Podcast Summary: Brittany Howard, of Alabama Shakes, Talks with David Remnick

The New Yorker Radio Hour
Host: David Remnick
Date: September 17, 2019

Overview

This episode features an intimate and revealing conversation between David Remnick and Brittany Howard, best known as the frontwoman of Alabama Shakes. With her debut solo album "Jamie" about to release, Brittany discusses her musical formation, personal loss, creative evolution, and her experiences of race, identity, and resilience in America. The episode covers everything from her Southern roots to the transformative power of music and art in turbulent times.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brittany’s Musical Roots and Family

• Childhood Soundtrack: Raised in Athens, Alabama, Brittany’s formative years were shaped by an eclectic mix— from Jodeci, Usher, TLC, and Destiny’s Child to doo-wop legends her grandmother played in the kitchen. (01:32)
• Family Influence: Her late sister’s guitar— a Les Paul knockoff— became the forbidden fruit through which Brittany taught herself to play. Her mother kept her sister's belongings sacred after her death, heightening the emotional connection to music. (02:10–02:35)

“It was like precious artifacts, you know? Cause it’s kind of like all we had left.” — Brittany Howard (02:57)

2. Self-Taught Musicianship

• Learning Guitar: Brittany started learning at 11 using Guitar Player Magazine’s tablature section, initially playing upside down before figuring it out herself. (03:09–03:27)
• Discovering Her Voice: Writing songs and making secret recordings in her teens, Brittany kept her singing private until she felt “good enough.” (03:50–04:20)
• First Public Recognition: Brittany’s mother didn’t realize she could sing until hearing her homemade CD at age 17.

3. Forming Alabama Shakes & Early Struggles

• Starting Out: The band formed doing covers of Led Zeppelin, James Brown, and AC/DC, playing dive bars for little pay and hustling for gigs. (05:01–05:31)
• The Dream of ‘Making It’: Conversations with bandmate Zach about the risk of quitting day jobs and pursuing music full-time set the stage for the band’s eventual success. (05:48–06:57)

4. Transition to Solo Artist and the Album "Jamie"

• Motivation for Solo Work: Driven by a desire for creative autonomy and a broader musical exploration, Brittany sought the freedom to shape arrangements without compromise. (07:19–07:58)
• Personal Significance: The album, named for her late sister, is both a tribute and an exploration of loss, resilience, and identity. (07:58–08:55)
• Spiritual Connection: Brittany explains her enduring spiritual bond with her sister. (08:22–08:57)

“I feel like my bond with my sister just walks with me always. ...I think about her daily. Multiple times a day.” — Brittany Howard (08:22)

5. Songwriting and Relationships

• "Short and Sweet": Inspired by new love and the fleeting magic of early romance, Brittany wrote "Short and Sweet" for her now-wife, longing for the freshness of love to last. (09:14–10:56)
• A Happy Twist: Despite uncertainty, the song ends happily, as Brittany married her partner.

6. Band Dynamics and Going Solo

• Creative Stagnation: Alabama Shakes experienced a creative lull, prompting Brittany to pursue solo artistry after discussions and eventual understanding with her bandmates. (11:03–12:39)
• The Future of Alabama Shakes: The group’s fate remains open— “Wherever creativity leads my ship, I can't force it.” (12:47)

7. Collaborations on "Jamie"

• Working with Robert Glasper & Nate Smith: Brittany chose collaborators she deeply respects, citing Glasper’s work with Erykah Badu and his improvisational genius on the track “13th Century Metal.” (12:57–13:46)

“He walks into the key room and just starts playing... They just jam. ...It was incredible. One take and improvised.” — Brittany Howard (13:50–15:15)

8. Art, Politics, and Power of Music

• "13th Century Metal": The track, a product of political anxiety in 2016, channels feelings about the state of the world through a spoken mantra and freeform jazz. (15:15–15:41)
• Music’s Political Impact: Brittany reflects on music’s historic capacity to affect change— citing James Brown, Bob Marley, and John Lennon. (16:01–16:13)

"I think history would say so that it [music] can [change things]. Yeah, I think so.” — Brittany Howard (16:13)

9. Personal Experiences with Racism: "Goat Head"

• True Story Behind the Song: A harrowing family incident of racist violence is recounted in the song “Goat Head.” (16:24–17:23)
• Sheltered Childhood: Brittany’s parents shielded her from overt racism when possible, instilling a sense of unity and equality. (17:31–18:32)

10. Moments of Triumph and Family Pride

• At the Obama White House: An emotional highlight was taking her father to meet President Obama, describing her father “beaming” with joy. (18:44–19:59)
• Giving Back: With fame, Brittany fulfilled a promise to buy her father the truck he’d always wanted. (20:13–20:29)

11. Navigating America in the Trump Era

• Current Fears and Experiences: Brittany describes feeling less safe under Trump, recounting a recent racist incident in Wyoming. (21:05–22:32)
• Artist’s Duty: Despite the darkness, she voices hope, seeing this period as a potential catalyst for long-needed social change. (22:35–23:16)

“I think the most important thing is to be light, to be a beacon of light. Because it is a dark time in American history...” — Brittany Howard (22:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On loss and love:
  “I feel like my bond with my sister just walks with me always. I feel like we're closer than we ever could have been…in the physical world.” — Brittany Howard (08:22)

• On independence in music:
  “I didn’t want to ask anyone, ‘do you like this bass part’...I just wanted to do my vision.” — Brittany Howard (07:58)

• On political and cultural climate:
  “Having a man like that [Trump] in office is very dangerous. ...the most important thing is to… be a beacon of light...” — Brittany Howard (21:05, 22:35)

• On her White House experience:
  “I’ll never forget the big smile on his face. He was so proud. Sorry. Yeah, just like a little boy, just beaming.” — Brittany Howard (18:44)

• On music and activism:
  “I think history would say so that it [music] can [change things]. Yeah, I think so.” — Brittany Howard (16:13)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Brittany’s early musical influences (01:32)
• The story of her sister’s guitar (02:10–02:35)
• Learning to play and sing (03:09–04:20)
• The formation of Alabama Shakes (05:01–05:36)
• Going solo and crafting "Jamie" (07:19–07:58)
• Dealing with loss and spirituality (08:22–08:57)
• Songwriting and relationships: "Short and Sweet" (09:14–10:56)
• Alabama Shakes band dynamics (11:03–12:47)
• Collaboration with Robert Glasper (12:57–15:15)
• The politics behind "13th Century Metal" (15:15–16:13)
• "Goat Head" and personal stories of racism (16:24–18:32)
• White House memories and family pride (18:44–19:59)
• Reflections on America during Trump era (21:05–23:16)

This episode offers a heartfelt and honest look into Brittany Howard’s worldview, artistry, and the personal experiences that shape her music. It’s as much a meditation on resilience and hope as it is a celebration of creative freedom.