The Dave Howard Singers
| Company type | Musical project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Founder | Dave Howard |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Alternative rock music |
The Dave Howard Singers is a renowned Canadian alternative rock ensemble and creative project that originated in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. At its core is singer-songwriter Dave Howard, the only permanent member, whose signature sound is defined by his use of the Ace Tone organ. Throughout the late 1980s, the group was primarily active in the United Kingdom, recruiting several local musicians and achieving cult recognition through multiple appearances on national television.
Howard’s artistry merges quirky humor with heartfelt expression, fusing accessible popular music styles—such as lounge-pop melodies and crooner-style vocals—with avant-garde industrial and electronic influences characterized by rapid electronic beats, noise elements, and intense vocalizations. His dynamic live performances and emotionally charged delivery have earned him descriptors including a "surreal revolutionary," a "vaudeville entertainer for the post-apocalyptic age," and "utterly irresponsible and depraved." His compositions create an imaginative realm that is simultaneously comforting and harsh. Howard has openly discussed his fascination with delving into extreme emotional states—ranging from madness to delight, derangement to delusion—within his work.
Early years (1979–1984)
Dave Howard, a former student of the Royal Conservatory of Ontario, embarked on his musical journey in Toronto in 1979 as part of the post-punk outfit The Diner's Club. Drawing inspiration from New York-based groups like Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, DNA, and Suicide, alongside diverse influences such as Burt Bacharach and Debussy, Howard initiated a solo venture in 1981 under the name The Dave Howard Singers, despite being its sole performer. His approach combined fast-paced electronic rhythms with lounge-style pop and smooth crooner vocals, engaging audiences through both wit and interactive elements. Operating out of Toronto, he supported internationally acclaimed acts including James Chance and the Contortions, The Psychedelic Furs, and Jah Wobble. The project’s first release was the cassette album Alone And Gone (1983), succeeded by the EP A Loan And A Yawn.
The London years (late 1984–1986)
In October 1984, British keyboardist and producer Dave Formula—known for his work with Magazine and Visage—was engaged by manager Peter Noble to oversee Howard’s recordings. Formula recommended that Howard relocate to the UK to further develop his career. Upon moving to London, Howard assembled a live trio featuring former Howard Devoto collaborators Pat Aherne (drums) and Martin Heath (bass), resulting in the Whoishe? EP released on his own Hallelujah! Records through Rough Trade. Unfulfilled by this musical direction, Howard parted company with Formula, Aherne, and Heath following a 1985 WOMAD performance where he was ironically billed as Canada’s musical ambassador.
Soon after WOMAD, Howard joined forces with Canadian drummer Nick Smash. This formation performed on The Tube, toured alongside Shock Headed Peters, and supported Sonic Youth during their Amsterdam show. They issued the live EP Goodnight Karl Malden in 1986, promoted by a prominent free concert at London’s Canadian Embassy that incorporated slide projections and video art. This event attracted considerable media attention and solidified their cult status.
In October 1986, The Dave Howard Singers unveiled a stripped-down rendition of David Essex’s "Rock On", produced by JJ Burnel of The Stranglers. The single received acclaim for its powerful electronic beats and raw intensity, later described as "mutated… beyond all recognition." Despite initial creative tensions between Howard and Burnel during recording sessions, their collaboration ended on good terms. Prior to shooting the Rock On music video, Nick Smash departed from the band due to disagreements with manager Peter Noble but subsequently reconciled personally with Howard.
The London period (1987–1992)
Continuing under the moniker "Dave Howard Singers," Howard maintained a solo presence alongside Max. In 1987, he introduced the single "Yon Yonson," characterized by a "quasi-hip-hop" style, followed by a disco-infused remix titled "Yon Yonson Meets Dr R-R-Ruth," which combined the original track with eccentric sex therapy outtakes.
