Timothy Howls Shatters Expectations with Hauntingly Beautiful New Single “Smithereens”

Plain White T’s alum continues carving out his own raw and resonant solo path.

Photo by Garrett Porter

Timothy Howls isn’t just stepping into the spotlight, he’s dismantling it and rebuilding it in his own image. The seasoned singer-songwriter, best known for his work with the two-time GRAMMY-nominated band Plain White T’s, unveils a powerful new chapter in his solo journey with the release of “Smithereens” out today on all streaming platforms alongside its emotionally charged music video.

Penned entirely by Howls himself, “Smithereens” is an atmospheric blend of Americana, soft pop, and confessional country storytelling. With a voice that aches and soothes in equal measure, Howls threads vulnerability through every note. The production leans into minimalism, allowing his voice and lyrics to carry the emotional weight with unflinching honesty.

“With grief as the inspirational spark and anger as the fuel I wrote ‘Smithereens’ as a way to cope with the loss of someone close,” shares Howls. “It’s an imploring call out to God for understanding during a moment of confusion and heartache.”

This is not the polished pop of his earlier career, this is something else. Something lived-in. Something raw. Lyrically poetic and sonically restrained, the track signals an artist in full command of his creative evolution. “Smithereens” doesn’t beg for attention. Instead, it settles into the listener like a late-night confession, fragile, human, and hauntingly real.Timothy Howls may have once helped define a moment in alternative pop-rock, but with “Smithereens,” he’s quietly defining something far more timeless: a sound that’s entirely his own.