Episode 1083 - Brittany Howard

Leaving Shakes

Brittany Howard's decision to leave Alabama Shakes was a pivotal moment in her career. She describes the difficulty of choosing between her personal growth and her bandmates, whom she considers family. "I don't ever want to hurt anyone," she explains, highlighting the emotional weight of her decision 1. Ultimately, Brittany embraced the freedom to explore new creative avenues, leading to her Grammy-nominated solo work 2.

   

Band Origins

Brittany Howard's musical journey began with humble origins, forming bands like Kerosene Swim Team and Madame Tandoori's Hammer House. These early experiences, marked by a love for music and camaraderie, laid the foundation for her future success. "We just kept playing, kept writing original songs," she recalls, emphasizing the organic growth of Alabama Shakes from these beginnings 3. Her passion for music was evident even in her youth, as she taught herself guitar and formed bands with friends 4.

   

Musical Bonds

The chemistry between Brittany Howard and her bandmates has been a driving force in her music. Her relationship with bassist Zach Cockrell, whom she met in high school, exemplifies this bond. "We both have, like, a really mutual respect for each other," she notes, highlighting their collaborative spirit 5. This mutual respect and shared passion for music have been integral to their creative process and success 6.