Howard Audio

Have you ever caught yourself recognizing a sound instantly, like the WhatsApp ping or the TikTok start-up tune?👂 In my recent chat with Pat Mahlangu on ‘Pat on Brands,’ we talked about these iconic mnemonics. They’re not just catchy by chance; there’s a lot of thoughtful design behind each one. With the CelI C rebrand, we dove deep into creating a sound that truly represents their identity. If you’re curious about how audio branding works or want some insider insights into the process, check out our full conversation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qERjEIZrBKA&t=1s #AudioBranding #Mnemonics #PatOnBrands #CellCRebrand

Missed our big reveal last week? We rolled out a video showing the behind-the-scenes of our work on the new Cell C sound. 🎧 👉 Watch it here and see how we’re pushing the boundaries of sound design: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDIk7xPVFw8 #CellCRebrand #SoundDesign #HowardAudio

This week’s been a standout with the launch of Cell C’s rebrand - it’s fantastic to see everyone’s reactions! I also had a great chat on “Pat On Brands” with Pat Mahlangu about that project, my past role with Red Bull Symphonic, and what’s coming up next. Check out the full episode for a deep dive into the stories behind the music and more personal insights from the field. 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qERjEIZrBKA #PatOnBrands #CellCRebrand #RedBullSymphonic #MusicDirection

How we turned sound into story at Cell C 🎵👇 In one of our latest ventures at Howard Audio, we’ve embarked on a journey to redefine what it means to hear a brand. Working closely with agency Joe Public, we’ve crafted a new sonic identity for Cell C, matching their visual rebrand with a sound that resonates. Our adventure began in the unlikely setting of Cell C’s basement, where we uncovered old AC/DC converters - forgotten yet full of untapped potential. These relics, once at the heart of Cell C’s network, sparked an idea that would transform their brand sound. Could these pieces of history be repurposed to resonate with the future? Through meticulous experimentation, we tapped, tested, and tuned these converters, discovering unique sounds that connected Cell C’s past to its ambitious future. By using the letters in “Cell C” we used a technique called musical cryptography that produced a sequence that was simple yet memorable, directly translating the company’s legacy and name into sound. This melody laid the groundwork for a dynamic brand song that blends traditional harmonies with modern rhythms, encapsulating Cell C’s evolution. The final audio logo and brand song, infused with the essence of unity and forward-thinking, are now core elements of Cell C’s identity, ensuring their message resonates clearly and memorably. We’re excited to share this groundbreaking work that marries technology with creativity, making Cell C not just seen, but heard. Listen to the full song on Spotify now: https://open.spotify.com/artist/056lKOLtcrSN27GZoTfogM 🥳

We are all musical 🙌 A snippet from a great chat with Pat Mahlangu about the intersections of music and branding, and we’re both excited about some projects that are soon to be unveiled. It reminded me of a simple truth I’ve always held onto: if you love music and put in the work, you’re already on the path to greatness. It’s not just about talent; it’s about passion and persistence. Check out the full 1 hr "Pat On Brands" podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qERjEIZrBKA

Throwback to an unforgettable performance of “Feeling Good” by the incredible Tim Moloi in Swingin’ Las Vegas. His silky voice, paired with the dynamic sounds of the Johannesburg Big Band, truly brought the house down! Relive this magical moment and get ready - because we’ve got something similar in the works that you won’t want to miss...✨ #SwinginLasVegas #TimMoloi #FeelingGood #TheTeatro #JohannesburgBigBand #StayTuned

Another moment of pure musical magic at Red Bull Symphonic! The energy, the artistry, the power of the orchestra and Amapiano blending together - it was something unforgettable. This event pushed the boundaries in all the right ways - still gives me chills thinking about it! 🎶 #RedBullSymphonic @redbullza #MusicMagic #Amapiano

