The song appears on the star’s forthcoming new album
Brittany Howard, the five-time Grammy Award-winning powerhouse, shares “Red Flags,” the second single from her forthcoming album, What Now – the hotly anticipated second solo album (and first under Island Records) to be released on February 2nd. On “Red Flags,” Howard offers up a gloriously brooding reflection on love’s darker dimensions, echoing the stormy intensity of her emotional state by continually pulling the track into unique new directions. Listen here.
“In my past relationships, I’ve had a tendency to see red flags as part of some parade just for me—something for me to run right through without paying any attention,” Howard says. “To me ‘Red Flags’ sounds very dystopian, which makes sense for a song that feels like end-of-times as far as me emotionally maturing. It’s like a big tower fell and now I have to create something new.”
“Red Flags” was written and produced by Brittany with co-production from Shawn Everett (Kacey Musgraves, Sza), with whom she has a longstanding creative relationship since Alabama Shakes. Recording took place at the legendary Sound Emporium and historic RCA Studio A in Nashville, Brittany’s hometown.
What Now is the long-awaited follow-up to Jaime, Brittany’s massively acclaimed solo debut of 2019 (featuring “Stay High” and “History Repeats”). The album earned her seven Grammy nominations in four different genres, winning the award for Best Rock Song with “Stay High.” Over the course of its 12 tracks, What Now sees Howard bringing her singular musicality to a shapeshifting sound encompassing everything from psychedelia and dance music to dream-pop and avant-jazz. At turns galvanizing, cathartic, and wildly soul-expanding, the result is a monumental step forward for one of the most essential artists of our time.
Last month, Howard announced headlining tour dates in 2024 across the US and Canada. Kicking off with an already sold-out show in Chicago on February 6th and a follow-up on the 7th, the tour continues with stops in New York City, Boston, Toronto, and Washington DC with support from Becca Mancari. The February tour follows this month’s run of dates, including a stop at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and wraps today (Fri, Nov 17th) at Corona Capital Festival in Mexico City. Earlier this month, Brittany performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where she joined Elton John, Sheryl Crow and Chris Stapleton on “The Weight,” honoring the life of Robbie Robertson.
