Howie Day Celebrity Guru

Singer-songwriter Howie Day said he modeled his music after artists like Richard Ashcroft and U2. But it wasn’t just the music that made an impact on Day. Joining a long line of musicians, Day has taken on another important aspect of the music industry: charitable giving. With global role models like U2’s Bono – who was nominated for a Noble Peace Price applauding his efforts in humanitarianism – to more locally-based musicians touring the college circuit, Day has evolved into a modern day philanthropist both in his songs and with his actions. We talked with Day a few weeks ago at the second annual charity event “Hot Stove, Cool Music.” The event donates all it proceeds to benefit Boston Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein's “Foundation to Be Named Later,” a branch of the Red Sox Foundation. Day shared his tips on charitable giving, community involvement and making it as an artist in this industry.

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Tips on Charitable Giving

Tips on Charity: An avid participator in Music For Relief, a charity organization that started in 2005 to help disaster relief, the 22-year-old Bangor native tells fans and friends that charity is not only an act of good will, it’s an obligation.
“You have to find time to do it,” said Day. “It’s something that does almost as much for you as it does for the community.”
With fellow rockers including Jack Johnson and Citizen Cope, Day records songs for “Rock for Relief,” a charity album that aids victims of the world's recent natural disasters, including the Indian Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina victims.
“Anytime you give back – it doesn’t matter if you’re a big name or a kid sitting in his room who wants to help – it makes you feel good,” said Day.
He adds that you don’t need to donate money, “Sometimes a few hours of your time [can make a difference],” he said.

Tips on Recording an Album

Prior to his hit-album days, Day was a struggling musician trying to land a deal. Day offers one simple tip to moving up in your career: “Get creative,” he said.
Before he had access to high-tech recording studios, Day “invented” a lo-fi system to record his early songs. He would record himself singing against his own musical tracks and try out song lyrics on his audience, often stopping in the middle of songs to try out a new line. “If you love the music and you love performing, then go for it,” said Day. “Play live as much as you can, get better and better, and move on artistically.”