The Grammy Museum welcomed five-time Grammy Award-winning artist Brittany Howard to the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace on Tuesday, August 13 for an evening of conversation moderated by music journalist Jenny Eliscu celebrating her career, latest project, What Now, and more. The night also included an intimate performance.
With five Grammy wins and sixteen nominations under her belt, powerhouse vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Brittany Howard, released What Now, her second solo album and first via Island Records in February 2024. What Now follows massively acclaimed solo debut Jaime—a 2019 LP that earned her seven Grammy nominations in four different genres, winning the award for Best Rock Song with “Stay High.” Known for her unique timbre and powerful, emotional charged vocals, Brittany Howard has been at the heart of the music scene for over a decade. She is a globally renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist extraordinaire whose critical acclaim began as front-woman for four-time Grammy Award-winning Alabama Shakes.
Eliscu began the panel with the discussion topic of the latest album What Now, how it came to be and if there were any issues that came across its creation. Howard specified that the hardest song to write on her new album was the title track, “What Now.” She found herself struggling to find the right lyrics as she had originally written the melody for the song first before jotting down any lyrics. Normally, Howard does not have a specific format for songwriting and has learned not to torture herself and just allow her creative process to flow.
Howard shared her story of the moment she realized she wanted to become a musician. At 11-years old wearing her Hot Topic gear, she walked into her school’s auditorium to find a group of older kids perform under the moniker Stoned Phillips. Witnessing her peers fully enjoy and dance to the band’s covers of Green Day, she felt something activate inside of her. From then on, Howard began learning to play various instruments starting with drums and piano. She then began to befriend other kids who had some interest in music and would invite them over to her house to teach them how to play instruments and attempt to create a band.
Later on in the night, long-time collaborator Shawn Everett (Beck, The War on Drugs) joined the panel to discuss his experience working with Howard. Everett mentioned that he loves working with Howard as they’re able to share a creative energy and stated, “one my favorite relationships I’ve ever had in my life.” The panel was later opened for audience questions. An audience member asked Howard how she stays grounded and true to herself after experiencing all the highs from touring. Howard was quick to answer “my family, my friends, my pets, just also house work. There’s lots of things that keep me very humble, like the litter box.” Howard then continued to state that she is very thankful to work with great musicians and have fans that support her but when she returns home it is important to remember she is a human being who needs care and nurture.
Following the Q&A portion of the night, Howard took the stage for an intimate rooftop performance spanning about 25 minutes long. The performance included six songs and kicked off with her hit single “Stay High.” The setlist also included “What Now” and “To Be Still.”
Brittany Howard kicks off The What Now North American Tour on September 29 in Philadelphia, PA and wraps up on October 19 in Paso Robles, CA. She returns to Los Angeles for a performance on October 18 at the Greek Theatre. For more information or to stay up to date with Brittany Howard’s work visit here.
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