We were lucky to catch up with Emily Hicks recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Emily thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I am currently working on my most meaningful project yet – my debut, studio album. The songs I have collected for this album are some of my favorite I’ve written over the past decade. They tell the story of a twenty something woman finding her way in the world, leaving the midwest for the mountains, saying goodbye to the past, and stumbling into a love that lasts. This album has been a long time coming for my loyal listeners, and I can’t wait to finally share these songs them and anyone else who can relate. It is scheduled for release in the fall of 2024.
Emily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a Utah based folk-pop singer/songwriter with a passion for storytelling. The music I write is a reflection of my experiences and emotions, offering a glimpse into my world in the hopes of connecting with listeners on a personal level. Think Nanci Griffith meets The Lumineers with a little Brandi Carlile edge thrown in.
When you come to an Emily Hicks show, you can expect soaring, bold vocals and intimate lyrics with mixed quippy stage banter in between to make you laugh. My debut album is slotted for release in the fall of 2024, and I am in the process of planning a summer and fall tour. Keep an eye on my website to see if I am coming to a city near you!
How did you build your audience on social media?
Social media is tough but important. It gives you the ability to connect with people all over the world through a little screen. As an independent musician, my goal is to share my music with the people who need to hear it, and what better/more affordable way is there to do that than via social media?
The best advice I’ve received in regards to social media is to be authentically you. The type of followers you have are more important than the number. Therefore, strive to post content that is relative to you and your business. For example, as a musician, I post videos of myself performing live. IF I were to post a video of myself jumping on a new dance trend and gain a bunch of new followers from it, that sounds great in theory except now all those followers I just gained will want me to keep posting dance videos rather than videos about my music.
Focus on being yourself and finding those around the world who connect with you and your art or business – don’t fret over the numbers.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a musician is when I’m able to write a song that connects with someone else on a deep level. Even if it’s just one person. Whether it’s a song about relationship issues or mental health struggles, such as my latest release “Breathe”, I strive to be vulnerable and truthful in my writing, with the goal that someone else will hear it and feel seen.
However, it’s not always heavy. Sometimes I like to write a fun, happy song because – we need those too! In fact, one of my latest releases, “Canned Wine”, is a niche, summer pool-jam intended to make the listener dance and smile.
Music has a power over our emotions and daily outlook as humans, and it’s a huge honor to be able to participate in that as a singer/songwriter.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilyhicksmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyhicksmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyhicksmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuYSPslw49mx3YlamJCw84A
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5NZq9gTkTS8y7S6rRzvPaZ?si=hqvcIyM_S7uOrpFUQayxXQ
Image Credits
Beehive Photography & Video