Is It? Ben Howard

• 1Couldn’t Make It Up03:51
• 2Walking Backwards05:16
• 3Days Of Lantana05:12
• 4Life In The Time03:29
• 5Moonraker04:25
• 6Richmond Avenue05:12
• 7Interim Of Sense03:54
• 8Total Eclipse01:30
• 9Spirit05:09
• 10Little Plant04:00
• Total Runtime41:58

Info for Is It?

Ben Howard releases his fifth studio album "Is It?

In the summer of 2022, Ben and his band recorded "Is It?" for 10 days at Le Manoir de Léon Studios, located between Bordeaux and Biarritz in the South of France.

The album is introduced by 'Couldn't Make It Up', which you can stream now "Couldn't Make It Up" was produced by Bullion (Westerman, Nilüfer Yanya, Orlando Weeks) and is the first track on the ten-song album, which explores the music following two mini-strokes (TIAs) suffered by Ben. "Is it?" is a lush, sonically fragmented album that captures Howard's work in these moments of seismic shift.

"I found it impossible not to deal with the absurdity of losing all your faculties with a tiny blob. That really affected the writing of the record." (Ben Howard)

In March 2022, Ben Howard was sitting in his garden when he was unable to think clearly, form sentences or speak for almost an hour. A month later, the Ivor Novello Award-winning singer-songwriter learned he had suffered two TIAs (transitory ischaemic attacks - known as mini-strokes). "It came out of the blue," says the 35-year-old. "It was a confusing time."

In June this year, after a month of inconclusive hospital tests, Howard and his band returned to Le Manoir de Léon, where they had previously worked on his acclaimed third album, Noonday Dream.

The album's striking artwork was created by Portuguese graphic designer and illustrator Bráulio Amado.

Next month, Ben kicks off a tour of the UK and Europe on 18 May in Madrid at La Riviera, taking him through cities in Spain, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and the UK, including an already sold-out show at London's new Alexandra Palace Park on 22 July. He is currently confirmed to perform at the UK's Boardmasters and Victorious festivals in Portsmouth, and is headlining the "On the Mount at Wasing" series of outdoor shows in Berkshire.

Ben Howard

Ben Howard
(born 24 April 1987) is an English singer-songwriter, born in London. He moved to Totnes, Devon, in his teens. Howard's musically-inclined parents exposed him at a young age to their favourite records from singer-songwriter artists such as Bob Dylan, Nina Simone and John Martyn. Howard began writing his own songs and after a short spell studying journalism, he decided in 2009 at the age of 21 to become a full-time musician. After building up a reputation with his gigs across the UK, Howard was eventually asked to sign to Island Records. His first album, Every Kingdom, was released on October 3, 2011 and debuted at #7 on the UK album chart. He is characterised by his odd way of guitar playing. He has toured with Australian artist Xavier Rudd. From Howard's MySpace 'I was brought up in Totnes, South Devon, neatly nestled between the moors and the sea. I travel lots, surf when I can, probably drink too much, definitely think too much, and at 22 still make irrational choices. I like the outdoors and the Autumn. I’m happiest at home with friends, and my favourite fruit would have to be a pear. Musically I started playing and writing as a kid and it’s maybe the one thing that’s never changed. Mum was a big listener to all the greats- the likes of John Martyn, Joni Mitchell, The Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkel, Donovan etc so that’s played a big part in my life (Dad was more of a Yes and Pink Floyd man). Our tape collection is pretty good:) More recently I dropped out of University to play music full time and it’s been pretty funny so far. I’ve been really fortunate to support some artists I really admire.. I went to Europe with Xavier Rudd back in December 08, shared a stage with Brett Dennen this spring, and have been playing a few dates around Europe with Fink this summer. So I thought I’d leave it at that really. Keep it short. Really hope you all enjoy the tunes on here.. Much love from Devon, Ben.'

This album contains no booklet.