Mark Howard Unveils Haunting New Single ‘Heaven Doesn’t Need You Like I Do’
Phillip Island’s own Mark Howard returns with ‘Heaven Doesn’t Need You Like I Do’, the fourth single from his forthcoming album Deep Dark Blue. This evocative new release sees Mark at his most vulnerable, exploring the ache of loss, the fight for connection, and the bittersweet edge of memory.
Inspired by the stories of people close to him fighting to hold onto their children, Mark pours his own experiences of grief and longing into every line.
“I tried to imagine what it’s like to fight that hard just to stay connected to someone you love,” Mark shares. “That idea stuck with me and I ended up writing from my own experiences of loss.”
Sonically, this is the most orchestral track on the album, weaving lush, cinematic arrangements that evoke the theatre of the mind. Every sound swells and recedes like waves—each part essential, none clamouring for attention—creating a haunting, immersive listening experience that lingers long after the final note.
Produced by Dave Prideaux, who expertly captured the song’s emotional core, and mastered by Andy Stewart (Gotye, Paul Kelly, C.W. Stoneking), ‘Heaven Doesn’t Need You Like I Do’ also features the ethereal harmonies of Brooke Taylor.
“Brooke’s voice brought a whole new dimension to the track,” Mark says. “I was a fan before I ever asked her to collaborate, so having her on board was a real privilege.”
The accompanying music video, filmed around Phillip Island’s windswept beaches and Gippsland’s misty eucalyptus hills, visually amplifies the song’s themes of isolation and resilience. A recurring deep-sea diver’s helmet becomes a striking symbol of the emotional weight we carry and the courage it takes to reach the other side of grief.
“Even in the most serene places, you can feel completely cut off,” Mark explains. “The video explores that uneasy stillness and the search for connection.”
Mark will be bringing his powerful live show to venues across Australia this August and September, including:
Westerport Hotel, San Remo
The House, Yarragon
Grinners, Hobart
Archies Creek Hotel
Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
The Old Manly Boatshed, Sydney
With the full album Deep Dark Blue set for release in August and a tour of Japan booked for September and October, 2025 is shaping up to be Mark’s biggest year yet.
With a sound that dances between indie rock, cinematic soul and alt-country, Mark Howard has performed across 45 countries, earning critical acclaim and a loyal following. His previous singles have charted on AMRAP and received praise from both Australian and international media, while his heartfelt storytelling and cinematic arrangements continue to strike a chord with fans around the world.
Listen to ‘Heaven Doesn’t Need You Like I Do’ and experience the next chapter in Mark Howard’s ever-evolving musical journey.
MARK HOWARD – SHOW DATES
August 10th – Westerport Hotel, San Remo, VIC
August 17th – The House, Yarragon, VIC
August 29th – Grinners, Hobart, TAS
September 6th – Archies Creek Hotel, Archies Creek, VIC
September 10th – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay, NSW
September 11th – The Old Manly Boatshed, Sydney, NSW
