Van Howard: The Gritty Voice of American Indie Rock

Van Howard is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his raw, emotive vocals and foundational role in the indie rock collective The Music Band. Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, his most significant commercial and critical achievement came as the lead vocalist on The National's acclaimed 2013 album Trouble Will Find Me, which debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart.

Early career

Howard's musical journey began in earnest in the early 2000s within Cincinnati's vibrant underground scene. He first gained local attention as a core member of The Music Band, a fluid collective known for its experimental and communal approach to rock and folk music, which released several limited-run albums.

Breakthrough

Van Howard's breakthrough into the wider indie rock consciousness occurred in 2013 through his deep collaboration with Cincinnati brethren The National. He was featured prominently as a vocalist and contributor on their sixth studio album, Trouble Will Find Me, a record that achieved gold certification in the UK and solidified the band's status as festival headliners.

Key tracks

I Need My Girl — Howard provides haunting backing vocals on this melancholic standout single from The National's hit album.

Fireproof — His distinctive voice adds a layer of gritty texture to this fan-favorite album track, showcasing his seamless integration into the band's sound.

Sorrow — Howard's contributions are integral to the atmospheric depth of this song, which The National famously performed for six hours straight as a living art installation.

Following this high-profile collaboration, Howard continued his work with The Music Band and embarked on solo endeavors. He released his debut solo album, The Kid, in 2021, exploring a more personal and stripped-down songwriting style that contrasted with the dense arrangements of his collaborative work.

His artistic pursuits extend beyond traditional music; Howard is also a co-founder of the People's Boutique clothing label and has been involved in various multimedia art projects. This multidisciplinary approach underscores his status as a versatile creative force within the independent music landscape.

Fans of Van Howard's visceral vocal style and textured indie rock may also appreciate the work of similar American artists. The National shares his cinematic sense of melancholy and intricate musical arrangements. Bon Iver explores a similar space where raw folk emotion meets experimental production. The Antlers deliver a comparable intensity in lyricism and atmospheric rock soundscapes. Big Thief mirrors his commitment to earnest, guitar-driven storytelling with a unique vocal character.

Van Howard's music, both with The Music Band and as a solo artist, maintains a steady presence on independent music radio stations and curated online rock radio streams. His tracks are frequently featured in programming dedicated to discovering authentic songwriters and the broader indie rock genre.

Listeners can discover the compelling discography of Van Howard, from his work with The National to his solo projects, by tuning into the curated indie and alternative rock stations featured on our platform. His music is regularly in rotation on onairium.com, connecting his distinctive American indie rock sound with a global audience of dedicated listeners.