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This line from the track “Unity” reflects one of the driving forces of the Scottish singer-songwriter: embracing and speaking up for the community around him.
Hailing from Largs, Ayrshire, Hickman is gearing up for a Scottish tour from Irvine to Stornoway, presenting an album that’s been five years in the making.
The “demons” are very personal, and like so many others who have been separated from their friends and family, Locke was forced to face his own “demons and life traumas.” It also talks about Daun’s isolation.
“I think we’re craving music that’s really connected, yet accessible,” explains Hickman.
“The joy of music is when you do things that are emotional and say something, yet universally connected. That’s the way to be together.”
It was then that Hickman realized that he was neglecting his own emotional well-being “by touring and working” with only his own thoughts.
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When he returned to touring, he was determined not only to find new ways to tour, but also to care for the community that welcomed him.
The tour, which begins in April, does not include shows at venues where staff are not guaranteed a living wage or union minimum.
“Musicians have lost all their income and livelihoods due to the lockdown,” he said.
“I’m not asking for a large fee. I’m asking so people can pay their bills. If people don’t pay the minimum for us to be there, I’m now I won’t go right away
He adds: It may not be the biggest fanbase on the road, but I had a beautifully connected and appreciative fanbase that made me feel like I was worth it. ”
The 10-track LP combines Hickman’s storytelling prowess with his signature “adopted genre,” indie soul.
“Soul records feel at home and with character,” he explains. “Soul has everything you need.”
That personal touch is noticeable on each song, especially on the self-proclaimed ‘anthem’ to the Black Scots – Unity.
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The song was written in response to the murder of a black American man, George Floyd, by a white police officer. His death in 2020 sparked many anti-racism protests in Scotland and saw many black Scots share their experiences of racism in the UK.
As Hickman explains, the issues raised were ones that the black community “has been trying to discuss for years.”
“I’ve been sitting there trying to tell you that for years and I thought you didn’t care. And now you do. It’s cool to care.” That’s why.”
Hickman explained that he wanted the song “Unity” to be “unapologetic”, adding:
“Blacks and Africans are not defined by racism or slavery. We have a lot of heritage and culture that should be at the forefront.
“It’s not enough to accept people, we have to celebrate people. It’s not enough to not be racist. We have to celebrate those other cultures.”
“I am in the unique position that my ancestors were half slaves and half slaves. I think embracing all of our roles in that history is the way forward.”
Combining his black and Scottish heritage is also the source that shapes his musical sound.
About their music, the singer said:
“I’m going to call it indie soul. I’m trying to make it my own.”
From songwriting to playing, Hickman embraces his Scottish heritage enthusiastically, explaining that not too much emphasis should be placed on making it big in London.
“Scotland sometimes gets caught up in the idea that they have to fight for a place in London,” he explained.
“As a country full of people passionate about song and creativity, we should feel more confident that we can do it on our own.
“We don’t need to rely on British industry. I think we can have a Scottish music industry and export it all over the world. All we need is the belief that we can do it.”
In fact, he credits his Scottish background to the source of his songwriting in the country, especially Ayrshire, and has a “tradition of being creative and great writers”.
he said:
“It’s like this nice counterbalance that works in our favor, and I think Ayrshire is no exception.
“We have a great writing history, even from Largs. Graham Lyle is one of the greatest songwriters and I was so blessed to have met him when I was young.”
The band will be celebrating their 10th anniversary next year, and Hickman hopes there will be a bigger tour to mark the occasion.
The tour even allows him to fulfill a lifelong dream of performing at Glasgow’s Barrowlands, which he describes as “the most iconic venue in the world.”
However, he emphasized that he is very much “going things at his own pace.”
Devil | Acoustic Album Tour
April 25 | Top | The Well
April 27 | Sky | Sky Bridge Studios
April 28 | Stornoway | Lantern
May 4 | Galashiel | MacArts
May 5 | Greenock | Beacon Arts Center
May 6 | Irvine | Harbor Arts Center
May 11 | Pittenweem | Pittenweem Bread & Butter
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