Brittany Howard has shared the second single to appear on her forthcoming debut studio album as a solo artist, Jaime. Titled, “Stay High”, the song represents a feel-good moment for the Alabama Shakes singer/guitarist, as the popular rock band has been on hiatus since performing in Charlottesville, VA back in September 2017.
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The relaxing tune hears Howard staying high and not letting where she’s been and what she’s experienced bring her down. The song’s feel-good flow is reminiscent of The Young Rascals’ “Groovin'”, as Howard optimistically sings out the lyrics, “Don’t question my state of mind/I’m doing wonderful just fine, thank you/Everything is everything and everything is beautiful/See all I do is keep it cool and don’t worry bout what everyone is doing.”
The video for the new song is just as uplifting. The storyline follows actor Terry Crews clocking out after what seems like another long day at work, only to make his way around town with his spirits growing thanks to the presence of everyone he comes across. The video was directed by Kim Gehrig, and was shot on location in Howard’s hometown of Athens, AL. Most of the actors seen throughout the video are Howard’s family members.
Watch the new video below.
Brittany Howard – “Stay High”
[Video: BrittanyHowardVevo]
“I got an email from the Brittany Howard, asking me to be a part of a song she wrote that was all about her dad and how special he was to the family. And she poured her heart out in this letter. I couldn’t believe it,” Crews also added in a statement about his role in Howard’s new single. “Brittany was like, ‘we can shoot it in L.A.,’ and I said, ‘No, I’m coming to you, we’re going to Alabama. We’re going to where you grew up, to where your family is.’”
“It’s my first time making decisions on my own, being the captain of the ship,” Howard also added about launching her career as a solo artist. “It brings up existential questions—why am I here, why do I do this? People think that touring in a band is super-fun, and it can be, but nothing about it is normal. You miss out on a lot of stuff, so I need to make sure I’m doing it for the right reasons.”
Howard heads out on an international solo tour later this summer and into fall starting with a pair of shows at the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC on August 17th-18th. Tickets for the tour are on sale now via Howard’s website.
Jaime is due out on September 20th on ATO Records.