Howle back to basics with album recorded in forest

By OTIS R. TAYLOR JR. - otaylor@thestate.com

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Danielle Howle wanted to get away. There were songs to be recorded, to be heard.

She had to go somewhere special — Francis Marion National Forest, amidst the marshes, swamps and bald cypress trees.

“All I wanted to do was go sit in them trees and play some music and record it,” Howle said. “And that’s what I did.

“I needed to be in those trees.”

The result: “Swamp Sessions,” an eight-song album of raw appeal. It was recorded using solar power, and Howle says it’s the first solar-powered record made in the state.

“That wasn’t my intention,” she said. “It was to get inside those trees and do something nice for myself.

“It’s just me and the guitar. I had no vision. I just had to do something.”

Did she find what she was looking for?

“I think I was just kind of lookin’ for me,” Howle said. “I know that sounds crazy.

“I had to regroup. Maybe that’s why I’ve found new value in music.”

These days, Howle is living primarily in Awendaw, a small town about 30 minutes from Charleston. She’s the artist-in-residence at Awendaw Green, a music venue. It is also a network of artists who like to put on shows in a barn.

Every Wednesday, there’s a Barn Jam, and people from the community listen to music and eat grilled food. In October, Awendaw Green will host Rocktoberfest, a weekend-long event that will feature more than 40 bands.

“I fear its majesty,” Howle said of Rocktoberfest. “There’s a lot going on.”

Howle always seems to have a lot on her plate. Last year, she completed a program with Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, writing “I Am Here,” a song that is being used in a video that showcases the school.

She’s producing a record for A Fragile Tomorrow, a Montgomery, N.Y., band that’s considering a move to Columbia. Really? Usually it’s the other way around.

“They love the music scene that’s going on in Columbia,” Howle said. “A Fragile Tomorrow knows more about Columbia music than anyone I’ve talked to.”

Howle is a sign-holder for local music, pointing out the authentic talent of Josh Roberts, The Unawares and others.

“I think it’s time that people in South Carolina take ownership of the majesty,” she said. “I think we need to love up on ourselves.

“The revolution is here. We’ve got to own it.”

Should we include Howle in the movement?

“I think you should, because I’m the one talking about it,” she said.

And singing. “Swamp Sessions,” unrestrained and unflinching, feels necessary.

“I had never played these songs before,” Howle said. “I had some paper and an idea.

“It’s rough. It’s right where it needs to be.”

So is Howle.

Reach Taylor at (803) 771-8362.

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