Heyward Howkins | photo by Kate Harrold | kateharrold.com

We were stoked when Heyward Howkins released a pair of singles called “Forecasting” and “Midway” on Soundcloud last February, and we’re stoked now because the songs are getting pressed to vinyl 7″.

When we first heard the songs, which followed up 2013’s Be Frank, Furness, Emily Ivy Scott said:

Weaving together aspects of different genres and styles, the songs have a timeless and classic feel with moments of jazz, indie rock and pop.

“Forecasting” opens with Howkins’s soulful vocals accompanied by a downtempo, soft-hitting drum beat. His lyrics have always been the centerpiece of his songs and this one is no exception, beginning with “Complaints can come from a privileged place / Because your big house can make me feel small in a way.”

 

His wit is on-point and specific (mentioning “ten long weeks in the Mother-in-Law suite”) but with a universality that will make you nod along in mutual understanding. Howkins’ minimal approach is elevated with well-placed vocal echoes and an instrumental passage accented with subtle horns. ”Midway” is a bit rockier, with the keyboard, bass an synth taking center stage.

Listen to the songs below and preorder the 7″ here.