There are so many struggling musicians out there working hard to make great music and get it heard. Some work harder than others. Today I was introduced to one hard working man. John Hickman is singer/songwriter from Washington State that breaks the mold by effectively “rocking out” by himself. Forget your preconceptions of a boring guy sitting alone on stage with a guitar on his lap. John shows that alternative rock can be achieved all by yourself. No excuses!
John Hickman got started a little late in life but has been hard at work since 2008 creating quite a diverse portfolio of music, from acoustic folk to mellow adult-alternative to full on crowd moving rock and roll. So far three songs have completed mastering with a bunch more to be released soon I am told. The standout so far has to be the moody ‘What Would You Do?’ It is a song that really shows all of John’s multi-talents. From haunting vocals to a driving drum beat to very interesting guitar solos, this is a complete song. ‘Escape’ is a piano driven rock song at its soul with a dark feel, reminiscent of an alternative rock take on a Coldplay song. Smooth guitars and a strong note holding voice help carry the song. The more mellow folk type song ‘Passing Thru’ could be played by John in a dark, smoky corner of any beer guzzling bar. He really wakes you up at the bridge with a powerful rock out before smoothing the song back out with another low key verse. The song has its ups and downs that keep you interested throughout the 5:13 of the track.
This looks like a good start for a man determined to get better and better at his craft. The mixes are relatively solid and I feel are only going to refine as time marches on. Perseverance makes for a good teacher and John Hickman has plenty of that.
Keep looking for more from him and check out what is out there now at: