Barna Howard: Born in the Wrong Decade
Timbrrr! Fest Series: Barna Howard
It only takes the first few plucks of his music to know that Barna Howard was born in the wrong decade. The former Midwesterner performs with the poise of a Dylan disciple, pairing eloquent strumming with the vocal intonation of a rugged poet. His self-titled debut came out in February 2012 but has a timelessness that makes its release date seem irrelevant.
Howard’s troubadour posture is a testament to the eternal glow of 60s inspired folk, earning him a handful of radio performances in the Portland area. On one of his most popular songs, “Promise I Won’t Laugh,” his narrative becomes increasingly focused, finding our hero at the threshold of a “New York catacomb” in search of the past, but all hinged on his opening line, addressing the listener directly.
With his second album completed, Howard has a slew of fresh material for Timbrrr! Fest, one of which is specifically about watching a campfire.
Nada Mucho: Have you been to Leavenworth? If so, what impressions did it leave with you?
Barna Howard: I haven’t been up there just yet but I’ve seen a lot of great photographs and heard a lot of good things. It looks like a warm-hearted place with lots of charm!
NM: What are some of your New Year’s resolutions?
BH: Getting this next album out! I just finished up recording it. Also trying to cut down on the smokes…
NM: Timbrrr! advertises hot toddies. What are some of your favorite recipes?
BH: Wintertime screams for whiskey, mixed with a warm blanket/body.
NM: The festival features snowshoeing and other winter-related activities. Do you have a favorite snow sport?
BH: Getting out there to ski is always a treat. I grew up in the Midwest; we have a lot of man-made hills, so that’s about as good as it gets. Going down the hill in blue jeans is always acceptable back home.
NM: Which of your songs would you recommend listening to on a brisk winter day?
BH: Got a song on the next album that involves sittin’ ‘round a fire. I’ll be playing that one while I’m up there.
Timbrrr Fest! takes place January 10-12 in Leavenworth, Washington.
Barna gears up for Timbrrr!
More in this series:
- Wild Ones
- Lotte Kestner
- Joseph Giant
- The Moondoggies
- Battleme
- Telekinesis
- Full Lineup Announced
- You Me and Apollo
- Radiation City
- Hannalee
- Hey Marseilles
- The Lonely Forest
- Timbrrr Fest Preview