Interview with Howlin' Whale
@ MEDIUM.com
What inspired your latest music video “Many Lives?”
I wanted to make a video that was true to myself and the music. I wanted to show the wild places whose soundscapes inspire my music. I didn’t have any footage or photos of the woods where I grew up. It felt like the right time, right after releasing my first EP, to return to my roots and pay my respects. The frogs, insects, birds, and creaking trees you hear in the Bubbling Bog are the inspiration for my experimental harp style I call bog harmonica, so it’s exciting to show the actual Bubbling Bog in the video. The ocean is where I restore my soul to face life on land, so of course the ocean plays a central role in “Many Lives.”
There is deeper meaning to all the imagery in “Many Lives.” Each place symbolizes a chapter in the story of the soul’s journey on Earth. Train tracks represent the journey, the bog represents incarnation, the driftwood city represents the process of making peace with lives past, and the ocean represents the soul’s awakening to enlightenment. I am fascinated by the experience of life and its purpose, and I enjoy exploring these themes in my work.
- Randall Radic @ medium.com
COMPLETE INTERVIEW:
Howlin’ Whale — “I hear whole worlds in the harmonica”
Bravura harmonica player Howlin’ Whale recently unveiled the music video for “Many Lives,” the title track of her latest EP.
With her inimitable sound, a sound she defines as “bog,” a blend of voluptuous blues, reggae, hip-hop, and rock and roll, surfacing through her deft command of her harmonica, Howlin’ Whale voices the mystical soul of music.
Arriving on the music scene in 2011, Howlin’ Whale infused Sea At Last’s album, Atlas, with her haunting harmonica. Since then, she released her debut single “Run,” followed by the debut of her Many Lives EP, and the formation of her nonpareil band made up of Fire Mist, Taylor Quinn, Kavika G, M.Cat Spoony, and Tyler Hammond.
“Many Lives” travels on a measured sinuous reggae melody, as the longing tones of Howlin’ Whale glide overhead accompanied by glowing harmonies. A growling guitar invests the tune with muscle, adding sleazy textures rubricated by the creamy visceral flavors of harmonica.
The video, directed by Howlin’ Whale, moves luxuriously between the forest and the ocean displaying the mysterious spirit and communion of life, beauty, and music.
Howlin’ Whale sat down to talk about her influences, her connection to the universe through her instrument, what she’s doing during lock-down, and what’s she’s looking toward in the future.
What’s your favorite song to belt out in the car or the shower?
At the moment, KRS-One’s “Disaster Kit.” KRS-One wrote “Disaster Kit” so we can memorize the lyrics and have a mental checklist to prepare ourselves for any disasters we face. Brilliant!
What artists are you listening to right now?
Right now is a time of immense change. Longstanding habits are broken, opening new spaces in our lives that we choose how to fill. In times like these, I turn to music of love and resilience. I’m listening to KRS-One, especially his latest albums Street Light (First Edition), The World Is Mind, and Now Hear This, which you can find on Bandcamp. KRS-One’s music is meditation with a lion’s roar, bringing a philosophical and spiritual mindset that asserts the value of every experience of life. Bob Marley and the Wailers’ potent messages of empowerment and healing music are vital, now as ever. Gil, Migs and Rog just put out an album called Riddem Business that I’m listening to on repeat while I paint. Empress Akua’s album Lioness is one of my all-time favorites. Lt. Stitchie’s recent album Masterclass is fierce. I love Billie Eilish and Finneas, who are so creative as songwriters and producers. Sublime’s music helps you hear the love and humor in chaos and dance to it. Fire Mist has this beautiful new song “Someone Out There For You” that is so simple and sweet, it’s like feeling the sun smile down at you. Falcon Stevens’ new album is transcendent. As always, I’m listening to Big Mama Thornton, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, and other masters of the blues. Their music can get you through anything, and it gets me through everything.
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
I love music so much, it’s intense. I feel music on every level of my being. As is true for many, music helps me through hard times when it feels like nothing else can. I feel deeply for our world, and as I grew up and learned more about the complexities of this wild place, I would listen to music to help me process my growing awareness. When I look at the many experiences of my life, music has always been my most powerful saving grace. I’ve dedicated my life to music because I want to make good use of my time here and make a positive impact. I want to help uplift others in the same way that the music I love uplifts me. Making music is my way to make peace with life and have purpose.
Which musicians influenced you the most?
I am forever grateful to all my musician friends whose generosity of spirit, knowledge, time, and support has taught me so much and brought me to this point in my life, when I am now beginning to release music of my own. It’s important to give credit where credit is due. I have many musicians to thank, so they’re listed on a page on my website, called “Music Heroes,” for those interested!
Family Man’s masterful work as a bassist, bandleader, arranger, and producer, especially with Bob Marley and the Wailers, sets the bar for how I want to develop my mind, ear, and skills musically. Big Mama Thornton inspires me to have courage and sing from my heart. Howlin’ Wolf inspires me to always stay true to myself. Jimi Hendrix inspires me to let my freak flag fly when I experiment with harmonica. Bradley Nowell of Sublime inspires me to be bold blending all my favorite sounds to hear what happens. KRS-One inspires me to always educate myself, so my music can grow from an ever deeper place.
