Blair Howerton’s solo/band project Why Bonnie most recently released their latest album titled Wish On The Bone and will be heading on a headlining tour.
Why Bonnie was formed by singer-songwriter Blair Howerton in her college bedroom in Austin, Texas. Her bandmates consist of Josh Malett (Drums) and Chance Williams (Bass), who were active in the Austin music scene. Their fringe edged sound contains bits and pieces of a handful of different genres from alternative-rock, shoegaze and even some country all built on a indie-rock foundation.
The latest release, Wish On The Bone is full of goosebump inducing tracks from “Fake Out”, “All The Money” and “Dotted Line”. The vulnerable chants and gritty distorted melodies clash with the refined keys and synth. “Fake Out” is notably one of the most impassioned songs off the eleven track LP with a graceful wailing chorus and emotional instrumentation fading into a delicate outro with a continuous scratching, lingering from the post chorus.
Why Bonnie has a similar effect on each of their songs leaving the listener frisson. After leaving her roots in Texas to move to New York, Blair Howerton reflects on how it still weighs heavy on her heart leaving behind her home. Her cinematic writing paints this picture of her music and places you exactly in her shoes. Each song falls into a different genre which adds to the complexity of Wish On The Bone and its emotionality.
Why Bonnie is considered a New York Texas Band – what’s different in terms of the music scene? Who are some of you fave local Austin bands?
It’s definitely weird to accept that we’ve been in New York longer than we were a band in Austin, but most of those years were pandemic times so it feels somewhat relative. Texas feels like such a part of my identity, so I think it will always be reflected in my music. Some favorite Austin bands of mine are Font and Being Dead – both have bright futures ahead of them.
ORB: You released your latest album Wish On The Bone earlier this year. How did the album come to life? What was different in terms of recording + lyrics compared to the debut album 90 in November?
BH: Wish On The Bone felt like a step forward from 90 in November. I’ll always love 90, especially because it’s so much about growing up and becoming who you are. Wish On The Bone came from more of a self actualized place and is more about looking towards the future. You do a lot of that in your late twenties.
ORB: Wish On The Bone also has a cool, distinct art style with its floral scenery and blue tones. How does the art style fit in with the album’s overall vibe and aesthetic?
BH: I always felt like the overall vibe of this album was purple. I guess because it’s a little moodier while still maintaining some warmth. Kendall painted the cover and it really captured the essence of the album – like something growing in the dark.
ORB: Most recently, you released a cover of “Rainbows and Ridges” by Blaze Foley. What encouraged you to record the cover?
BH: It’s genuinely just one of my favorite songs ever. The lyrics are so poignant and strong. It’s always helped me come to terms with the changes that life will throw at you.
ORB: Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations and why?
BH: This is always a hard question for me because it oscillates but I’d say Angel Olsen and Fleetwood Mac are pretty huge for me. All of their music is really varied yet anchored in a general tone. I also think Angel Olsen has the best voice of our generation. I could listen to her sing forever.
Check out Wish On The Bone by Why Bonnie, out now via Fire Talk, on all platforms.
See Why Bonnie LIVE this winter + spring, get your tickets here.
I am a Dallas-based photographer. I am social media manager and photographer for indie-rock band Laredo Two as well as writer and photographer for Prosper's online newspaper, Eagle Nation Online. I have always had a passion for anything music from playing shows myself (I play bass and guitar) to music photography. When I am not taking pictures or at a concert, I run a small jewelry business and work at a local guitar shop!
I'm a full-time music journalist/photographer from Houston, number one Paramore fan and Husky dog owner. I have a B.S in Radio-Television-Film from UT Austin and a M.A in Mass Communications from the University of Houston, which makes me smart! On top of being an avid concert-goer and movie fanatic, I love bonding with others over the power of local music and media.
