Barna Howard grew up in a small town outside of St. Louis, Eureka, Missouri. He Now lives in Portland, by way of Chicago and Boston. The contrast of growing up in a small town and moving through cities has had a heavy influence on his songwriting. He is attracted to personal stories that resonate universally but still, most of his songs' characters come from his Missouri youth. Major influences are Bert Jansch, Neil Young, Townes Van Zandt and James Talley.