The harmonica is one of the more visceral evocative instruments. What’s the allure of the harmonica for you?
From the time I first heard it, harmonica is the instrument that stops my world turning. I hear whole worlds in the harmonica. I’m sure many harmonica players can relate. It’s a never-ending mystery, all the sounds you can find. I hear orchestral strings, harmonizing horn sections, droning insects, trains, frogs, waves, birds, whales, wind, and more. I’m at the beginning of the road, and I’ve got a long way to go to learn how to play all the sounds in my head as I hear them. Harmonica is challenging, and I love a good challenge. So I have a lifetime of experimenting to enjoy. I love how it feels to play. Playing gently is key to a sweet tone. Harmonica requires you to relax when you feel most tense, a helpful lesson in life.
What’s the story behind the name Howlin’ Whale?
I got my name Howlin’ Whale immediately after recording harmonica for the first time ever. The band Sea At Last invited me to record harp on their song “On My Time” from their album Atlas. This was the pivotal moment when I decided to take a leap of faith in myself and make that step toward my dream of becoming a professional musician. I was so nervous! Yet as scary as dreams can seem, I’m here to make good on mine.
In the studio I took a deep breath and let go of all my fear. I felt the music flow through in its wake. When I stepped out of the recording booth, Fire Mist gave me a big hug and said, “Wow! You’re … Howlin’ Whale!” My name arrived the moment I stepped up to my dreams and took action to make them reality.
My name Howlin’ Whale honors the wild howling spirit that sings through the music of the whales. I’ve had some mystic experiences with whales, but that’s another story. My name is also one of the ways I honor my hero Howlin’ Wolf. My name makes me smile every time I hear it.
What inspired your latest music video “Many Lives?”
I wanted to make a video that was true to myself and the music. I wanted to show the wild places whose soundscapes inspire my music. I didn’t have any footage or photos of the woods where I grew up. It felt like the right time, right after releasing my first EP, to return to my roots and pay my respects. The frogs, insects, birds, and creaking trees you hear in the Bubbling Bog are the inspiration for my experimental harp style I call bog harmonica, so it’s exciting to show the actual Bubbling Bog in the video. The ocean is where I restore my soul to face life on land, so of course the ocean plays a central role in “Many Lives.”
There is deeper meaning to all the imagery in “Many Lives.” Each place symbolizes a chapter in the story of the soul’s journey on Earth. Train tracks represent the journey, the bog represents incarnation, the driftwood city represents the process of making peace with lives past, and the ocean represents the soul’s awakening to enlightenment. I am fascinated by the experience of life and its purpose, and I enjoy exploring these themes in my work.
You directed the video for “Many Lives.” What was that like — exciting, challenging, difficult?
Directing “Many Lives” was hilarious, hard work, and very moving. After many adventures, it meant a lot to return to the woods as the musician I dreamed of becoming. Having Fire Mist as my DP was key because he always gets the shot. It was just the two of us in the woods with a camera and a backpack. We were eaten alive by mosquitos, I almost fell off the big rock a few times, we had to keep an ear out for trains, my fringe kept getting caught in tree branches. Just like the good old days! Our shoot at the ocean was a blast. We had to film quick and dirty, dodging beachgoers. We raced to catch the train at magic hour. Of course, FM nailed it. I am completely fulfilled and thrilled with how it all turned out.
What do you want people to take away from the video?
I hope the “Many Lives” video brings people a moment of peace in their day. It is a simple love note to nature that I hope helps people feel connected to the Earth. “Many Lives” is a song of resilience and staying true to yourself. I hope it helps people remember we are strong, and we have weathered many storms.
How do you define tone? And has your tone changed over time?
Tone is soul you can hear. Yes, and I am so excited for how my tone will change throughout my life as I continue to practice and play harmonica, sing, record, and play shows. All that hard work and life experience enriches the soul, and that makes the tone.
How are you handling the Coronavirus situation?
Music clears a cloudy sky, so I’m building my skills. I’m hard at work writing songs that I hope will uplift people as we process this unfolding situation. I released the “Many Lives” video at this time in case my music helps even just one person rock out in the face of it all and feel better. Recently I made all my music available for free on Bandcamp, so everyone who wants it can have it.
I’m staying home and strengthening my health. I may not be able to control every possibility of exposure, but I can give my body what it needs to protect me. Singing and playing harmonica is good for the lungs and heart. I’m making nutritious food, warm soups, vegetable wraps, and salads. Viruses can thrive on sugar in the body, so I’m eliminating processed sugars and alcohol. When I’m not using it, I turn the wifi off to give my nervous system a break. Juicing is one of the easiest ways to enjoy healthy food. My favorite juice to make is three celery sticks, two oranges, one beet, and a good chunk of ginger.
Looking to the future, what’s next for you musically?
I’ve got a few new songs ready to release, and I’m mapping out some fun music video ideas I can pull off at home. Currently I’m writing and recording my next record. I’ve got a fat stack of songs to organize, chart, demo, and record. And new songs keep coming! I have a lot of work to do, so I’m hunkering down to bring the music to life. When live shows are back on, I look forward to rocking out with my bandmates.
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