COVID-19 has isolated so many artists and shut down every festival, tour, concert, church service, jam session, kitchen party and rehearsal in Canada. I’ve been receiving unusual emails from performers and creative people who’d like me to help out by writing a short blog and promoting their music.
As I’ve been feeling rather helpless lately, not able to help in any meaningful way except stay at home, I thought, “Why not?”, it’s the least I can do.
So welcome to Unusual times.01: Laura Hickli.
When Laura wrote to me out of the blue, I was listlessly hovering over the delete button. But when I read her heart-breaking story I had to stop and take note. If you take a look at the very ambitious cross-continental concert tour she had planned to promote her new album, you can imagine how this cancellation could potentially devastate an emerging career. It’s difficult enough to make a go as a performer in Canada, but this virus takes the biscuit. I wrote back and told Laura I’d give ‘Listen’ a listen.
What I heard was unusually engaging, imaginative, thoughtful and clearly well-crafted song-writing that defies those algorithmic, straight-jacketing genre stereotypes which keep us in our lonely musical silos. Laura’s single “Listen” drew me in with harmony that breaks the mould, and orchestration reminiscent of my Early Music world, but which metamorphoses into unmistakably, gritty 21st-century soundscape. The lyrics are poignant and personal. Laura created this music during a residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. She describes the process as “cognitive behavioral therapy in action. The slow and steady reassurance in the legitimacy of one’s own thoughts and value after years of self-doubt and second guessing.”
That album ‘Listen’ is set to be released on April 19 and I’m sure you’ll be hearing it on CBC radio.
In the meantime, you can support Laura by purchasing her existing music on iTunes: Laura Hickli
You can keep in touch with her and support her through Facebook: Laura on FB
Keep safe and well,
xoxo
Steph
Great initiative Steph.
Bravo Stephanie!
A much needed undertaking. I look forward to future installments. – rbs
Thank you so much for writing a beautiful article on ‘Listen’, and for taking the time to feel my story and music from your perspective. I so appreciate your time and energy that you gave in my behalf. =’)
Congrats on your song launch on the weekend. I hope you are very pleased with the enthusiastic response. Enjoy the moment : )