Bill Hickman

“Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory.” — Oscar Wilde

Bill Hickman was born in Kaikohe but has spent most of his life in Wellington NZ. He has been playing guitar and writing songs in an eclectic range of groups and styles for the last 20 years. Committed and passionaite onstage, Bill conveys the intensity and grit of his songwriting while, between songs, a relaxed, upbeat approach reflects the redemptive spirit evident on his debut Ep. ‘Ghost of Smoke’.

2019 saw the release of Bill's first full length solo record 'Crossbones'. For those who have loved Bill’s music for many years this album celebrates all that is Bill: lyrical intensity; blending alt-country and roots music influences with his harder-edged musical back story; Bill’s strong gravel dragged voice and country inflected acoustic guitar inform every track. Ambitous in it's scope 'Crossbones' casts a wide net.

From the intimate vocal and guitar performance of the beyond the grave tale of 'Mr Mercedes' to the gritty big band sound of the title track. 'Crossbones' backs Bill's songwriting with the warmth of The Band and the bite and snarl of The Dukes. The songs are inhabited by back against the wall outlaws, the ache of absent friends, ghosts of lovers lost and the crunch of the road beneath wheels.

For those who are meeting Bill for the first time, if the smokier, darker edge of alt-country is where you like to dwell, if the likes of Steve Earle, Michael Stipe, Bruce Springsteen or Elvis Costello feature in your playlist, then it is definately time to meet. Bill Hickman.