Exposed Vocals Interviews Lucie Hickey

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up? 

Lucie Hickey: I discovered Exposed Vocals through Twitter!

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist? 

Lucie Hickey: I started playing electric guitar when I was 13, I joined a band and slowly but surely took to the mic. I was with them for five years and looking back I am so thankful to that band – they were a really talented group of musicians, I was very lucky to start my music journey with them. I left and played guitar for another band for a while, but it made me realize that I wanted to be performing my own songs in the way I wanted to play them. 

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Lucie Hickey: I started off wanting a ‘stage name’ but I found it much easier having my own name so that when I met people they could find my music easily!

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why? 

Lucie Hickey: I have my music on soundcloud and am recording more music at the moment. People can download it if they want to.. I think online music sharing is inescapable now. 

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Lucie Hickey: I do it because I love it. I will always be in playing in a pub somewhere no matter how many followers or likes I have. Because I play regularly, I meet and talk to lots of different people on a regular basis. I have a gig next week which came purely from a conversation at a train station – be open and ready to accept opportunities that come your way.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that? 

Lucie Hickey: I make mistakes all the time! You can’t take things too seriously. I think people connect with you more if they realize you aren’t 100% rehearsed. It’s real! And.. sometimes if you change something a bit, it sounds better! I prefer to learn from those mistakes, than sit in my room and practice.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about? 

Lucie Hickey: The best ‘tour’ experience I had was in Sweden. It’s such an amazing place. I asked this bar that has live music on a regular basis whether it would be possible to play. They were so welcoming! They went out of their way to take recordings and photos, and I had the floor for over an hour! 

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process? 

Lucie Hickey: Songwriting inspiration for me, comes from playing on a regular basis. If I have had an awesome evening of playing solo or with other people, it’s like I get a boost to write more music. I’ll be thinking of a new song in my head on the way home or I’ll start writing notes down – It’s so exciting! Meeting and playing with other musicians is the best feeling.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music? 

Lucie Hickey: I’m in the midst of putting together a website (which I want to have up and running by the end of 2016!) I use Facbook, Twitter, Soundcloud and Reverbnation..

www.facebook.com/luciehickeymusic

www.twitter.com/lhickeymusic

www.soundcloud.com/luciehickeymusic

Luciehickeymusic www.soundcloud.com Acoustic singer songwriter Lucie Hickey was born and bred in London. Her music is inspired by the empowerment given in life’s harsh lessons amongst the highs and lows of being in love. ♥ ‘s Performi

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player? 

Lucie Hickey: Really embarrassing?.. I guess the Rocky Horror picture show is a bit cringe.. but I love it!

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it? 

Lucie Hickey: I would record and play FULL. TIME. All of the time.. It would be great! And I’d probably purchase a flat in Camden seeing as I am there at Open mic nights whenever possible.. It’s a long train ride home..

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now? 

Lucie Hickey: Friends help me record my music for mates rates fees.. I’d love some super professional master copies, but to be fair, even a phone can take a pretty decent recording now.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you? 

Lucie Hickey: I am not as good at social media as I should be and it’s definitely something I need to work on. To be completely honest, I promote my music in person. Playing at open mics, meeting other musicians, talking to people carrying an instrument, or buskers on the street.. you build a network of people who are all into the same thing, all sharing the same passion. It’s amazing.

Oh, and I LOVE my business cards, I hand them out all the time! (Plus I’m way more likely to look up someone else’s page etc if they have handed me their card!)

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Lucie Hickey: Fleetwood Mac! Literally anywhere!

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about? 

Lucie Hickey: I’m working on a 3 track EP at the moment and am writing new music for it.. It’s a ‘new stage’ of my life and I’m working with a fantastic musician who really pushes me to get the best from my music. It’s incredibly inspiring. 

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing? 

Lucie Hickey: I hope I would be doing something creative.. painting or sculpting or some way of letting it all out!

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head? 

Lucie Hickey: I’m pretty sure it was Pink ‘Missundaztood’ I love Pink!

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Lucie Hickey: I am definitely trying to figure that out myself!

If I go out and play one night, I want to play the next (and the next.. and the next..) But then I am exhausted for work the next day! I have admitted to myself that I don’t play as well as I usually would if I am completely exhausted, so I try to make the most of nights I really enjoy, rather than acting like it’s the last time I’ll ever play each time I perform.. (but who needs sleep?!)

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

Lucie Hickey: Gigs, recordings, an EP & a new website! (I better get cracking..)