Ben Howard Will Light Up the Stage at Shrine Expo Hall

The winner in the 2013 BRIT Awards of “British Breakthrough Act” and “British Solo Male Artist” known as Ben Howard has risen in popularity all over the world. He has been releasing music since 2008. Seducing crowds with his effortless vocals and thought-provoking lyrics, Howard has earned his spot as one of the top indie folk artists of today. Complemented with his unearthly guitar skills of fast-paced picking and percussive slaps all over the instrument, Howard will unleash his infectious artistry at Shrine Expo Hall on February 10.

Growing up in and around London, Howard learned from his musical parents and their record collection, specifically enthralled with artists such as Joni Mitchell and Simon & Garfunkel. After nearly graduating with a degree in journalism, Howard’s surfing buddies pushed him on the wave to write music instead. Leaving school and writing full time, Howard sang at open mic events and built a reputation throughout the UK not long after. Signing with Island Records and Communion, Howard has since released a handful of EPs and two studio albums, his most recent being “I Forget Where We Were,” in Oct. 2014.

Leaning on the line of darkness and unrequited love, Ben Howard’s music rings true to the human condition. This talent can be hard to find in artists today. His music lingers in the air, leaving questions and curiosity for the listeners. Often involving steadfast percussion or orchestral instruments, the focus always ends with his clear-cut abilities on guitar and his drive to tell a poetic story. Howard’s hands move at a hypersonic pace on his guitar, winding listeners through a divergent storm.

Joining Howard on the Shrine Expo stage is the special guest Willy Mason. Said to have a voice like Johnny Cash, Mason grew up in Martha’s Vineyard with his parent’s love for folk music. Growing older, Mason began exploring folk music with elements of punk and blues, other styles Mason found meaningful during his teenage years. Having released three studio albums, Mason has spent the last decade collaborating with artists like Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes and Brendan Benson.

Let the combination of Willy Mason and Ben Howard overcome your senses at Shrine Expo Hall on Feb. 10, where you’ll leave forgetting where you were.

Catch Ben Howard at Shrine Expo Hall on Feb. 10. Tickets available online.