L.A. Music Review Features Kelsey Hickman
Hi Kelsey, welcome to LA Music Review! Tell us a little bit about you and your music.
As a singer-songwriter from Illinois, Kelsey Hickman wows audiences from all over the world, relentlessly playing residencies at several Music City venues, including the infamous Tootsies Orchid Lounge. A sweet singer, Kelsey’s passion and all-in approach to life spill over into her vocals and stage performance, allowing her to bring the party to any stage.
As a performer, Kelsey electrifies audiences with her magnetic stage presence and capable vocal ranges, telling a creative story with her rock and country tones.
Working with producer Kent Wells, known for his work with Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Kenny Rogers has been a long time coming since starting as a performer in her hometown.
Seeing the opportunity to take her music career to an entirely new level in Music City, Kelsey teamed up with Wells as he produced her debut single, “Gone” which was written by Wells, and Bill DiLuigi, as well as her full-length album called Gypsy released in 2016. DiLuigi was the grand prize winner of the American Songwriter’s lyric contest and has over 300 recorded cuts in his career.
Despite the discovery of her calling, Hickman’s devotion to her craft wasn’t without difficulty. “My parents’ marriage began to fall apart, and the subject of their fights was often my choice to pursue music. I felt caught in the crossfire, and even contemplated quitting the band.” The divorce of her parents, however, also encouraged Hickman to use music as an escape.
“I lost myself in songwriting and performing – which was certainly beneficial. The very thing my parents fought over became my saving grace, my release.” In 2013, the band Still Kickn’ decided to part ways, and it led Kelsey to make the decision to embark on a solo career.
Kelsey’s artistry continues to show through her powerful vocals. Kelsey says, “I want to write and perform music that my listeners can connect with. If I’ve done that, I’ve done what I’ve been put on this earth to do.”
“I want to write and perform music that my listeners can connect with. If I’ve done that, I’ve done what I’ve been put on this earth to do.”
Start streaming “Novocaine” here:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5.
Congrats on the release! What was your inspiration when you were writing this project?
Released on March 10, 2023. Kelsey says, “When I first heard the word novocaine… I was like, “damn!” If I liked that word hit me rolling off my tongue, I can’t imagine singing it. I was lucky enough to have my producer, Don Miggs, on the project. He really knew how to light this song up—a slow burn, if you will.”
“This song is addicting to sing… Just think about being pinned up against the wall in a good way. Something you can’t put down. This is a love story that we love to hate.”
What is your favorite part of the song?
The landscape of the vocal performance is electrifying and highlights the tasteful artistry of Kelsey, which is infectious and creates a melodic masterpiece. The lyrical references throughout the song ultimately unveil the unforgettable “Novocaine” with someone.
With its passionate lyrics, the song depicts an addictive love that alters one’s mind about battling impulses and escaping something only that person can recognize when running away from it. — “It’s novocaine, straight to the veins, you drive me insane, your novocaine.”
