I was fortunate enough to meet Brandon “B” Howard recently at a studio in Los Angeles. He is a record producer who has worked with Ne-Yo, Ginuwine, and Vanessa Hudgens, to name a few, and has an incredible voice which is featured on his amazing solo project. He's been in the music business for 20 years, has been a surrogate member of the Jackson family, and was even the subject of a major controversy when it was rumored that he was Michael Jackson's son.
Jeff Timmons for TheCelebrityCafe.com
Hey B!
Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us today.
You come from a family of successful artists and musicians - can you tell us about your mom Miki Howard?
B.HowardYes, I come from a family of singers and musicians, and my mother Miki Howard, in her height, reigned as a #1 chart topping R&B singer who was managed by Joe Jackson for many years. She inspired me to be an artist with the passion she evoked in her artistry and true to self personality.
JT Right, and that’s how you started to become close with the Jackson family. What was it like growing up among pop royalty?
BH It has been such a blessing to be raised among such talented musicians and business people, who have inspired and mentored me daily to be the best individual I can be. It was only later in life did I realize how vital their teachings and lessons were when I began to apply it to very own career as a producer, writer and artist. Currently, I am on Life With Latoya on OWN network showcasing my production skills and Jackie Jackson recently tweeted me showing his support, and it means a lot to me. I pray that one day my legacy will be a living testimony to everyone's hard work, sacrifice and pure artistry. This is the only true way I can thank both them and my mother.
JT I think I know the answer to this, but which one of the Jackson’s influenced you the most?
BH Each family member has influenced a different component of my creativity. For example, I see each family member as part of one symphony orchestra playing furiously within my veins, not one more influential than the other, but instead each a prodigy with their unique creative instrument.
JT You’ve been in the production world for over 10 years now. What made you want to be behind the scenes as well as an artist, and how did you break through?
BH I broke through by working with other success driven people like Neyo, Trey Songz, Marques Houston, and having many songs on Billboard, allowed me to work as a team player, and turned us into good friends who want to see each other do well!
I always believed that music is from your heart, after working with so many blessed individuals, I decided to give the world a little bit of my heart to connect with my fans on a personal basis.
JT As a solo artist you’ve enjoyed success as well. Are you excited about your next single coming out?
BH Yes, most definitely, I think everyone is in for a surprise with the new singles. It's exciting to see the evolution of my music reflect my growth as a vocalist and person as well. I can’t wait to take everyone for a magical ride !
JT Which artist did you enjoy working with the most in the studio, and what about that experience has stuck with you?
BH Good question. I've worked on a lot of songs with a lot of artists that are household names and regularly on the radio , some hit #1 , others on Billboard, so working with each one of them taught me valuable lessons and I was able to also teach and show ideas which is the greatest part of making music and creating the magic.
JT I had the pleasure of listening to some of your soon to be released material in the studio a few weeks back. I couldn’t help but notice the Michael Jackson influence not only in the music, but your appearance as well. You do have your own style though. What can fans expect from this new project?
BH They can expect a void to be filled ... My fans are growing and I appreciate all their love and support. My goal is to make them proud and I'm sure I will.
JT Akon declared on a very popular talk show that he swears you are Michael Jackson's son, has Akon worked with MJ before in the past? Is he supporting your new projects now as an artist?
BH Yes, he and Michael were indeed friends and worked on a few songs together including the last song recorded before his passing, Hold My Hand. We’ve known each other a while and he sees the same characteristics in me, but also embraces my individuality. His support is a blessing because he knows where our hearts are when it comes to the craft of music.
JT You seem to be on the cutting edge of technology. Your music videos are very well put together and well-produced. What other exciting things do you have in the pipeline?
BH I'm currently working on new music videos for some singles I have planned to release in the near future. I always keep myself busy with my music and push myself to the limit for my fans to create the songs they want to hear. The future is very exciting, and I'm blessed to take that journey with my fans.
JT Finally, when can we expect the new B. Howard album or EP, and where do we go to find out all of the latest news about you and your projects?
BH My fans can expect very exciting new things coming up in the near future, including new singles. I'm working on expanding my music to other parts of the world, including France, Canada and Australia. I am very active on social media, such as Instagram and Facebook, I update them with any new projects that I'm working on and where I am going to be going next. I try to stay as connected as possible.
Find B. Howard on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!