How Helena Howard's Love For The Smiths Impacted Her Role In Shoplifters Of The World

Although Howard wasn't born until 11 years after The Smiths' demise, she grew up in a household with parents who introduced her to the band. "I guess I always grew up in a household with that kind of music, because my mom grew up in the '80s scene as a new wave, punk rocker, goth chick with her gay friend in New York City, just going around all the clubs and feeling the music," she recalled. "So, I just felt the music growing up."

As a teenager, Howard found an outlet for her own angst in the Smiths' rebellion. "I do remember one of the first Morrissey songs, 'The Father Who Must Be Killed,' that just like ... oh, I loved that song — especially every time I was upset with my parents," she said. "Songs are so great to just get out all of your emotions because obviously you're not going to go and slit your father's throat open."

Ultimately, it was the band's philosophical bent that truly resonated. "I love The Smiths and everything they stand for," Howard proclaimed. "Morrissey did use music to raise consciousness and make statements, and you see it in a lot of their music and a lot of their performances and just the band as a collective."