Interview | Simon Howard

Our Masters in Songwriting student Simon Howard has been busy in 2024 with plenty of gigs and the release of his latest single, 'Cancellation'.

Performances have taken place at Oslo in Hackney, 21Soho and the Formby Festival while Simon has continued to write and record. 

Here, we catch up with this talented singer songwriter to find out more about his folk and country-tinged songs and how his studies have helped shape his music...

How did you begin your musical journey? 

I started back in 2018 when I took a solo trip to Austin, Texas. A friend of mine was getting married over there at the start of the summer and I decided I would stay until September.

I rented out this guy's apartment for the whole summer and started writing songs. I was so shy about music, I only felt comfortable to do this at first where no one knew me. I then began performing newly written songs before returning home.

Influence-wise growing up Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel and Bruce Springsteen were constantly playing and are still artists I look too for inspiration.

What led you to ICMP and the MA? What motivated you to study the course?

I wanted to explore what a Songwriting Masters had to offer, especially in a new city. It was also the only Master's degree I could find that focused on songwriting solely.

How have you found your time at ICMP? And moving to London?

Really enjoyed it! The people I've met and the friends that I've made have been the best bit.

London is a crazy place! I feel I haven't even scratched the surface yet but I've loved what I've seen of it so far and looking forward to exploring it more past the course."

What have been the most important things you've learned?

Think overall just not overthinking my process anymore and over analysing it. I've got a lot of new songs which I've already started gigging and they came together pretty quickly once I shifted that mindset.

I'm interested to hear about your career to date - what have been the highlights for you?

Highlights I'm not too sure about but what I can say is that one of my favourite gigs was at The British Country Music Festival in Blackpool.

Me and my band had all sorts of problems on the day with broken down cars and horrific traffic. Even when we got there we went to the wrong door and were struggling to find the artist entrance. With all that stress we then finally arrived and set up with a second to spare. I literally plugged in my acoustic guitar as they announced my name. We instantly started playing and had such an amazing time. It was so fun and everyone was up and dancing.

What has been key to growing your audience? I know you've been supported by BBC Music Introducing and played various festivals - how have you got your name and music out there?

There's been no structured approach to be honest. I think just by trying everything and putting myself out there in any way possible whether it's a release, festival, support slot etc. Just wherever there is a chance to showcase my music.

For anyone looking to undertake the ICMP MA, do you have any advice for them?

I was worried if I was going to be out of my depth studying music in an academic way but far from it and ICMP is a very supportive environment."

It's also a great way to meet people and make friends instantly especially if you're moving to a new place.

How has the summer of 2024 been for you and your music?

It's been busy! A lot of gigs including ICMP's OUTRO which I enjoyed. I also played a festival in Shrewsbury called LOOPFEST the day after which was a lot of fun. The stage was in a church on a Saturday afternoon, so it was a good atmosphere. I released my single 'Cancellation' which I'm happy to finally get out there.

What's next for you as an artist?

There's a couple of things in the works but in the short term I'll be in Scotland for a few weeks playing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August and also be playing at the Greenbelt Festival at the end of August which I’m really looking forward to.

I'll also be busking in the railway stations all over London. I’m also currently planning a few more releases for this year and going to be back in the studio in September to record some new singles.

Simon Howard | Instagram

Listen to his new single, 'Cancellation', below: