Introducing Eden J Howells, the London-based alt-folk/rock sensation, whose magnetic artistry shines through in their latest single, “aphrodite,” now streaming across all platforms. This track heralds the arrival of their much-anticipated EP, set to drop on September 5th.
“aphrodite” serves as a poignant queer love anthem designed for those who dare to dive deep into their emotions. With its blend of evocative folk lyricism and gentle indie-rock melodies, Eden’s raw, gritty vocals enhance the poignant storytelling at the heart of the song. Following the success of previous singles “everything you touch” and “I am whatever you want me to be,” this new release further cements Eden’s reputation as a masterful narrator of human experience.
www.instagram.com/edenjhowells / linktr.ee/edenjhowells
Photography by Isla Mathieson @islamathieson
Styling by Rokit London www.rokit.co.uk / www.instagram.com/rokitvintage
Influenced by luminaries such as Fleetwood Mac, Marika Hackman, and Flyte, Eden’s dedication to honesty and authenticity permeates every note. Reflecting on the inspiration behind “aphrodite,” Eden shares, “I wrote it while living in my van during the summer of 2023, parked in a serene nature reserve in the Surrey Hills. It explores the extraordinary feeling of loving someone so profoundly that they seem divine, while grappling with the fear of loss that comes with it. I want listeners to feel as if they are transported to the stillness of the woods, experiencing love in a transformative light.”
Since launching their debut EP “the fool” in October 2023 and gaining over 45,000 streams for their single “nice enough,” Eden has cultivated a vibrant online presence, with over 17,000 followers on TikTok. This engagement reflects their authenticity and the deep connection they foster with their ever-growing fan base, propelling Eden toward the forefront of the music scene.
Could you tell us about your journey as a musician leading up to the release of your debut EP ‘the fool’? What sparked your interest in music?
I’m self-taught, and I didn’t come from a musical family, so music was kind of something I found for myself. When I was 12, I begged my dad to buy me a guitar. He did, probably assuming it’d be a passing phase, but I never put it down after that.
Music, for me, has always been about expression. It’s a way of communicating the things that feel impossible to just say out loud—things that feel too big, too awkward, too vulnerable. And I think that’s why I kept coming back to it, even when I had doubts, it was something I could pursue seriously. It was just the only thing that ever really made sense to me.
Your latest single ‘everything you touch’ showcases strong queer narratives. Can you elaborate on how your experiences as a queer artist influence your songwriting?
Being queer influences my life in every single way, so for sure, it influences my writing too. I feel like people sometimes see being queer as inherently political, which it is in many ways, but I’m also just a human being. What I love about “everything you touch” is that it’s not making some grand statement—it’s not political or complicated. It’s just about love. Queer love, sure, but really any and every kind of love.
Growing up, I didn’t see any artists in my genre who reflected my experience. I want to be that for someone else. I want to be the non-binary/ trans/ queer artist that a younger version of me would have felt seen by. If my music can make one person feel more at home in themselves, then I’ve done something right.
You mentioned Paolo Nutini as a significant influence on your music. How do his songs inspire your songwriting and sound?
Yeah, I love Paolo Nutini; I grew up listening to him a lot. One thing I admire about his writing is how effortless it feels—he doesn’t overcomplicate things, but somehow his words still hit so deep. There’s a rawness to his delivery that I love. I think that’s something I try to carry into my music: the idea that a song doesn’t have to be complex or flashy to feel powerful. Sometimes, the simplest lines are the ones that stick with you the most.
‘Everything you touch’ is regarded as a special track for you. How do you typically approach writing about love or happiness compared to more challenging topics?
It’s funny because for a long time, I found it so much easier to write about pain than about pretty much anything else. I think a lot of us do—it’s just easier to sit with the bad stuff. But at some point, I realised I didn’t want to be someone who only focused on the negative.
There’s so much beauty in the world, even alongside all the horrific and painful things, and love is at the centre of that. “everything you touch” was my attempt at capturing that feeling—of how love is everything, and it does change everything
Your visualizer for ‘everything you touch’ focuses on the various love relationships in your life. Can you share more about the significance of those connections and how they inspire your music?
My friends are everything, for sure. Music has introduced me to people I’d never have met otherwise, people who’ve become my family. The visualiser was my way of honouring that—all the different kinds of love in my life, both romantic and platonic. Because I think they matter equally. They shape who we are.
Watching the visualiser back gives me such a warm, fuzzy feeling haha. I love it. It’s a reminder of what matters.
With your growing online presence, particularly on TikTok, how do you think social media has impacted your relationship with your fans?
It’s enabled me to deepen my relationships with fans. I mean, I probably wouldn’t have any “fans” if it weren’t for social media! It’s a weird and often toxic place, but there are beautiful sides to it too. I’ve built such a gorgeous community of people—some just like me, some different—but we’re all connected through one common love for music. And that’s lush.
You’ve headlined shows at iconic venues in London. What have been some of the most memorable moments from your live performances?
The release party for the fool was a big moment for me. It was the first time I thought, “Oh, people are HERE for me. For my music.” It was my first sold-out headline show, and people were singing the words of my songs back to me. It was mental.
But honestly, every show is memorable in its way. I love meeting people there, hearing their stories, and how we connect. It’s still bonkers for me that people even turn up, so yeah.
Your sophomore EP is on the way and supported by Youth Music’s NextGen Fund. What can fans expect from this upcoming project?
This project feels like a step up from my debut EP. I think I was still figuring things out with the fool—and of course, I still am—but this EP feels more solid. We’re playing more with genre and sound, and I’m excited about it. It’s a journey for sure, this EP.
You’ve engaged with organisations like Help Musicians for support in your music career. How have these experiences shaped you both as an artist and as a person?
Yeah, I’ve been really lucky to have support from some incredible organisations like Help Musicians and Youth Music. They offer so much to up-and-coming artists to help them find their place in the industry.
The music industry can often feel like a very toxic and cold place, so it makes a huge difference to have access to opportunities to grow and connect through these organisations. I think especially as a queer artist and someone who comes from a working class background, you often feel like you’re one step behind everyone else. These guys are doing the work to try and level the playing field, and I have massive respect and gratitude for that.
In founding Queer Creatives London, you aim to build community and amplify queer voices. What do you hope to achieve through this collective?
Honestly, just a stronger sense of community. I felt like that was something that was lacking in London, just like a non-competitive, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ creative folks. I also wanted to make sure resources and opportunities were being shared with everyone, rather than gate-kept like they so often are.
It’s just about creating a space where queer artists can exist together, without financial barriers. That’s kind of the goal.
Can you describe a moment or interaction with a fan that has been particularly meaningful to you?
Ah, there are so many that it feels cruel to choose just one. Every conversation I have is really special. It’s crazy, though, when people travel from far to come see me play. I have fans drag their parents into the city to come see me, coming decked out in my merch, which is incredible haha.
But yeah, really it’s just nice to connect with people, and know that we share a lot of common feelings and struggles, and that’s what’s brought us together, you know.
What advice would you give to aspiring queer artists trying to establish their voice in the music industry?
It’s cliché af, but be yourself. And remember why you started. I think that’s the most important thing. It’s so easy to get caught up in streams, branding, industry nonsense that it’s easy to forget sometimes where you started, and for what.
Like, I didn’t start making music for playlist spots or brand deals or for someone to call me “a promising up and comer”. I started because writing helped me make sense of myself. I think if you want a “successful” career in music, you have to hold onto that, because really, that’s all you’ll ever have.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations beyond your upcoming EP? Are there other creative endeavours you’d like to pursue?
I’m writing new music, of course, but I’d also love to share more of my poetry and prose writing shortly. I’ve been saying this for years, but it’s something that’s always been there for me, so maybe that day will come soon, when I finally share some of that.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how cool it would be to collaborate with Tom Odell. He was a huge inspiration to me when I was a teenager, and I just think he seems like a cool guy.
So, Tom, on the off chance you’re reading this—hit me up. Let’s make it happen.
