"I’ve really tried to create my own sound," Rebecca Lynn Howard says of her debut album. "This record is really diverse. There are songs stretching from modern day contemporary all the way back to real traditional country. There are a lot of different sides to me and when people hear my music, I think they’ll come to know me."
In her music and in her life, Rebecca’s confidence shines through. The 20-year-old Kentucky native has plenty to be confident about. She’s not only a gutsy, powerhouse singer, but—unlike most young artists—gold and platinum stars like Reba McEntire, John Michael Montgomery, Patty Loveless and Lila McCann have already recorded Rebecca’s songs.
"I’m real proud of that," Rebecca admits. "I didn’t just come out of high school and land a record deal. I’m a songwriter and I’ve been working in this business since I was 10 years old. I’ve worked really hard over the past decade."
Rebecca started singing as a toddler. By the time she was in grammar school she had taught herself piano and was beginning to write her own songs. Throughout the years she sang in school and church—and even directed the church choir. "I was really wrapped up in music all the time," Rebecca admits.
For three years Rebecca toured with the Kentucky Opry variety show. As a solo artist she opened shows for Martina McBride, John Michael Montgomery, Ricky Van Shelton and Sammy Kershaw. During that time, she made frequent trips to Nashville developing her songwriting skills and making contacts.
"I’ve always known this is what I wanted to do," Rebecca says. "I finally talked my mom into bringing me to Nashville when I was 10."
Rebecca recorded a demo that eventually helped secure a recording contract with Rising Tide Records. She recorded "Softly And Tenderly" for The Apostle soundtrack, which won a Grammy. Rebecca was snapped up by MCA Nashville when Rising Tide closed its doors in ‘98.
"I’ve been through a lot in the past couple of years," Rebecca admits. "But I’ve got a lot of discipline. My manager and I used to run 8, 10, and as much as 12 miles a day for about six to eight months. I’m sure that kind of physical challenge helped me develop the proper mental endurance to handle the various hardships that arise in this business."
Those hardships are finally paying off and Rebecca couldn’t be more excited about her new record. "Musically, the songs I write are so different. I don’t think you can peg my music to any other artist. I’d say it’s kind of rock ‘n’ roll meets bluegrass meets r&b meets country. Growing up I listened to Reba, Patty Loveless, Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey—all the big power singers," Rebecca says. "I think you can hear a lot of their influence in my music."
Together, Rebecca and producer Mark Wright forged a unique sound, which combines the heart of country music with the soul of contemporary pop. Rebecca wrote much of the album with some of her favorite co-writers.
Rebecca wrote the single "Out Here In The Water" with Robin and Trey Bruce. "When we met for a songwriting session, none of us had any ideas. So we started playing this funky, greasy melody, and all of a sudden Trey says, ‘You hold the pole and I’ll try to net him.’ I totally freaked out and the song snowballed from there. It was one of those times when we didn’t let the right side of the brain overtake the left side."
"I Don’t Paint Myself Into Corners" is another stand-out track that seems to be getting a lot of attention. Rebecca received a standing ovation after singing this powerful ballad at Fan Fair ’99, even though the crowd was not yet familiar with the new artist. Rebecca remembers, "I was so surprised when everyone stood up in their seats! They were screaming and whistling and clapping... I didn’t expect such a large reaction from a crowd that didn’t even know who I was. I couldn’t stop smiling!"
"I wrote ’Believe It Or Not’ with Marty Dotson and Ron Hardin. It’s a huge power ballad," Rebecca says about one of her favorite cuts. "You can definitely hear the influences of Michael Bolton and Celine Dion. The verses are tender and the choruses just blast your head off. The strings and piano arrangements are really cool."
Rebecca wrote "Was It As Hard To Be Together" with Carl Jackson. "It’s a very powerful song and it’s really, really country," she explains. "Everyone who hears this song will know they just listened to a country song. And, anyone who has ever been in a relationship will relate to it. I really love it."
It takes persistence and determination for anyone to make it in the world of music, but Rebecca Lynn Howard isn’t worried. "The most important thing is that I keep my priorities in order and remain true to myself," she says. "The rest will take care of itself."
