ARTIST  /  SONGWRITER  /  GUITARIST

Always questioning, always observing. Forever searching for invisible answers.

Photo by Gia Ochoa

​Justin Kelley is Hownd.​

An old soul with a gift for mindful songwriting, he is an artist unafraid to dive deep.

Released on the first day of Spring and his mother’s birthday, Hownd’s “Just to Feel” is a live, acoustic EP. Recorded in Nashville with two microphones, a good friend and years of inspiration strung into five songs, the project is a personal reflection. “These songs and phrases are everything that I need to hear most. They’re a reminder to myself and my audience to indulge your inner monologue and allow yourself to feel.”

Hownd’s 2018 debut album, Only Good Things, is an illustration of where his roots lie. He expresses, “The project allowed insight into who I am as a solo artist. The topics in that album and self-produced style remain the foundation for what I’m doing now.”

Following his first release, Hownd shared three singles: “Iron,” “Pressure” and "How Will I Know." He cemented himself into a new soul genre and exposed a different side of his ever-arching coin. Reflecting an array of themes from deep love to mental health struggles, his music ranges from somber, acoustic swells to raunchy, soulful grooves.
Beginning his musical path as a trumpet player, Hownd describes his early songwriting inspiration stemming from the moment he first picked up a guitar. “The instrument gave me a vessel to express my thoughts. It made me realize I want to share my music with audiences." 

In essence, Hownd’s music carries an ethical character and identity. His distinctive electric guitar sound has developed over years of exploration and is driven by a custom ’58 Strat by local guitar company Karge Guitars.

With lyrics that mirror the most impactful observations of humanity, Hownd’s music is a direct reflection of his experience. “Always questioning, always observing. Forever searching for invisible answers."