Brittany Howard on leaving Alabama Shakes, What Now, and growing up in poverty

Brittany Howard’s new album What Now is her second solo release since a hiatus with her band Alabama Shakes. Now more than ever, she’s exploring the potential of her famous raspy voice by pairing it with surprisingly poppy songs about love and heartbreak. Brittany sits down with Tom Power to talk about finding the courage to step into new musical territory.
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[@nickhughes4800]

her solo stuff is great, but I really miss the Alabama Shakes.. Those two albums are some of my favorite albums of the past 20 years.

[@196Arcangel]

Agreed.

[@Mark.mp3]

Same. It just doesn’t hit the same

[@andilengcizela]

Yeah, I miss the magic they were able to create together as a band. I still listen to them almost every day and those songs hold a special place in my heart. Nothing lasts forever though, and I hope her current journey fills her life with as much happiness as her music has brought to mine.

[@thenewyolowithsolo609]

very much agree my man

[@jennyjones2729]

thats the thing about Magic. its fleeting and amazing. Those albums are GEMS. I am still am happy for her continuing her journey as an artist and not becoming stagnate.

[@VanessaButtino]

Brittany Howard is truly an amazing woman. Her voice is like nothing I've ever heard. She's a total standout and stands apart from everyone else. When she sings, she SINGS. She puts her heart and soul into every breath, every sound, every word.

[@Danny-fs1hk]

2:04 “I can go where I point.” Brittany dropped a Master Class with that statement alone.

[@worldismyashtray]

“Part of me was excited the world stopped.” Nice to hear someone else say what I was thinking.

[@fexcab]

Facts man

[@clownfashion]

I kind of miss it every now and then. You know without the possiblity of contagious death all the time.

[@ashleyballou2118]

Brittany Howard is undoubtedly the greatest singer of my generation. As much as I love and support her solo career, I will never stop wishing for more Alabama Shakes music. Those two albums will continue to spin endlessly on Sunday mornings while I'm making breakfast for my family.

[@adamjohnson5307]

My stomach dropped when I read the title. I mean I know they haven’t released an album in a decade but I still had hope. 😞

[@chantel2594]

Miss Alabama Shakes so much

[@candaceewell9582]

Her singing and passion give me chills

[@TheArtofBlues]

Alabama shakes 20 year reunion tour will be epic, i look forward to it.

[@robbiduncan9823]

Saw Britney Howard a few weeks ago and I’m still not over it! She is a magic deity that harnesses the power of the heavens. That you Britney for creating the space for creative spirits to use you are your gifts

[@KristinStJohn]

Same!

[@crazybanannie]

Playing San Diego right now, lucky crowd at Humphreys!

[@gibbsmalcolm]

She seems at peace. Still Sound and Color is miles above her solo records. Heath may not be as technically good as the guys she has now, but he has soul. I saw her live a few months back; the 2 guitarists she had sounded like session guys playing their parts. I saw Alabama Shakes a few years back; one of the best shows I have ever been to in my life. And, she is better with a guitar in her hands. Hell of a guitar player! She skirts the reason Alabama Shakes ended. We may never know.

[@supes616]

Did she perform Alabama Shakes' songs at her solo show?

[@gibbsmalcolm]

@@supes616 Sadly, no.

[@leafnlore2712]

I love the rapport these two humans have in this interview. This is my first true introduction to Brittany Howard. I can't wait to explore the landscape of her music and the fantastical realm of her mind and heart!

[@hamhock540]

Welcome to the fan club! You’re going to love it here:)

[@guidodiman]

What a delightful human being ! Intelligent, insightful, funny, inspirational, just a unique person. Very good interview, well done. Glad I watch it , I learned some good stuff.

[@gwen3010]

Brittany Howard has an amazing voice wishing you well!!🙏 💓💓💓💓

[@janee166]

She is on a different plane as an artist, a truly world class musician and singer and songwriter and bandleader-like the love child of Nina Simone and Prince-see her live show if you can!

[@chrishoffman9923]

I still cannot understand how what now hasnt blown up and become huge. COME ON BRITTANY ! This album is your best accomplishment to date....and there is more to follow Im sure !

