Mark Howard is a Phillip Island-based singer-songwriter whose music moves between folk, rock and country. Forged through blinding desire, deep loss, and embracing the shadow self, his songs carry grit and vulnerability in equal measure. With a road-worn voice and cinematic songwriting style, his work carries the weight of 45 countries’ worth of stages and a life spent chasing songs across borders.

Since releasing his debut single Pick Me Up in 2022 and debut album Passing Strangers, Howard has built a strong independent path through relentless touring and live performance. Over the past few years, he has completed four national tours, alongside tours of Japan, New Zealand and the UK, winning audiences one room at a time.

His second album Deep Dark Blue marked another major step forward, earning six nominations at the AIR Awards 2026, alongside multiple AMRAP #1s and national airplay across ABC Radio. His music video for The Light Behind Us was also featured in the Bass Coast Film Festival in 2025.

Howard has shared stages with Tim Rogers, Billy Thorpe, Ross Wilson, Tash Sultana, The Black Sorrows, Alex Lloyd, Thirsty Merc and Pete Murray, with festival appearances around the country including Ocean Sounds Festival, The Highland Writers Festival, Mornington Music Festival, Tidal Festival, Playing the Field Festival, Nelligen Folk Festival and The Basin Music Festival.

His songwriting has also found a home in theatre, receiving accolades at both the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Adelaide Fringe for Brechtian theatrical productions. His latest release, Mark Howard and The Saltwater Preachers (Live at Sunderland Studio), captures the energy and intimacy of his live show, bridging the gap between studio recordings and the stage with a raw, magnetic performance style.

“Few artists come close to the sheer level of charisma and magnetism this artist exudes... Everything he does is absolutely effortless, and his discography is full of evident hits.” – Dreamy Paradise (USA)

“Whether on record or on stage, Mark Howard continues to operate with a clear understanding of who he is as an artist.” - Plastic Mag (UK)