new EP by Mike Hicks
That's who we are...and that's more than okay.
Who We Are
"Who We Are" is a purposeful celebration of identity, family and community. Having learned more about my familial ancestry and spiritual roots, I've grown to a place where I do love a lot about myself and I'm tremendously grateful for those who have contributed to that. I took the risk of writing a completely personal song. The hope is that while the particulars may be different, the joy that the memories exude will be transferred. There's even a guest appearance from my nephew who wasn't even a year old, but his voice fit so perfectly--unedited! Musically, there are notable nods to Sly Stone, George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic. "We are who we are!!!"
Half Past Always
I wrote this song for my wedding and my wife, Kristin. I wanted something that had a slight waltz feel to it, but not overstated. I wrote it from the piano and had my long-time collaborator, Melvin "Maestro" Lightford arrange it for a string quintet. I decided to record it with just strings and percussion, reminiscent of how it felt on our wedding day. Instead of a solo or third verse, I decided to include actual audio from our wedding: our Pastor/officiant and both of Kristin's parents. Needless to say, this one is a special one to me.
Never Find Another
The best way to listen to this is immediately following "I Want You Back" from my album "This Is Life". This is the continuation of that story. Those two songs collectively chronicle my relationship with my dad. "Never Find Another" finds forgiveness, growth and reconcilation as core themes. It includes audio from my dad talking about me in church when I was a teenager and in a way, every time I hear it, it centers me. I had additional production from two guys who have seen the challenge and strain of the relationship, first hand: my brother, Kyle (aka Bap) and my good friend, James Waddell, who as an engineer and producer has influenced me more than anyone else, first hand.
Miss Josie
This is tied for my favorite song of mine. I don't think it's my "best" necessarily, but one that will always mean the most to me. It's the story of my grandmother, Josephine Hicks. I'm honored to share her legacy with whoever will hear it. She's a special force in the lives of all she ever came in contact with and deserves to be celebrated. She is my story of love.
Always There
I can't get through this song without getting emotional. This song is me at my most vulnerable...just me and piano, singing about my mom. She's consistently been my greatest supporter and I owe her the world. A musical nod to Thomas Whitfield is the theme for this song. I love the de-modulation in this song as a point of tension release.