A former Parlophone-signed artist, and Kobalt-signed songwriter/producer, Howard New has died after being involved in a car accident near his home in Manchester.
Paying tribute to New, fellow singer songwriter Lucie Silvas, who was first introduced to New when they were both signed to EMI labels, wrote on her blog: "I wanted to say a few words about my friend Howard New. He was tragically taken away from us last Thursday and we are all shocked and deeply upset. My heart and love goes out to his wife Jane and daughter Scarlet who have lost their most loved one too early in life. He loved his family more than anything and was always inspired by them with his music".
She remembers: "Howard and I met in 2001 when I signed to EMI records. My A&R Sas Metcalfe had introduced me to Howard and was already sure from knowing us both that we would get on great and write music together. Sas was right and the first song Howard and I wrote in our first meeting in his studio in Camden was 'It's Too Late' which ended being my first single on EMI. We got on like a house on fire and going to his studio in Camden, drinking our cappuccinos and talking about our lives became a regular occurrence".