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The Medium Interviews Kelsey Hickman About Her Latest Single and Music Video "Novocaine"
Kelsey Hickman’s “Novocaine”
“It’s novocaine, straight to the veins, you drive me insane, your novocaine.”
Illinois native. What’s your favorite family tradition?
My favorite family tradition is our Christmas parties! I was lucky enough to grow up on a street of very loving and amazing people; neighbors are our family. In turn, complete strangers ended up being the closest people in my life. We would have way too much fun and way too many drinks.
Debut single, “Gone.” What song would you say best sums you up?
“Gone” for sure! Because if I don’t like a situation or how something is affecting me, I’m out of there!!
Wrote your first song at age 12. What is the most important quality for a successful songwriter?
The most important quality for a successful songwriter, I think is just being true to yourself. And whatever you are feeling that day, get it out and on paper.
Lead singer for the Midwest band Still Kick’n. The band opened for Lady A. Can you describe how it felt to be a teenager performing in front of over 25K fans?
To be honest, at the time I had no idea how significant that was at the time. Performing in front of people has never been nerve racking for me! Looking back, I am so thankful that I got to experience that at such a young age. It really helped me grow up in the fast lane.
A hot topic during your parents’ divorce was your pursuit of a career in music. In the aftermath, your music became 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.” What do you do if you are working on a song and suddenly can’t think of any more lyrics?
If I am working on a song and suddenly can’t think of any more lyrics, I stop and take a minute. It’s always good to take a minute and come back to what you were working on. I go grab a snack or a Jack and Ginger Ale. Lol
“Life is wild, one minute it can be unbearably heartbreaking, and then the next you’ve never felt so amazing. Thank God I have this STAGE and my people.”Which songwriters do you admire and why?
Of course, I really admire Dolly Parton. That woman’s brain is just as powerful as her curves! I just love everything about her. I got to see Ashley McBryde’s career take off. I’ve been a fan of hers since the beginning. I love her writing style and just her attitude and what she stands for.
“It’s novocaine, straight to the veins, you drive me insane, your novocaine.”“Novocaine,” 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. You shared that at first you couldn’t imagine singing ‘Novocaine,’ but producer Don Miggs changed all that for you — what did he do?
Originally, it was a piano ballad with a male vocal. Don took it to a whole new level with production. Once we swapped ideas and figured out where we were going to take the song, all it needed was my powerful vocals in a dramatic build.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
If I won the lottery, I would continue being a rockstar and pay for my own world tour.
Where do you see yourself in five years career-wise?
In five years, I would like to have at least one number one under my belt and have played the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman. And start my world tour!
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