[@francine5801]

Brittany Howard is a treasure chest of talent ..Learning more about her and her thinking and journey was wnlightening ..excellent and fun interview.....

[@Smouse168]

As a fan… I’m so sad and disappointed she ended Alabama Shakes. That was so magical

[@fexcab]

New album is a masterwork from front to back…great interview and go get Brittany’s record💯💪🏼

[@rjramone4051]

Hands down. Brittany Howard is first class lady, artist and human being.

[@tiffanyi5645]

8:57 Brittany talks leaving Alabama Shakes

[@zeroenigma21]

So its just "because I can" sighhhhh so disappointing. Shes amazing and that band is incredibly talented. Ill miss it and hopefully she goes back

[@tiffanyi5645]

@zeroenigma21 yeah I really loved Alabama Shakes, but ultimately she has to prioritize her own health and happiness…we should be happy with the incredible AS catalog we can always enjoy

[@jennyjones2729]

she is such a brave woman. i love the depth she provides in every interview she does...and every song she writes. A true, artist. I'm so grateful to be alive when she is.

[@applejellypucci]

I relate a lot, my first pregnancy was during the pandemic and it was so nice to be still and not have to answer to people like it was a "job", just enjoying that time of life despite the scariness of the unknown. Brittany, you are one of a kind.

[@AmberLive10]

I love the new album I felt so many songs in the album in my soul .

[@gailremp8389]

I totally admired her work and something ‘s gonna happen attitude for going-for-it.

[@user-cs8zc6gf6t]

Brittany is AMAZING hope she has random gigs with Alabama Shakes !!!!

[@nancywalter7555]

Brittany expressing who she is… the new album is so honest and real. So good. I’ve got the album on repeat. Thanks Brittany!!!❤❤❤

[@JeffLivingston-zl6oh]

Brittany AND The Shakes are one more reason to be proud to have come from Bamalanga !!

[@Vaf20]

Discovered her new album today, mindblowing❤

[@RainNBlood]

God Bless Brittany.

[@ABlueDahlia]

Wonderful hearing Brittany speak in this interview.

[@dsgp7835]

Brittany Howard is an extraordinary musician. I've gone to amazing places in my mind listening to Brittany's music. Thank you Brittany, Thank you.

[@polytanner1836]

Great interview! Loved her insite and her music.

[@jaygamilwatson8529]

Just found her and incredible music today Blessings ❤❤❤She will come back to her Roots .Don’t worry Y’all in her struggle blood🎉🎉🎉😊😊😊

[@TwangThang57]

Great interview, I now love her even more.

[@Daneiladams555]

I just saw her at the Fillmore She’s amazing 🎉

[@Blesshendrix]

Loved this interview! And that new album is amazing!!

[@trinaolson7131]

beautiful conversation

[@jeffrodrigues4450]

i've personally met her when she came to Boston years ago and she is an awesome person. as far as I'm concerned, let her get this electronic programming sound out of her system. She's a rocker at heart. She will realize that. I just feel bad for the rest of the band, waiting for her to express her artistic outlets until they get back together.

[@glennburch1081]

Alabama Shakes was a band that developed a sound that just connected with many people in a large way. Boys and Girls started a sound that was spreading as fast as wildfire and by April 2015 had sold 744,000 copies, ranking #16 on the US Billboard Hot 200. Two short years later they took 3 Grammys for thier second and final record Sound and Color..... and then simply walked away as Brittany decided to pursue a solo career. May have been good for her, but was DEVASTATING to the fan base. I WILL NEVER FORGET HOW DEVASTATED I WAS TO HEAR OF THE BREAK-UP. Brittany hasn't ruled out a reunion, but could the band pick up where it left off?

[@Anointedwords24]

Love her

[@jenniferdement6174]

I wish the solo stuff was just a side gig. I miss the Shakes!

[@sambro7]

true inspirational artist

[@gregallard2317]

You are an awesome person, Brittany!

[@user-ux3vw6mb4k]

When does she talk about leaving the band?

[@ambermackay921]

Awesome !

