Sleep Habits is the one-person (yet frequently collaborative) creative project of New Orleans-based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Alan Howard. Combining nostalgic chord progressions with laid-back vocals, Alan made his debut with his 2019 self-titled album before writing and recording his most recent effort, Ouchie! in the summer of 2021. While carefree, jazzy grooves are heard throughout his previous record, Ouchie! sees Alan honing in on his songwriting craft while incorporating a more intimate sound that draws from alt-country and acoustic indie rock. Writing the songs on Ouchie! was a two-year process, one that was organic, unhurried, and initially unplanned. “I experienced a lot of growth while making it,” Alan notes of his time creating the record. “I was processing a lot, you know, getting comfortable with my emotions and realizing things that I didn’t even know I wanted in life.” His lyrics hint at the introspective conversations he’s had with himself about coming to terms with the passage of time. Touching on the search for acceptance, embracing new feeling states, and remaining connected to the place he grew up in as he gets older, it’s clear that personal growth is at the heart of Ouchie!. -Margeaux Labat