Getting To Know... Howie Combrink

After an astonishing run of form throughout his releases over the last decade, South African singer and songwriter Howie Combrink is back once again with his uplifting new single 'Summer Sunshine'.

Channelling a wonderfully bright and upbeat country-inspired flair throughout, 'Summer Sunshine' makes for a brilliantly enjoyable listen. Filled with warm and effervescent textures, shimmering hooks, and a spellbinding vocal performance from start to finish, this new one will fill your heart with joy and lovelorn emotion.

So with the new single doing the rounds, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and influences over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

That would be drums at age 8.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I grew up listening to bands/artists like The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Counting Crows, Genesis, Paul Simon.

What was the first album you remember owning?

Roxette – Joyride.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

'Round Here' by The Counting Crows.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

Not particularly, I do however like to try playing a new song live a few times before I take it to the studio. I find that a little test drive in front of an audience is always helpful when thinking about the production performance.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

I love listening to all sorts of music but recently I have been listening to a lot of Angus and Julia Stone and Fleetwood Mac.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

I would love to open for Coldplay or The Dave Matthews Band.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

Work never really feels like work. Whether it be in the studio or on the road touring, it’s always great and fun. Music also takes you places. Being a musician who has toured for 18 years with several different acts being a drummer in the band, the music has taken me places I would have never thought to go or even be able to go.

And what is the most frustrating part?

Sometimes it can take years to be rewarded for the hard work put in on an album or single and when you are a new artist, touring can be a big frustration because, if it were easy to fill a venue, then everyone would be a rockstar.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Music is all about taste so, to be good at music, you should have good taste in music.

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Howie Combrink's new single 'Summer Sunshine' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.