Happy New Year from all of us at Howard Audio! 🎊 As we step into 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on an incredible 2024 filled with groundbreaking projects and unforgettable collaborations that have truly defined our commitment to sound and music excellence. Last year was packed with achievements: 🌍 We tackled serious issues with Amnesty International’s #ScanTheScar campaign, raising awareness about teen pregnancy in South Africa. 📚 Our involvement in the Solid Gold Story Time podcast, which won Podcast of the Year, helped promote literacy among children through immersive soundscapes. 🚗 The Toyota Hilux ad showcased our expertise in blending music and sound design, earning a Creative Circle SA #bestofthemonth award. 🎵 The Afrikaraoke project allowed us to preserve African heritage by recording culturally significant songs. 🍰 Our work on the KFC ‘40th Cake’ ad led to a Craft Award for our head of sound, Paul Theodorou. 🏆 At the SAFTAs, our innovative approach was recognized, underscoring our leadership in sound design for film and television. 🎺 Swingin’ Las Vegas brought the house down at The Teatro, proving once again the allure of live big band performances. 🏅 Our creative excellence shone brightly at the Loeries, where we picked up multiple awards across various categories. 🎄 A Swingin’ Christmas with the @johannesburg_big_band was a festive highlight, demonstrating the growing capabilities of Howard Events in creating unforgettable live experiences. …and so many more incredible moments we couldn’t fit into just one post! We’re grateful for your support and thrilled about the new adventures 2025 holds. Here’s to more innovative sound and music projects! Stay tuned! 🎶 #HowardAudio #NewYear2025 #SoundDesign #MusicProduction #CreativeExcellence #SAFTAs #SwinginLasVegas #Loeries #SwinginChristmas

That’s a wrap on A Swingin’ Christmas!🎄 What an incredible journey it’s been at the Big Top Arena. Thanks to every single one of you who joined us, making this season truly magical! Shoutout to the 18-piece Johannesburg Big Band and our fantastic artists: Kurt Darren, Monique Steyn, Harry Sideropoulos, Zwai Bala, and the Mzansi Youth Choir, with great direction by Weslee Lauder. Your talent and energy lit up the stage and brought the Christmas spirit to life! A huge thank you Jason Fritz, Andre, Mashaka, Oliver Hauser and to ALL our crew at Multi-Media and everyone behind the scenes. Your dedication made all the difference - here’s to the unseen efforts that made everything run smoothly. And to our associate producer Collett Dawson from The Colab Network for walking this journey with us. Thanks as well to HOT 102.7 FM for powering the project and being so passionate in their involvement, as well as all media who gave us so much support - you are all so appreciated! As we close this festive chapter, we’re already buzzing with excitement for the next season. Keep the tunes playing and the holiday cheer going... until we meet again!Merry Christmas from Adam & Belinda! #SwinginChristmas #HolidayCheers #JohannesburgBigBand #ThankYou #FestiveSeason

Don’t forget to stream the album Swingle Bells with Jonathan Roxmouth and the 17-piece Johannesburg Big Band, conducted and produced by yours truly, Adam Howard. From beloved Christmas songs like “O, Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song” to lively renditions of “Frosty the Snowman” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” this show was truly a holiday spectacle of sounds and surprises. Swingle Bells is available on all streaming platforms and is the first South African big band album to be mixed in Dolby Atmos. Having already picked up nomination for a SAMA award - you know what to play this Christmas to get you in the festive spirit. Available here: https://platoon.lnk.to/swingle-bells - or wherever you stream your music! #SwingleBells #JohannesburgBigBand #FestiveMusic #HolidaySeason #StreamNow

This is what cultural preservation sounds like… I’m grateful to have played a part in Afrikaraoke for Castle Milk Stout - a project dedicated to keeping traditional African songs alive. Working with an incredible choir and cultural leaders, we recorded 12 powerful songs rooted in heritage, ensuring their stories live on for future generations. These recordings were transformed into karaoke videos - as seen in this video - inviting communities to sing, connect, and celebrate their cultural roots in a way that’s both meaningful and fun. Honored to be part of something that turns preservation into participation 🙌

Thrilled to share more great news! Howard Audio has been recognized as an October #bestofthemonth winner by Creative Circle SA for our work on the Toyota Hilux ad. 🎉 This project was a creative tour de force, featuring a robust soundscape that matched the rugged allure of the Hilux. Big thanks to director Anton Visser of Patriot Films and agency Publicis for bringing us on board for this epic project. It’s always exciting to see our collaborative efforts celebrated, and it’s an honor to be acknowledged by Creative Circle SA. Here’s to more creative adventures and innovative soundscapes! #HowardAudio #CreativeCircleSA #BestOfTheMonth #ToyotaHilux #SoundDesign #AdvertisingExcellence