Stepanian and Heard reminisced about their beginnings when they recorded their debut album with little knowledge of music production but plenty of enthusiasm. Many of the tracks were captured at a modest house on Rugby Place and at a farm in Esmont, with additional recording in Duck, located on the Outer Banks.
Stepanian, who graduated with a degree in English in 1997, and Heard, who completed his degree in economics and fine arts in 2000 alongside his future wife, Helen Van Clief, garnered acclaim for their unique sound characterized by Stepanian’s gritty voice harmonizing with Heard’s guitar and banjo skills. Their bluegrass-influenced band thrived on tour during the early to mid-2000s, releasing six albums and performing frequently between Charlottesville and Richmond.
As their musical endeavors progressed, both Stepanian and Heard settled into family life, marrying their college sweethearts. Stepanian pursued a law degree at the University of Richmond and began working as an attorney in the beer distribution sector. Meanwhile, Heard obtained a graduate degree in architecture and sought more creativity in his career, prompting him to consider launching a men’s clothing line after a T-shirt design project.
This led to the creation of Howler Brothers, an apparel brand focused on clothing for various outdoor activities like surfing and fishing. Although widely associated with Austin, Texas, its roots trace back to the University of Virginia, where its founders initially collaborated. Their deep affection for UVA continues to influence the brand, culminating in the creation of a limited-edition collection to honor their university ties, named the Howler Brothers Wahoowa collection.
Inspired by their shared interests in art, music, and outdoor adventures, Stepanian and Heard bonded over their experiences fishing together along the Gulf Coast. They envisioned a line of more stylish fishing attire, leading to a lifestyle brand rooted in their creative identities.
Founded in 2011, Howler Brothers has gained popularity with its western-style shirts. Recently, they were approached by the University of Virginia to design a collegiate clothing line. Initially hesitant, nostalgia soon swayed them back into the project.
The resulting collection features Wahoo-inspired menswear that combines vintage UVA trademarks with subtle colors reflecting the school’s signature palette. Heard, now the creative director at Howler Brothers, utilized his design expertise to create the collection while also aiming to reach a broader audience unfamiliar with the brand.
The new collegiate line will be launched at a special event outside Peabody Hall, where Stepanian and Heard will present their new products.