IN FLUX:

In Flux is a series of pulsating, largely improvised pieces written for piano, synthesizer and drum. The music circles the effects of mental health disorder and the pain of a chronic injury as they coexist through periods of agony and relief.

Billie Howard, piano, amplified piano, voice, Roland Juno 60, and effects, Nate Kappes, floor tom, amplified floor tom, and effects, Jesse Giallombardo, drum effects

Sczina (piano, voice, electronics) engineered by Billie Howard, mixed by Brian Goodheart and Billie Howard.
Drub (piano + drum) engineered by Doug Malone at Jamdek, mixed by Alex Inglizian at Experimental Sound Studio
Peach, Llls recorded at Shape Shoppe, engineered by Nick Broste, mixed by Alex Inglizian
Drub (piano solo) engineered and mixed by Alex Inglizian at Experimental Sound Studio
Mastered by Edward Hamel at Identity Mastering
Photography by Andrew Schneider

AT SEA:

At Sea is a five movement suite for acoustic violin. Beginning with a single violin, each movement adds another layer of violin, gathering sounds and tones that culminate in a recapitulation of the first movement with five violins blending together. The piece can be performed live with five violinists, or for soloist with looping pedal.

“At Sea” while land-locked refers to my grandfather’s time in the Navy and my family’s time in eastern Montana growing wheat. Isolation, depression, and not much of a support system. Cycles of rough times and well-being, time passing, status quo across generations. Variations on a theme.

released October 1, 2019

Written and performed by Billie Howard, acoustic violin
Engineered and mixed by Edward Hamel
Mastered by Nick Broste
Photography by Andrew Schneider


WITH/DRAW:

With/draw is four pieces for string ensemble and female voices, elongating the pulses from In Flux and At Sea. Isolating the difficulty of portraying confidence while being a nurturing female.

Composed by Billie Howard
Engineered by Doug Malone at Jamdek
Mixed by Alex Inglizian at Experimental Sound Studio
Mastered by Edward Hamel at Identity Mastering
Photography by Andrew Schneider

Ensemble:
Nora Barton, cello and voice
Monica BouBou, violin
Johanna Brock, bass violin and voice
Jet Dee, voice
Nomi Epstein, voice
Brendan Finucane, cello
Billie Howard, violin and voice
Whitney Johnson, viola and voice
Nate Kappes, cello
Ronnie Kuller, violin
Kara McCanna, violin
Courtney Mora, voice
Traci Newhouse, viola and voice
Becca Wilcox, viola and voice