He may look like he’s still driving on a learner’s permit, but don’t be fooled–Maine native Howie Day is a virtual veteran of the music business.
Starting out at the ripe age of 15, Day, now 23, has delighted more than 1,000 live crowds and created a massive fan base for himself like other touring contemporaries the Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer. His latest release, “Stop All the World Now,” marks his major-label debut and serves as a metaphorical diploma since he decided to skip college altogether and focus on making music. Day brings his passion-filled theatrics to the Congress Theater, along with pals Stereophonics on Thursday.
Was it hard to leave home at 18 and start touring?
I was dying to [leave home]. You want that freedom when you’re 18, and most people go away to school, and it was like that for me. Instead of going to school, I went away and toured. It was my first taste of independence. Everyone works for four years [in college] to get a degree, and I worked for four years and got a fan base and a record deal and a big record out.
What sets you apart from other live musicians?
Everybody’s different. I’m influenced by singers like Bono or Jeff Buckley–anyone willing to lay it on the line emotionally. That’s part of what sets me apart now. I try to get into the state every night that’s kind of transcendental–really 100 percent emotionally involved in every song. I think a lot of musicians just go through the motions on stage and audiences can sense that.
Your spiky hair is kind of a trademark–how much product do you have to use to get it up that high?
I’ve been frustrated for years with this hair. I have really bad hair–with a lot of cowlicks and stuff. If I try to have a normal male haircut, it’d look kind of dumb. I figure now if you can’t beat it, join it. I’ve settled on this bed head, sort of wax stick look.
Who would win in a fight–you or John Mayer, someone you’re compared to a lot?
(laughs) I don’t know. He’s taller, but I think I’m a little meatier. It would be close. I think he’s got a lot of talk. No really, we did some touring back a few years ago. He’s really one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. He’s an off-the-wall, hyper, funny guy.
What’s on your iPod?
I discovered this band a friend turned me on to, Phaser. They have some good songs. There’s music I listen to at home and others on the road. There are certain songs that go well with looking out a bus window, watching the terrain go by. Like this Phaser record, the new Air [“Talkie Walkie”] is pretty cool, and I’m still listening to a little Wilco. A lot of times I just put it on random because there’s so much in there. It’s one of the best features of the iPod.
Show stop
Howie Day will play Thursday at the Congress Theater.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and Victoria Rodriguez (vrodriguez@tribune.com)
