Howie Askay - Music and Film Producer, Director, Composer, Song Writer and Recording Artist. Howie has been a staple in the music and movie scene for over 40 plus years. Based out of Portland Oregon, he has been a compass for others to follow in the entertainment industry. He’s written and recorded over ten albums and several films for either himself or his band Plain Jayne. Not to mention, Directing, Producing, Engineering, or Writing for hundreds of other music and film projects. He is constantly pushing the boundaries of his abilities. As much as he loves the process of directing, writing and performing, his passion envelops producing projects for other artists. His vast production work consists of developing projects for esteemed record labels, movie companies, tv episodes, radio programs, commercials , film and video game soundtracks, documentaries and an uncountable number of live events since the early 1990's. The entertainment industry has taken Howie on a global adventure. He loves to drop in on a project unannounced and sometimes incognito. He enjoys putting an eye or an ear on someone’s project to lend a professional perspective that may help enhance, encourage, or just quicken the pace of the project to meet the assignments deadline. His motto - "An artist can unknowingly wear many blindfolds, it's up to me to push and encourage the artists artistic vision, to offer another direction for them to travel along."
Howie is the type of person who preserves a very low profile. He chooses to keep his name off of many projects so he can stay anonymous. He believes there is power in ones anonymity. He states, "Without seeking recognition, one can be translucent and have complete truth when offering an opinion on someones project." Furthermore, "There are no hidden agendas and nothing owed or underlined. It’s all about TRUST."
His musical talents are comprised of being a self taught guitar player, singer, piano player and drummer. He is versed on the technology of today and he uses various programming, sequencing and editing software to sharpen his expertise. His knowledge of the analog world from days gone by is second to none. Having been practically raised in and around analog based studios from all over the Northwest, his production proficiency, engineering and mastering abilities are focused on adhering to strict timelines that targets the best results for his clients.
Howie has also been in the alt-rock band Plain Jayne since 1997. With them, he has released albums, DVD's, toured the world and given his audiences a show that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Howie’s most personal films that are based on moments from his life are the documentaries DREEFEE and THREE POTATOES AND A MEATBALL. The film Dreefee was produced, directed and written by he and his lifelong friend Lee Laine. “Dreefee was a project that I have been searching for my entire life. It came at a moment when I needed an outlet to reconnect back into the natural world. I am so proud to have a film that offers an avenue to escape, to take a breath, and to enjoy the beauty that nature provides us.”
His is most recognized albums to date include LAST OF A THOUSAND THEORIES, BEAVERCREEK, WILL HELM SCREAM and THE THREE FACED MAN. Howie's newest album "SHADOW PUPPETS AND MY LITTLE BABOON," is available now. Consisting of 30 very diverse acoustic tracks. He has found a way to come full circle with this new album stepping back into the analog world.
Howie challenges his audience to find their own truth in his music, while taking them on a journey through his mind. "I love to write about experiences that I've gone through in my life. Being completely see-through, honest and exposed with my lyrics is how I feel a song should be written. Nothing is sacred and no one is off limits. That's how I express myself and how we can learn from one another."
We hope you will take the time to consider Howie for your next project. Take a few moments to watch a film he has produced. Or just put your ears on Howie's music,,, We believe there is something in those songs that can color your day with a different shade of light.
