Monday, January 7

“BORN TO A MAN IN A BAND ON THE BAYOU”
Alex Smith truly has music coursing through his veins. Surrounded by music from an early age, Alex grew up with a grandfather and father who both sang and played guitar. It wasn’t until the eighth grade that Smith caught the bug to play an instrument of his own. Picking up a guitar and learning songs on YouTube quickly led to playing at church and local bars.

In 2016, Smith made the big move to Nashville to pursue his songwriting dream. A few years later, Smith’s undeniable talent caught the attention of Edgehill Music Publishing where he signed his first publishing deal in 2019. Shortly after, he began a large-scale project with world renowned producer, Kent Wells. “I look forward to the release of my new songs,” Smith said, “featuring some of the greatest names in music: Sonny Landreth, Leslie Satcher, and of course, my dad, H.B. Smith.”

Smith has an incredible knack for writing which is something he is deeply proud of. Just like his idol, Dolly Parton, Smith vows to remain a “writer and story-teller first,” and use his music to give back to the people and places that built him.

For most artists trying to break in the entertainment industry, authenticity is the ultimate goal.  While many artists search for a certain image or brand, rarely an artist will come along who seemingly doesn’t have to try to create this, he just is.  Nick Hickman is such an artist. A modern country act hailing from Knoxville, TN, this now-Nashville-based singer-songwriter doesn’t try to mimic anything out there, and instead delivers a high-energy, genuine performance tempering a passionate show with heartfelt and genuine lyrics that are insanely catchy and singable.  “What you see is what you get,” Hickman says. “I do not edit myself, I do not censor myself. I am just me.” It is exactly this unapologetic and real personality that draws so many to nick’s music.

Perhaps most refreshing, aside from Hickman’s talent and ability, is his work ethic.  Anyone who knows nick personally knows the extent of his drive and his unwillingness to settle for anything less than top of the game.

“I want to sell out arenas, I want twenty #1s, I want to play 200 dates a year, I want to be a member of the grand ole opry, I want an ACM award and a Grammy.  I will not stop or sleep until I have all of them. I do not care what it takes, what sacrifices have to be made, or how long.”