HOWLIN' WHALE

Howlin' Whale is a cetaceous harmonica player, composer, and vocalist.

Growing up in Massachusetts, her playground was the woods, thick trees and skunk cabbage steeped in swamps called “The Bubbling Bog.” Train tracks and a shooting range provided the soundtrack. Perennial gunfire infused her with mortal rhythms, while trains’ haunting rattles and moans sang of other worlds. Answering their call, she left her small town and traveled, determined to explore the mysteries of life and turn her adventures into music. While swimming in the ocean, a fateful encounter with whales set her compass forever seaward, enchanted by the music of dark waters. The bog, the woods, the train, wanderlust, and the sea are Howlin’ Whale’s roots, growing deep in her voice and howling through her harmonica.

Since 2011, Howlin’ Whale has been developing the harmonica style she calls “bog,” inspired by sounds of the wild world. Bog harmonica is a standout approach to the instrument that makes it bubble like a reggae organ, chop like a guitar, moan like a train, sing like the wind, and howl like a whale. Musically, bog harmonica comes from the heart of the blues, the beat of reggae, the mind of Hip Hop, and the guts of rock n roll.

In 2012, Whale made her recording debut on the band Sea At Last’s album Atlas (GYPSYPOP RECORDS), playing harmonica on their song “On My Time.” Together, they composed “Castle,” which Chris Douridas premiered on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic. Next, Whale hosted the underground house concert series Made In Laurel Canyon, performing with Sea At Last as the house band. In 2015, Howlin’ Whale released her debut single “Run” on GYPSYPOP RECORDS, co-produced with renowned Kush Audio wizard Gregory Scott aka UBK. She has since performed variously on harmonica, vocals, and keys with the groups Sea At Last, Taylor Quinn, Kavika G and the Kosmic Geckos, and Rising Son. She is also a founding member of the band Havin’ A Good Time. Howlin' Whale’s debut EP Breach is set for release in 2019. 2019 also marks the launch of her live band, with musicians Fire Mist, Taylor Quinn, Kavika G, M.Cat Spoony, and Tyler Hammond.

A lifelong student of music and its history, Whale celebrates the power of music to uplift people even as we endure great pain. Blues, reggae, and Hip Hop are three of the world's most profound testaments to this power of music, and they are Whale's venerated and beloved inspirations.* Harmonica played in Howlin’ Whale’s bog style is a dive into uncharted waters for the instrument, exploring its resonant reach and sonic textures to new depths beyond the traditional blues sound. A woman of many hats, Howlin' Whale's rich voice, intense love affair with harmonica, and gripping tales of adventure feed her music with equal parts ferocity, integrity, and joy. The purpose of the music is to uplift and to dance.