What does a bedroom mean to an inspired artist? Bedrooms have been the origin of an ever-growing canon of brilliant musical works created by artists who find sound in the quiet of their own space. From the nonpareil art-rock born in David Byrne’s college dorm room to Alex G’s high school bedroom ingenuity, musicians throughout history continue to prove the irreplaceable inspiration that can be found in the humble bedroom.
For New Orleans-based dream pop project Sleep Habits, the alias of musician Alan Howard, his bedroom became his writing and recording sanctuary that bore his newest EP, Lay Down, released on February 29. Lay Down, a fuzzy five-track record, has sleepy sonic nods to R&B and jazz while remaining true to its bedroom pop roots. Sleep Habits demonstrates the inventive musical mind that comes from using the resources one has at their disposal to create original, expressive music, embracing the core of DIY.
The EP showcases Howard’s distinctive hazy pop sound, characterized by synth-heavy songs with chorus-laid guitar, while also developing a dreamy soundscape built from twinkling synth arpeggios and chunky bass lines. The echoing, contemplative tone of Howard’s vocals solidifies the warm, musing ambiance of the tracks, which feature previously released singles “You Can Come Too” and “Simple Things” along with three new songs. The songs whisper sentiments of healing and moving forward in the blur and bliss of youth.
Sleep Habits Performing at Gasa Gasa by Dari Zeltzer
Howard’s unmistakable musical style, the soft combinations of slacker indie rock and gentle dream pop, exemplifies the clear, focused vision he has for Sleep Habits. Howard still writes and records the entirety of his music in his bedroom, as he has done for all his previous releases. The ability to so closely define the Sleep Habits sound despite limited musical access illustrates the imaginative and resourcefulness of DIY artists. When asked about the process of creating his homegrown music, Howard opened up, saying “I can’t really express how I create my sound. Of course, my influences play a large part, but also my limitations, the tools I have at my disposal play a large part. I think a lot of this EP’s sound comes from looking for new sounds from different ways of doing things.”
In a city like New Orleans, celebrated for its musical heritage but often criticized for its lack of growth opportunities for musicians, it is necessary that artists rely on their own devices, as well as community support, to take their music to new places. It also promises an abundance of originality and resilience in a city where artists do not have boundless resources to hone their sound.
Sleep Habits seems to be comfortable in his dreamy sound daze. There is a sweet approachability to Lay Down that invites listeners to be a part of Howard’s melodic meditations, as if he is allowing listeners into his bedroom to experience his creative process. Like the city he dwells in, Sleep Habits’ music flourishes in the influential do-it-yourself attitude: “The DIY scene in New Orleans has been a huge inspiration…I feel accepted and heard and inspired by the wide variety of sounds I am surrounded by. It’s very important to me to make connections with those who are in my community trying to do the same as I am.”
Lay Down is out now on all streaming platforms. Sleep Habits has performed around the city, making frequent appearances at Gasa Gasa and Banks St. Bar.
This is the second installment in a series highlighting the DIY music scene in New Orleans.
