Isaac Howlett Talks Debut Solo Single, Empathy Test And More


Words by Glenn Sargeant
Photo Credit: Supplied By PR
One half of duo Empathy Test, Isaac Howlett has released his debut solo single ‘House Of Cards’. He kindly spoke to JLTT:
Who is in Empathy Test and what do they play?
Empathy Test is a duo consisting of myself, singer/songwriter Isaac Howlett, and Adam Relf. Adam is our non-performing producer member. We make dark, emotional but uplifting synthpop. When Empathy Test performs live, we have David Leisser on drums and Nadine Green on keyboards.
When and how did you all meet?
Adam and I met as kids and have been friends most of our lives. We met David, who is from Vienna, in Dresden in 2015 when his then band supported Empathy Test. We thought, that’s the kind of drummer we need. He finally joined Empathy Test in 2021! Nadine we met when Empathy Test performed in her home town of Augsburg (Germany) in 2022. She accidentally shared an Instagram story publicly, saying she was coming to the show and we reposted it. I saw she was a keyboard player and asked her to meet up with us after the show. Two weeks later she was on stage with us in front of two thousand people.
Do you have any plans to tour the UK/Europe in 2024?
Yes, we are in Scandinavia this weekend and Germany throughout March. We have eight dates in the UK in April. Check out empathytest.com for details!
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, microphones etc?
Nadine plays a Dave Smith Prophet Rev2 synthesiser on stage, a beautiful sounding instrument. We both own one of those! I love my Telefunken M80 vocal microphone. I have two! It’s great for keeping up with the dynamics of my vocals. I’m much stronger in the higher ranges than the low, but this mic picks up everything.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
I’m originally from Ashford in Kent. Lifeless, dull, ringroad-strangled concrete 😂
You have also released your debut solo single ‘House of Cards’. What is the story/inspiration behind the song?
It’s about escaping from a toxic relationship. The lyrics are sad, but the music is energetic and uplifting. It’s full of the elation one feels when breaking free of anything that has stifled you for many years. The house of cards represents a relationship built on false pretences or an illusion of mutual benefit. It seemed strong, but it can be blown away with the slightest breath.
Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
Happiest, probably Empathy Test’s “A River Loves a Stone” or “Love Moves”, both appreciating the solace one finds in a loving relationship. I don’t really write angry songs. Empathy Test’s “Doubts” comes close, and “House of Cards” obviously harbours some deep resentment. I’ve got a song called “Something Changed” in the works which has a little anger in it. But anger is not something I like to dwell on long. It’s too exhausting. Most reflective? All my songs are pretty self-reflective. Empathy Test’s “By My Side” is deep though.
How do you look after your voice?
Breathing technique is the main way to keep your voice in good shape. Open your diaphragm, relax, and make sure you’re filling your lungs with enough air through your nose when you sing. I warm up before a performance by doing breathing exercises and scales. It really works. Stay hydrated. No screaming or shouting. Ginger, honey and lemon if you’re under the weather.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
To have forged an emotional connection with the audience, and to have had fun. It’s a beautiful thing when you and your audience are feeding off each other’s energy. There’s no limits to the heights you can get to when you’re in a big group of people feeling the same things. We’re all there to have a good time but often people need a little help to get there.
What makes Isaac Howlett happy and what makes you unhappy?
Injustice makes me unhappy. People acting without empathy. Making music and performing it makes me happy.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By PR
Isaac Howlett’s debut solo single ‘House Of Cards’ is out now via Terrifying Tiger.
Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/isaachowlett/house-of-cards
In addition, Empathy Test will embark on an eight-date 10th Anniversary headline UK Tour at the following venues:
04.04.24 MANCHESTER (UK) Rebellion
05.04.24 GLASGOW (UK) Classic Grand
06.04.24 BRISTOL (UK) Dareshack
07.04.24 NUNEATON (UK) Queens Hall
10.04.24 NOTTINGHAM (UK) The Chapel
11.04.24 NEWCASTLE (UK) Cluny 2
12.04.24 SHEFFIELD (UK) Corporation
13.04.24 LONDON (UK) Garage
For tickets and more information visit their official website here: https://www.empathytest.com/