The weeks leading up to spring break can be some of the most stressful of the year. With long nights of homework lined up for days on end, many students often turn to music while they work on their studies.

            The English folk-indie singer Ben Howard produces prime music for a late night of studying because of the way his calm sounds ease stress. His music is a welcome contrast to popular music that focuses on violence or other themes that might actually contribute to teens’ stress levels.

            Ben Howard’s music features light percussion over acoustic guitar played by Howard himself. His soft, natural voice never reaches shouting level, but his skillful guitar rhythms are certain and clear enough to keep you from falling asleep on your books.

            Howard’s songs all feature his signature soft sound, however, each one is easy to distinct from the other, whereas other artists who sing in soft voices and soothing melodies can often get stuck into a rut of the same sound. Howard’s melody is constant, a soft beat almost like a quiet marching beat while his soothing vocal performance cools off a listener’s working mind and relieves stress

Sidebar:

Other bands that are relaxing yet strike productive feelings similar to Ben Howard are; Jack Johnson, Bon Iver, Angus and Julia Stone, Daughter and City and Colour.

            Key tracks from Howard include “Only Love” from his Every Kingdom Album and “Old Pine” from Every Kingdom. Both songs feature Howard’s signature sound and are perfect examples of his refreshing wave.