Artist Advent Calendar - Day 23: Eden J Howells

As we inch closer to the holidays, we’re spotlighting Eden J Howells, a rising singer-songwriter whose introspective lyrics and unique sound have left a mark on 2024’s music scene. With their heartfelt storytelling and ability to find beauty in life’s quiet moments, Eden’s work feels both intimate and universal. They sat down with us to reflect on the year, share some fun holiday favorites, and give us a peek into their creative world.

NW: What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself this year?

Eden: The biggest thing I learned about myself this year is that I’m doing much better than I think! Like a lot of people, I’m really hard on myself and have a tendency to compare myself to others. But I’ve made a point this year of stepping back and being like, hey, this thing that I’m doing is really cool and I’m really proud of myself.

NW: What’s the strangest place you’ve ever written or recorded music?

Eden: It’s got to be on the side of the road, or in a field. I lived in a van for a while a few years back, and I’d write and record all my demos in my van. So I’ve been parked up in a lot of beautiful, or dodgy places, writing and recording demos of songs that are coming out on my next EP in 2025.

NW: What was your most-played song this year?

Eden: According to my Spotify Wrapped, my top listened-to track this year was Starburster by Fontaines D.C. And was anyone who knows me surprised? No haha. I will not shut up about this band. Obsessed!

NW: Do you have a favorite fan interaction from this year?

Eden: There are a lot of moments from this year that really warmed my heart. But I think my favorite one has been meeting a fan called Sophia, who’s a real die-hard music fan. And it’s people like that who hold the music industry up and turn the wheel. She’s made a really cute cutout of a picture of me and my band for her phone case, and that’s pretty damn cool.

NW: What’s a lyric from another artist that hits you hard every time?

Eden: Going back to my favorite band at the moment haha, Grian Chatten (the lead singer of Fontaines D.C.) has a song called Fairlies, which is fucking beautiful. One of the lyrics in that song goes like this: “There’s a thing about people that I suppose is alright/ It’s when they smile right at their pain through all the day and night,” and I think that’s horribly beautiful.

NW: Who’s the most unexpected artist on your playlist right now?

Eden: I don’t know if this is unexpected or not, but I always listen to a lot of 80s pop, and I’ve been rinsing Tears for Fears at the moment.

NW: Do you have a favorite holiday movie?

Eden: No judgment, but my favorite holiday movie is either Love, Actually (classic) or The Grinch (hilarious, also me).

NW: If you could invite any musician to your holiday dinner, who would it be?

Eden: Right now, I’d have to say Lola Young. I’ve been listening to her album, This wasn’t meant for you anyway, nonstop for weeks and I have so many questions. I think she’s great.