Fueled by intense passion. Driven by artistic frustration. Birthed in desperation. These phrases best describe the process by which “Simply For Me”, the first EP by Mike Hicks, was created. Quickly gaining popularity as an energetic performer known for his seemingly random spontaneity, this singer, songwriter and producer set out to try to capture in the studio what live audiences have now become accustomed to. The result is a five song acoustic EP rendered in honesty and sincerity. Recorded in less than two weeks, “Simply For Me” is a transparent offering that allows the listener an opportunity to connect with the heart of this up and coming artist.
The project opens with “Feels Good”, a fun and infectious tune that does exactly as the title suggests—it feels good. It finds its purpose in encouraging listeners to do just as Alex Haley admonished years ago concerning any situation; to “find the good and praise it.” “Healing” is a funky and percussive song that addresses the difficulty in overcoming personal hurt. A wonderfully crafted story with various twists makes this song a definite highlight. A guest appearance by Mike’s younger brother Kyle makes the song even the more special as the two brothers trade phrases throughout the song. Kyle, a young artist in his own right, takes the lead completely on “Smile”, and he handles it with a measure of finesse uncommon to many singers. The title track, “Simply For Me” is a heartfelt cry in which Mike tackles his personal insecurities about faith from a perspective rarely rendered in a musical context. Rounding off the EP is “8 Years Old Again”, a bittersweet and nostalgic tune that makes us all lose ourselves in childhood memories.
While the term “acoustic” seems to imply a guitar-vocal submission, “Simply For Me” is far from that. Mike manages to capture the energy of his live show as he calls on the same musicians who regularly play with him to make this an authentic Mike Hicks experience. While Mike plays the Rhodes and some guitar on the album, the earthy vibe of Nick Smith’s guitar work, percussion by Brandon Newsome, Bernard Bell, and Kyle Hicks, along with the solid, yet funky bass lines of Hinkie all provide for a great listening experience, enhanced by fantastic horn arrangements by Kevin Matthews and the Hitmen. In addition, Phil Lassiter provides the horns for “Healing”.
All in all, “Simply For Me” proves itself to be a good debut and if it is any indication of what is to come, the future looks bright for Mike Hicks.
Influences
Kyle Hicks, Chantae Cann, Pastor E. Dewey Smith Jr., PJ Morton, Freestyle Nation, D'Angelo, Marvin Winans, Fred Hammond, Jantina Virgil, Sam Cooke, T. Sass, Darnell Levine, EWF, Stevie Wonder, James Poyser, Tye Tribbett & Soundcheck, Twinkie Clark, Frank McComb, Mint Condition, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Kirk Franklin, Kim Burrell, Israel Houghton & Aaron Lindsey, Steven Ford, Kevin Bond, Beyonce, Tonex, Mali Music, Asaph Ward, Montrell Darrett, Donald Lawrence, Leon Timbo, Chris Rice, Michael W. Smith, Terrance Cheaney, etc.
Energetic, spontaneous, and passionate are all words commonly used to describe the on-stage presence of singer, songwriter, and producer, Mike Hicks. However, off stage, the personality of Mike Hicks has been described as reserved, introverted, and even shy. A glimpse into the life of Mike Hicks renders somewhat of an explanation into what seems to be his dual persona.
Currently residing right outside of Nashville, Tennessee, Michael Brandon Hicks was born in Warner Robins, Georgia to loving parents who would carefully and gracefully nurture his development and growth. A childhood rooted in spirituality explains his love for and devotion to his Christian faith. Surrounded by a vast array of musical genres, Mike would find himself strongly drawn to the music of Stevie Wonder, The Winans, and Commissioned. While the majority of his childhood and adolescence was spent pursuing dreams of being a basketball star, at the age of 14 he was challenged by his mother to write a song for a children’s ministry. Though Mike had always shown a love for writing, this single challenge would be a turning point in his life. Emotionally broken by the painful split of his parents when he was 16, Mike found solace in drowning himself in music, oftentimes cutting everything and everyone else out. This process was the beginning of the lyrical transparency that has become his trademark.
Mentored by award winning producers and local musicians alike, Mike would grow in his craft and move to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to pursue music as a career. After years of growing as a musician, writer, and producer, he stepped out in 2008 and began doing shows as a solo artist. Though initially, he didn’t have a desire to be an artist, his frustration with music drove him to the point of not only doing shows, but writing, producing, and recording his first EP, “Simply For Me: The Acoustic Sessions EP” in July of 2008. Characterized by a magnetic stage presence and a love for getting lost in the moment, Mike is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with.
Hi! I hope you are doing well. I would like to invite you to stop by and listen to my two New Singles off my upcoming 2010 album, that will be released on iTunes in a few weeks!! For updates, please join my Email list. And, I’d really appreciate it if you’d add my new FACEBOOK music page: www.facebook.com/elizabethsouthmusic and new TWITTER: www.twitter.com/elizabeth_south Thank you! You are awesome! Also, please leave a comment letting me know your encouraging thoughts on the songs or to just tell me how you’re doing!
Mike thank you for the friendship! I love your Music and the Messages in the songs. My favorite two are "Feels good" and "Simply for me." I love the Acoustic guitar and I love the instrumentation in your Music. keep making Beautiful Music with a Message for the World to hear.
YOU ROCK!!! SIMPLE AS THAT...I WAS WATCHN SOME FOOTAGE OF YOU GUYS AND YOU SIMPLY ROCK..."man when we get on one accord like the book of ACTS,ahhh the music!"
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