the 12 Bar Club in Londdon

All Tomorrow's Parties

Minehead, Somerset, 14/5/2010

On the first day of a Pavement-curated All Tomorrow's Parties, Mark and Jamie Rowland, Ben Howarth and Sarah Johnson discuss sets from bands such as Surfer Blood, Calexico and Broken Social Scene...

Anais Mitchell and Erin McKeown

Luminaire, London, 25/1/2010

At the London Luminaire Ben Howarth sees Anais Mitchell and her label mate at Ana di Franco's Righteous Babe label Erin McKeown play an exuberant acoustic set to promote Mitcherll's forthcoming folk opera, 'Hadestown'

Idlewild

Electric Ballroom, London, 16/10/2009

Ben Howarth watches Scottish rockers Idlewild play a set of both their better known songs and rarities a sold out show at the Electric Ballroon in London

Willard Grant Conspiracy

Garage, London, 18/9/2009

In an evening fraught with difficulties and distractions, Ben Howarth at the Garage in London watches Robert Fisher's Willard Grant Conspiracy, against the odds and a heavily reduced stage time, play a riveting and forceful set

Field Day

Victoria Park, London, 1/8/2009

The Field Day is one-day music festival band for indie groups who wouldn't quite fit on the bill at Glastonbury or Reading. Ben Howarth watches sets among others from Fanfarlo, the Temper Trap, Juana Molina and Four Tet, but finds Malian musician, Toumani Diabate, having the greatest personal impact

Albums

Sean O’Brien and His Dirty Hands

My Colors Dark

Ben Howarth refelcts upon Californian singer-songwriter Sean O'Brien's eighth solo album from last year, which is an enjoyable ride from power-pop to angsty punk.

Manic Street Preachers

Send Away the Tigers

In our 'Re: View' section, in which our writers examine albums from the past, Ben Howarth reflects on the Manic Street Preachers' 2007 album 'Send Away The Tigers', which has just been re-released in an expanded tenth anniversary edition

Oasis

(What's The Story) Morning Glory

In our 'Re:View' section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Ben Howarth reflects on Oasis' iconic second album, '(What's The Story) Morning Glory', which was released twenty years ago

Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney

Ram

In our 'Re: View' section, in which our writers look back on albums of the past, Ben Howarth reflects on Paul and Linda McCartney's album, which, recently reissued, was released a year after the Beatles split up in 1971

Archers of Loaf

Vee Vee

Ben Howarth looks at American alternative rock band Archers of Loaf's 1995 second album 'Vee Vee', which has been re-released in a double CD edition

American Aquarium

Dances for the Lonely

In our 'Re:View' column, in which our writers look back at albums from the past, Ben Howarth reflects on Springsteen-esque rockers American Aquarium's classic 2009 album, 'Small Town Hymns'

Hefner

Dead Media

Ben Howarth examines the case for Hefner's much criticised-at-the-time 2001 electronic-influenced and final album, 'Dead Media', which has just been reissued in a new double CD edition

Derek and the Dominos

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs

In our Re:View section, in which our writers look back at albums from the past, Ben Howarth examines Eric Clapton's final band project Derek and the Dominos' only album, 'Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs', which has just been released in a fortieth anniversary edition

River Detectives

King of the Ghost Train Ride

Ben Howarth examines Scottish duo the River Detectives' third and final album from 2005, 'King of the Ghost Train Ride'

Jim Guthrie

Now, More Than Ever

In our 'Re:View' series, in which our writers examine albums from the album, Ben Howarth looks at Canadian singer-songwriter Jim Guthrie's 2003 album, 'Now, More Than Ever', which has recently been re-released

Hefner

We Love the City

In our 'Re:View' series, in which our writers rrflect on albums from the past, Ben Howarth looks at Hefner's 'We Love the City', which originally released in 2000, has just been reissued in a new double CD edition

DVD-National

A Skin, A Night

Ben Howarth looks at 'A Skin. A Night', alt rock band the National's new film and EP package, but, despite it arriving hot on the heels of their high regarded 'Boxer' album, is unconvinced by it.

Hefner

The Fidelity Wars

In the latest in our 'Re : View' slot in which our writers examine albums from the past, Ben Howarth looks at Hefner's 1999 album, 'The Fidelity Wars', which is about to be re-released

Re : View-John Martyn

One World

In 1977 at the time he recorded 'One World' acclaimed folk artist John Martyn was at his lowest ebb. Ben Howarth finds that anger and fury fuelled him to create his greatest and most diverse album

Re : View-Bob Dylan

Slow Train Coming

"Genuinely challenging", but sometimes ignored and often misunderstood, Ben Howarth argues the case for Bob Dylan's 1979 Christian album 'Slow Train Coming' as one of the great Dylan albums

Re : View -Ben Folds Five

Whatever and Ever Amen

Ben Howarth writes about Ben Folds Five's album from 2000 'Whatever and Ever Amen', which has recently been going through a period of rediscovery after Nick Hornby wrote about one of its tracks, 'Smoke', in his book, '31 Songs'

Features

Pennyblackmusic

Ten Songs That Made Me Love...

Having begun writing for Pennyblack at the same time as he collected his GCSE results, Ben Howarth has now been writing for the site almost as long as it has been around. As we approach our 20th birthday, he selects in 'Ten Songs That Made Me love...' some of the songs that sum up his experience.