Album Notes

*IMPORTANT UPDATE* MARTHA BERNER's (aka Friend Of Howard) new CD, "...this side of yesterday", available NOW!

Please go to http://www.machine-inc.com for orders that will ship to you immediately or visit Martha's new website at http://www.marthaberner.com/ for more news and fun.

Martha's new release '...this side of yesterday' is available here at the CD Baby website: http://cdbaby.com/cd/marthaberner


BIO

Martha Berner (as Friend of Howard) - vocals, guitar, trumpet, harmonica, percussion

Friend of Howard stands out amongst the throngs of new, budding musicians. Armed with a genuine voice and songs of depth and devotion, FOH blends acoustic folk with the energetic passion of rock 'n' roll.

The talent behind FOH is singer/songwriter Martha Berner. In her self-released debut E.P., Martha's easy, friendly manner instantly charms listeners. Her poetic lyrics create a beautiful pulse and movement, while her comforting vocals and heartfelt guitar make for a collection that's every bit as seductive as it is engaging.

Her inspiration comes from a lifetime surrounded by music. Raised in a household that worshiped equal parts religion and music, Martha was instilled with the notion that music can move, inspire and, above all, should be shared with those around you. It wasn't long before young Martha was sifting through her dad's old 45 collection of the Doors, Cream, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles and many other rock pioneers. Raised in the '80s, bands such as the Violent Femmes, Edie Brickell, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Sundays and other more industrial bands from the early '90s also left their impression. She finally hit her stride with artists like Natalie Merchant, Tory Amos and the Cowboy Junkies - which she draws many likenesses to, in their honor.

While Martha writes and performs her own material, when recording she collaborates with talented artists such as David Sarkis, Michael Wild and Grammy nominated producer Jake Johnson.

A nomad by choice, Martha has lived worldwide - from the Virgin Islands and Israel to Alaska, San Francisco and Chicago. This Midwestern-born talent also recently returned from a sojourn in northern Thailand, where she spent six months teaching English and studying yoga.

It's not surprising that many people recognize something special in her music. Her songs satisfy those who desire something different, yet slightly familiar. Friend of Howard's self-titled E.P. is a peek into a heart worth hearing.

Martha Berner as Friend of Howard has recently signed with Machine Records and will start recording her first full-length debut in December 2004.