Parenting Panel with Jack Howard of Moments Of
For most musicians, balancing the demands of a career in music with the responsibilities of family life can feel like walking a tightrope.
For Moments Of frontman Jack Howard, that balancing act began earlier than most. Picking up the guitar at just 12 years old, Jack was already writing and performing in bands by his late teens. Then, at 19, life took a dramatic turn. He learned he was going to be a father.
At the time, friends and bandmates predicted that his musical dreams were over before they had really begun. But Jack had other plans. Instead of stepping away from music, he doubled down, using the limited time he had to work on his music with even more intention and focus.
Now 31, Jack is the proud father of two — Miya, almost 12, and Wyatt, almost 8. And he is still creating and performing with the same passion he had as a teenager, if not more.
Alongside his bandmates in Moments Of, he has played packed hometown shows, toured both coasts of the United States and shared stages with acts like The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. And through it all, he has found that fatherhood hasn’t just shaped him as a person, but also as an artist — influencing his lyrics, deepening his emotional connection to music and inspiring him to see the bigger picture in both life and art.
In this candid interview, Jack opens up about the early fears of becoming a young parent, the lessons his kids have taught him and how family life continues to fuel his creativity.
How many children do you have? And what are their names and ages?
I have a daughter Miya age 11 almost 12 (October) and a son Wyatt 7 almost 8 (November).
Did you have fears or concerns about how becoming a parent would interfere with your artistic endeavors?
I have been playing in bands since I was around 17 and playing guitar since 12 (now 31) and I was a teen dad at 19 and I’m married to their mother. When we found out as teenagers that we were going to be parents I certainly was scared and not prepared and questioned if I can be good enough. My band mates at the time basically told me that my life in music was over (in their defense they were kids like me too.) Boy were they wrong I never stopped being a musician. If anything being a good parent became such a priority to me that the little time I had to dedicate to music became so valuable it forced me to operate much more effectively and accomplish more than I most likely otherwise would have.
Have those fears come true, or no?
I would say no. I just have 2 more fans!
In what ways has parenthood helped your creativity, if any?
In many ways I’ve been influenced by parenthood. By my own upbringing and the traits you inherited from it whether you realize it or not. As well as how I handle situations and stress as a parent and what that makes your kids think about parenthood and how they will look back on their own upbringing.
What has parenthood taught you about yourself, your music, or your creative process?
I’d definitely say it has taught me how powerful your words can be. In other ways I’ve definitely used music like a drug. Something to look forward to or to take the edge off with if I need a mental break from reality.
How do you juggle your family and your career? Who’s your support system?
I’ve always had the support from my entire family but I wouldn’t be half the musician I am without the support from my #1 cheerleader and best friend my wife Kimmy.
What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a parent? Any advice for others?
It doesn’t matter how much money you have saved or how many parenting books you read or how prepared you are or how ready the nursery is. None of that truly matters eventually you just fall into your own groove and just be the best parent you can be. Don’t try and keep up with the Joneses - it’s your own journey.
Do your children inspire / inform your music?
My kids definitely inspire my music. A lot of my songs have to do with letting time slip through your fingers and how valuable your time is. Don’t blink - it happens fast.
Have you ever written a song for or about your kids?
Many years ago yes, but it was never released and it was about Miya and me wanting to be good enough.
Most of my song writing now you could say is if you zoom out and look at it as a whole, the biggest message is about new chapters and peoples’ incredible abilities to move forward through things like loss or grief.
As well as just the simple perspective of don’t be sad something’s over. Be happy it even happened in the first place.
About MOMENTS OF
Hailing from Portland, Maine; MOMENTS OF is an Alternative Pop-Punk/Emo band that simultaneously defies and revitalizes the genre. Started as a solo project by Frontman Jackson Howard who’s unique guitar work quickly garnered him a regional reputation and his new found talent for lyrics and harmony laid the groundwork for a new take on a familiar sound. Needing to polish the sound further; he hit the pavement and Moments Of quickly grew into a powerful super group featuring some of Maine's most talented local legends. Jackson recruited Ben Wilson for guitar and vocals.
In addition to his devastating vocal timbre; Ben’s intoxicating level of charisma and stage presence sets the standard and pays tribute to the energy of the music itself. Rounding out the sound of the guitars, Jackson added Adam Howarth on Guitar. Adam’s technical ability and willingness to step outside the box, gave Moments Of even more of a creative edge. Turning to Drums and Bass, Jackson involved Dan Dunham and Kyle Gravel to balance and round out the razor sharp sound of his music. Between Dan’s thunderous strikes and seamless transition and Kyle’s paradoxical punchy-smooth groove, the band completes their sound and continues to push their own limits.
Hot off their latest release, THRESHOLD (2025) with it’s lyrics of crushing melancholy and ensemble of fierce redemption, the band captivates the listener and wrenches on their hearts with zero quit. Even as the song ends, it sits inside you and you cant help but want more. Moments Of simultaneously defies and revitalizes the genre.
Watch the music video to “Threshold” here: