HOWIE DAY PLAYS CLUB TOUR

by Rob Nagy

In a music industry that has become cluttered with too many artists that
sound the same or fall short of expectations, it is refreshing to come
across a diamond in the rough. At the tender age of 27 Epic recording
artist Howie Day has risen to the occasion establishing himself as solid
performer and songwriter standing above the rest of the pack. To listen to
any of Day's recordings is captivating, to see him live is mesmerizing. It
is difficult to find a Howie Day song that doesn't exude passion and
songwriting craftsmanship that leaves you with the desire to hear more.
With two solid releases under his belt, Day is putting the finishing
touches on his next, yet to be titled, masterpiece. While Day has only
begun to receive the accolades that await him, he can find comfort in the
fact that he has created a signature sound as he takes another step toward
super stardom.

Armed with his guitar and still just a teenager, Howie Day quietly emerged
onto the music scene with little fanfare. Making his debut in 1996 at his
parents Bangor, Maine restaurant, Day immediately showed talent as a
musician. One year later, Day graduated from the ranks of being a solo
artist to playing in a local band “Route 66” while continuing to do solo
dates on his own. It was Day's supporting performance for Ziggy Marley, at
the University of Maine, that caught the attention of local booking agent
Shawn Radley, whom would later become Day's manager. Extensive touring
throughout 1998 found Day missing a record number of classes his senior
year in high school threatening his graduation. Day made his first effort
at recording this same year releasing a demo EP featuring cover songs by
Dave Matthews Band, Barenaked Ladies and the Goo Goo Dolls along with a
couple of his originals. The turning point for Day came when he played a
showcase for 1,500 college talent buyers resulting in months worth of
bookings through-out the country. Day postponed any plans to continue his
education dedicating all of his efforts to fulfilling his dream Still only
19 years old, Day released his self financed 2000 independent debut, of all
original music, “Australia”. Playing a back breaking schedule of over
three hundred live performances, Day managed to sell 30,000 copies of
“Australia” at his shows and through his website. His efforts did not go
unnoticed when Day was bestowed with a 2001 Boston Music Award for “Best
Debut Album by Singer Songwriter”. Day's unstoppable desire to perform
live was winning large audiences. There was no disputing the passion which
poured out of every one of Day's compositions. By 2002 Day had proven
himself to be an artist worthy of the promotion and support only a major
label could provide. Epic Records signed Day in 2002 re-releasing Day's
debut “Australia” and his sophomore release “Stop All The World Now”, which
included Day's most successful single to date “Collide”, achieving Gold
status. Day continued to perform live without abandon writing many of his
compositions on stage improvising at every opportunity. While Day
continued to receive positive attention from fans and the music press,
personal struggles soon grabbed the headlines. Day was arrested in 2004
over an incident with a fan and again one year later after a verbal
confrontation with a flight crew. While both incidents didn't help Day's
personal reputation they did keep his name in the public eye proving that
negative press can often be a boost to a career. rather than a detriment.
In an effort to show good faith, Day participated in a rehab program in the
spring of 2007 where he again, received more publicity when he met Britney
Spears. Emerging unscathed Day began returned to the stage and began
writing for his next release. The past month has seen Day embark on a small
club tour, through-out the northeast, offering selections from his new CD
as well as songs that are familiar to fans. With his new release in the
final stages of production Day has posted one track, “Everyone Loves To
Love a Lie”, on his myspace page, as a thank you to his fans for the
support that has been bestowed on him. Look for Day to release his new CD
late by summer 2008.

On February 19, 2008 Howie Day made a rare solo appearance at the Tin Angel
on Second Street in Philadelphia. Without the support of a back-up band,
which he quickly proved he did not need, Day played to a sellout audience
showcasing selections from his impending CD release along with a few
standards from his very young career. Sporting only an acoustic guitar and
a wide array of special effects foot pedals, Day took command of the stage
from the opening chord carrying his captivating performance through a solid
seventy-five minute set. Day would have been impressive if only relying on
his strong vocals and guitar playing, but his obvious mastering of the foot
pedals made his show all the more riveting. If one closed their eyes it
would have been hard to distinguish if it was just Day performing or if he
had a full band. The majority of the audience was in their twenties and
even younger with a few older music fans to round out the wide appeal he
has cultivated. It was obvious that Day was not lacking in confidence
giving off a cocky if not arrogant presence. This only added to the
intrigue and mystery Day displays both on stage and off. It is unlikely
fans will get another opportunity to see Day perform solo in such an
intimate environment. Following his show he greeted fans signing
autographs and taking photos. Day has just completed this mini tour to
return to the studio to add the final touches to his new CD. For more info
on Howie Day go to www.howieday.com or www.myspace.com/howieday.

Photo by Rob Nagy
http://www.myspace.com/robnagymusic