[@FilMaltez]

I got sick the day of her Webster Hall show and I'm so upset I missed the show

[@jaygamilwatson8529]

Your sister was an Angel ❤❤❤❤

[@lilibethvilella]

If you’re here & find yourself broken, I recommend the book “The Sun Always Pierces Through” ☀️

[@BBB-to4cc]

Every single time I see her I just think and belt out “GIMMIE ALL YOUR LOOOOOOVEEEE, OOOOOO, GIVE ME WHATCHA GOT, BAYYYBUH”

[@koolz4094]

Mistake , that band had a vibe/sound that put them on the map ....Robert Plant is nothing w/o Led , Steve Perry w/o Journey , same. bad move.

[@beckya640]

With all due respect in the world for the wonderful Journey: Steve Perry’s Vice is singular! Amazing! His time with Journey made him walk away from music for decades. By the time he felt like singing again he wrote an entire album and then deleted it before actually committing to the experience of being a performing recording artist again. Thank God he recovered and could hear that beautiful voice again.

[@fexcab]

6:26 this song goes hard AF🔥💯🎸🔥

[@CaapriceTube1]

The Older Sibling is so true. My late older Brother put me on to all the Classic 90s Hip Hop; mostly Eastcoast, he was a big musical inspiration to me (Love You Forever GT 🙏❤🌹🕊) and haunted house, you gotta Plead the Blood Of Jesus over your homes, it's very important, see how fast those spirits flee!! 🙅‍♀✝✝✝✝✝✝✝✝

[@makebacunningham6795]

Brittany is the TRUTH ❤

[@r.t.8468]

If Janis Joplin and James Brown had a baby…

[@bobbyparadis2820]

How about we get a new band together influenced by Alabama Shakes and just have the fans make the music?

[@essbee2316]

Shame she disbanded Alabama Shakes. I saw them live a few years ago and they were great. I remember reading a review of Sound and Color and the reviewer suggested that Brittany didn’t need the rest of the band. She may have read this review! Anyway, she’s a lovely lady and I wish her all the success she deserves. ❤

[@seangates1451]

This title bummed me out… I love Alabama Shakes and last I knew they were on hiatus. I tried listening to her solo stuff but the programmed drums and stuff turn me off. I like bands.

[@jamesmarie]

@17:00 if you live in an old house in the south, it's haunted.

[@BrickDavis]

haha I'm three years younger than my sister, feel the same, leaves and all

[@1999zrx1100]

It must be tough to talk about what makes you tick. 🙏

[@canoebuddy]

💜💜💜💜💜

[@All.Natural.]

❤

[@malcolmadams2105]

Wait what?!” She Left.. Alabama Shakes!!? nooooo how?? Why? I mean I love everything Hendrix did.. ie gypsy’s and whatnot; but, “The Jimi Hendrix Experience.” Is.. and was.. but hey I don’t know what her situation was.. I just know what that’s like so, I hope she at least left the door open at least. Well. Good luck to her.. she is very talented. My band let me go two weeks before we were to go into the studio because I wouldn’t leave my job. But had that not happened I wouldn’t have had my songwriting fuel.

[@tjkrave5811]

I do miss the shakes though but I get it

[@JustAGrl007]

I didn't know she left the Alabama Shakes. I just thought she did a solo album. that sucks!

[@musicalgear1024]

It's too bad she left the band. Those guys were very good musicians who made sacrifices to grow with her and then BAM...she quits. Sorrry, but I think it sucks and I would not be buying her "solo" albums. Maybe the comment seems harsh, maybe, but truth is harsh sometimes. Looking from outside in as a musician I understand what goes on behind the scene. I just hope the guys who made the music have found something else to do and aren't working at Hardees.

[@lee9953]

Why would you want to lock her or anybody in a little box and keep them there instead of acknowledging their right to grow as individuals and artists, and the inevitability of this growth? I knew she needed to step out and away from her band the very first time I heard them and hoped she wouldn’t let a sentimental attachment to them hold her back. They may play together again someday but right now I’m thrilled to see her spread her wings and fly.

[@dsgp7835]

Brittany's life has to be told in a movie.

[@SillyGoose2024]

Wow that first band lasted 5 minutes

[@HanifBarnwell]

You do you Brittany, but nobody asked from a Prince inspired 1990s dance album.

[@Instkarma9765]

I agree with her perception about the pandemic. I felt unusually good that the world stopped. It allowed me to be okay with my experience in life instead of trying to keep up with the Jones’