By May 1988, Howard expanded the lineup by adding vocalists Wendy and Sarah for live performances. That November, The Dave Howard Singers served as the opening act for Spacemen 3. Among Howard’s stage antics was positioning his Ace Tone organ on a wheelchair rather than a traditional stand, echoing his earlier Canadian shows. Bernadette Keeffe joined as a vocalist for approximately one year; early in 1989, they issued the 12" single "What Do You Say To An Angel?," inspired by an unprovoked assault on Howard and featuring Steve Bolton (formerly of Atomic Rooster) on guitar.
The band's composition shifted with guitarist Simon Walker and drummer T. Daniel Howard joining, creating a four-piece that included bassist Christian "Bic" Hayes (ex-Ring), whose unicycling and juggling added a unique element to their performances. Hayes eventually departed to join Cardiacs, then Levitation and Dark Star, and was briefly succeeded by Stump’s bassist Kev Hopper. Simon Walker left in 1989 to become part of The House Of Love.
Transitioning into a trio comprising Dave Howard, T. Daniel Howard, and new bassist Bevin Burke, the group signed with Ghetto Recording Company. They released the single "All My Relatives Look The Same" in 1990 and their debut album It's About Time in 1991, produced by Paul "Thwack" Laventhol (formerly guitarist for King Kurt). Later that year, Burke was replaced by Anand Gary Subassa ("Subs"), and the band toured across Europe, frequently performing at squat parties. Unfortunately, Ghetto Recording Company collapsed during the album's release amidst industry challenges, restricting It's About Time to distribution mainly in Germany and an unusual Canadian release under the name Devoured titled 13.
By early 1992, disillusioned after eight years operating on the fringes of the British music scene and influenced by family matters, Dave Howard disbanded the group, stepped away from music entirely, and relocated back to Canada.
Return to Canada (1992–2006)
Resettled in Toronto, Howard was coaxed out of retirement to collaborate with Paul Laventhol and drummer Keith "Keef" McGuinness in a burlesque ensemble. After Laventhol's departure back to the UK, Howard and McGuinness formed the duo Me And Keith, performing only twice over consecutive years. Subsequently, Howard retired his Ace Tone organ and concentrated on composing music for Canada's Global Television Network. He eventually took on the role of Audio Director at multimedia firm Chromacide, where he produced soundtracks for cartoons, commercials, websites, and animations.
Revival of the Dave Howard Singers (2007–present)
On April 7, 2007, the founding members of Dave Howard Singers (Howard and Max) reunited for a show in Toronto. Energized by live performances once again, Howard reissued his initial four UK EPs (Whoishe?, Goodnight Karl Malden, Rock On, Yon Yonson) compiled as the CD What Your Girlfriend Threw Out, Or Your Friend Never Returned. The band has since performed sporadically, including opening for Lydia Lunch at Toronto’s Wrongbar on November 12, 2012.
Albums
- Alone And Gone (1983, independently issued cassette)
- It’s About Time (1991, Ghetto Recording Company, released exclusively in Germany; also issued in Canada under the title Devoured with the album name 13)
Singles and EPs
- A Loan And A Yawn (1983, independently released cassette EP)
- Whoishe? EP (1985, Hallelujah! Records) (Reached UK Indie chart position No. 39)
- Goodnight Karl Malden EP (1986, Hallelujah! Records)
- "Rock On" (1986, Fun After All Records)
- "It Doesn't Cut Like a Knife" (1987, Hallelujah! Records)
- Yon Yonson (1987, Hallelujah! Records) (Achieved UK Indie chart position No. 4)
- Yon Yonson Meets Dr R-R-Ruth (1987, Hallelujah! Records)
- "Chances" (1988, Pinpoint)
- What Do You Say To An Angel? (1989, Pinpoint Records)
- All My Relatives Look The Same (1990, Ghetto Recording Company)
Compilations
- What Your Girlfriend Threw Out, Or Your Friend Never Returned (2007, DHS; a collection featuring the four EPs: Whoishe?, Goodnight Karl Malden, Rock On, and Yon Yonson)