Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
I started singing and performing when I was 6 years old and the rest is history hah, but really I give a lot of credit to the incredible songwriters and performers I idolized as a teen. If I wouldn’t have discovered their music, I wouldn’t have felt the level of passion for music the way I still do. I went to music school in Boston for songwriting and have been working, writing, and performing ever since! In the past 12 years, I’ve released an EP, a full length album, almost 10 singles, music videos, and more on the way!
What does music and being an artist mean to you?
Being an artist means showing the most vulnerable and truest parts of your creative being with the world while believing in something greater than yourself. Music has the ability to connect people like nothing else on this earth. It truly is the most incredible feeling when you can relate to a stranger through song. Music is a Full-time non-stop job being your biggest fan and worst critic. It demands an attention to detail mostly unattainable by the average human but essential for the craft. Music can feel like the most grounding force while simultaneously acting like a chaotic mess. It’s just absolutely breathtaking when it’s good.
What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?
I take a lot of inspiration from my personal life, current events, and the experiences of friends that have impacted me. I like to tell real stories that are relatable.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
Sara Bareilles – she’s unapologetically herself and prolific.
All time favorite record?
Bonnie Raitt – Nick of Time
Queen’s Greatest Hits II
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
My newest single, You Go Your Way, just came out on 8/18 and is an anthemic and driving Summer pop song that takes the listener on a nostalgic journey. The sentimental story is a breakup song presented as a hopeful new beginning. You Go Your Way is for anyone that has had to make hard decisions in their relationships to better themselves and the goals of their partner. Sometimes letting someone go to flourish on their own is actually the best decision for both parties, no matter how hard it may feel in the moment. You Go Your Way was inspired by true events in my personal life, describing the separation of a couple as they embark upon their own career paths in two different cities. “Written and Co-produced by Hickman, Mixed by Caleb Gilbreath (Brett Eldredge, Sierra Hull) and mastered by Frank Gagliardi (Nashville, TN), You Go Your Way will be Hickman’s third single release of 2021.”
You seem to be fusing several musical genres. What inspires your sound?
I take inspiration from the musical genres I grew up on, Motown, Soul, Classic Rock, and more current genres like Indie pop, Alternative, and R&B. I love artists that pull from multiple directions and create their own thing from it all.
What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?
I do my best to process those feelings by trying to write through it. Sometimes spinning that feeling around and writing about the opposite emotion can help. If neither of those are working then I have to step away – get outdoors, run, walk, or hike, do yoga, or read a book. Anything to take me away from my over analytical brain.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would love to have a full team of creative minds helping propel my music career forward. It gets lonely and tough doing it independently so I’d love to solidify my go-to musical collaborators. I want to be on tour supporting similar artists. It would be a dream to tour internationally too! I would also love to be living in the same city as my partner (my most recent song is about our long distance relationship). Finally, I hope to release another full length record or two! So many goals and dreams for sure!
Your style is very original and elaborate. How do you take care of your aesthetics?
I always want to be transparent with my audience. I’m a pretty silly, quirky, often awkward, but confident human and I try and let that show through my music. I don’t hold back my insecurities and I want to embrace listeners letting them know it’s ok not to be ok, or to feel like you want to be seen and heard.
What was the most daunting moment in your career so far?
Making the decision to move to Nashville to pursue my music and move 2,000 miles away from my partner.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
In the words of one of my musical hero’s, India Arie, “Just do you!” It’s also more of an overall self-help philosophy which applies to both art and the music business. There will always be others doing what you do on a high level so instead of trying to be the best or compare yourself, just do you! The rest doesn’t matter. In my opinion, you have to live with yourself and make your own path/legacy at the end of the day.
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
I’ve always believed musical trends to be cyclical so it seems like much of what will be cool moving forward are things that have existed before – but in new ways. I personally have always preferred human performances in my music, especially horns, so I’m excited to see more of that come back around. Not only does it have a strong impact on recorded music but it is a game changer live on stage!
