6th Annual Brian’s Songs- A Benefit For LLS – Friday, May 27th

Brooklyn-based folktronic band Howard releasing innovative new EP, “Please Recycle.”

Following the release of Howard’s breakthrough debut LP, “Religion,” bandleader Howard Feibusch came back to the album with a fresh perspective. “I found myself listening to the stems from the album more than the actual song,” he shared with FLOOD Magazine. “While they were part of something familiar, I began to hear them in a different way.” The result of these renewed explorations is the five-track EP, “Please Recycle.” With pre-release buzz coming from Stereogum, Vice and more, be sure to look for “Please Recycle” out March 25th via Fashion People Records.

Howard Feibusch – Vox & Guitar ……

Myles Heff – Bass ……

Chris Holdridge – Drums ……

Alex Chakour – Synth, Guitar, & Magic ……

Howard is a band formed in 2014 in Indianapolis, though its roots stretch back to a little-known group called The Spin, from 2002. Essentially, Howard is looking to provide a good excuse for its friends to get together in the Indy area and have some drinks, with a focus on original tunes.

Originally formed in 2002 by longtime friends Matt Mays and Matt Salsbery, who had played as an acoustic duo and in another band throughout college at Ball State and Indiana University, respectively, The Spin was primarily a rock band based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The band originally included Salsbery and Mays, with Will Barnhart on bass, Vincent Jackson on drums, and Steve Banik on keys. Between 2002 and 2003, The Spin played a number of shows in and around Indianapolis, including a performance on race day at the Indianapolis 500, an opening slot at Live Nation Rib America Festival, as well as numerous side-stage performances at the Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre VIP Lounge and Birdy’s. The band self-produced an ep, On the Line, which is fair.

After Salsbery left in late 2003 to travel and attend law school, the band continued with the addition of the outstanding vocalist Jessica Benge and lead guitarist Chris Null. Focusing on a bluesier and funkier sound, the band enjoyed several successful years playing in and around Indianapolis, while also experiencing some membership turnover as lives changed and other opportunities arose.

Although years passed since the original formation of the group, the band stayed in touch, remaining good friends, and in Spring 2011 two reunion shows were held with Mays, Salsbery, Jackson, Banik, Null, and Barnhart performing.

In November 2013, Mays, Salsbery, Jackson, and Barnhart, along with Scott Emerson (Lead Guitar), Bill Mallers (Keys), and Joe O’Connell (drums, member of 3:1) played a set of Grateful Dead tunes at Tonic Ball 12, an annual Indianapolis event benefitting Second Helpings.

In 2014, the last gig under The Spin name was had at Fountain Square Brewery, at their annual Hop Your Face Festival, with Mays, Salsbery, Jackson, Barnhart, and Banik performing alongside Matt Wilson (Lead Guitar) and Nancy Moore (vocals).

With the exception of Banik, who lives in Wisconsin, this version continues on presently as Howard, largely because although not a single member of the band had ever really liked the name The Spin, not a single member ever had the energy to change it. Until now. So here we are.

From folk to funk! Original songs and jams to original takes on a variety of covers, is what you will hear at one of Derick Howard’s shows!

He performs solo as a “One Man Jam Band” by using an audio sampler to record (Live) loop tracks on his guitar, bass, hand percussion, and vocals to make the sound of a full band.

This “One Man Jam Band” has performed official after parties for acts like Robert Randolf, Victor Wooten, and The Wailers. He has opened up for acts like Gov’t Mule, Eoto, Ekoostik Hookah, Future Rock, and Zach Deputy. He has performed along side acts such as Michael Franti, Keller Williams, The Dark Star Orchestra, Arrested Development, and has performed at festivals including Hyperion(IN)x3, MojoStock(IN), Wuhnurth(IN), Terrapin Hill Harvest Fest(KY), Snuggleween(KY)x2, Hoodilidoo(MI)x2, Resonance(OH)(x2), Tribal Connection(OH)x2, Hoopla In The Hills(OH)x3, Hookahville(OH)x7, multiple different performance art fests(Kinetic Fire(OH)x3, Flow Motion(IN), Flow Down(IN-IL)x2, So. Ill. Flow(IL), and at Good People Good Times Music Festival of which Derick puts on and has headlined along with acts like Turbo Suit, The Main Squeeze, Ekoostik Hookah, Rumpke Mountain Boys, and UV Hippo.

Derick has performed at all types of events and venues besides festivals and official after parties. From The Hard Rock Cafe’s in Chicago and Louisville to restaurants like Apple Bee’s, Texas Roadhouse, Max & Erma’s, and over a dozen locations of the Jimmy Buffet chain Cheeseburger In Paradise. As well as many private events and public events for universities like I.U. and Ball State. Derick has also performed many benefits such as The Relay For Life, The MS Walk, Rock For Riley, and community fundraisers.

Although he performs mainly around the Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky area, he has performed as far east as Maryland, as far south as Miami, FL., and as far west as California.