Kev Howell is a Scottish artist who recently released a live EP, simply titled Live. I love live albums and EPs, as I feel they give a real impression of what the artist sounds like live, and this is particularly true with Kev’s music. Find out more below!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released an EP titled Live, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the EP?
The EP was recorded at a gig in Glasgow and contains 6 songs, mostly from my first solo album Haunting Ambition and our single Arrows (both are available now to stream). The album gives a true representation of were we were as a newly formed band and shows the hard work and effort we’ve all put in to bringing the studio recordings to the live stage. We took the decision to film, record and release it for promo reasons, which helped us secure some great festival slots and gigs.
How has the reception been so far, and where can Live be purchased?
The reception has been fantastic! It’s allowed us to get more bookings as mentioned and build our YouTube page and now TikTok. Live can currently be purchased on Bandcamp and Apple Music with streaming available everywhere else but Soundcloud, which will be available soon.
Do you plan to release any singles in the near future?
We are actually in the studio this week finishing another 3 tracks on the new album. One will be out shortly.
Why did you decide to release a live album? How was the recording process?
As explained earlier, it was originally planned to be released as videos for promo use, but the audio sounded that good we thought we should get it out for fans to listen to while we recorded the album. Regarding the process, the gig was recorded live from the desk and digital equipment in front of our fans, which was then cut to 6 songs for the release.
Do you plan to release a non-live EP or an album anytime soon?
I’m hoping to release the new album in January and another single or 2 before then.
Has the pandemic hindered your work much?
Without question. I started recording songs for the 2nd album in 2020 and missed almost a full year of recording from not being allowed in the studio, or it would have been finished and out by now. It also affected us as a band as we started jamming together the same year. Our first gig wasn’t until October 2021 as everything was closed down. Having said that, I’ve also written so many songs while in lockdown and had the opportunity to build on what we had already started.
Your music is firmly based within the rock and roll genre. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
I will always love Oasis and the Beatles, that will never change… Led Zeppelin, Rory Gallagher, Jeff Buckley. I mainly still live for those guys.
I’ve most recently been listening to the Paolo Nutini album Last Night In The Bittersweet – it’s a fantastic album, I’m loving it. I also just got the new Muse album – in my eyes they can’t do anything wrong!
You’re based in Glasgow. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
Glasgow lives and breathes music. You can always find a new band from here that will surprise you!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
We are working on it. Our next gig is in Bathgate at the Regal Connect Theatre on Saturday 24th September as part of the Purple Orange Rootsenanny. We will be working on dates around the UK for the album release! 2023 should be a great year!
Any last words for the fans?
For any fans that have streamed, listened, shared or bought the music. Thank you for the support! We shall see you soon. The album will be worth the wait!