(PR) Lead guitarist, singer and songwriter Billy Howerdel founder and producer of multi-platinum group A Perfect Circle, has stepped out as lead vocalist and guitarist for new band, ASHES dIVIDE signed to Island Records. It was announced today by Island Def Jam Music Group.Howerdels long-awaited first solo album, which has been the subject of countless blogs and chatter for more than a year at his website (http://www.myspace.com/ashesdivide), will be released March 2008. The album title will be revealed in the months ahead.
Howerdel produced and engineered the new album sessions in Los Angeles. He played all guitar, bass, and keyboard parts, and was joined by APC drummer Josh Freese. Mixing took place underway in London by innovative Brit producer Alan Moulder. Moulder is known for his work with Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, My Bloody Valentine, as well as fellow Island band The Killers two albums.
New Jersey-born Billy Howerdel is a self taught musician who started out doing theatrical stage lighting. Took to the road as a guitar technician for many bands, among them David Bowie, Guns N' Roses, Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins and Tool. Although Howerdel and Keenan became friends years earlier while crossing paths on tour, it was not until the recording sessions for Tools 1996 album Ζnima that the two planted the seeds which would later become A Perfect Circle circa 1999.
