SARA HICKMAN SHINE

NASHVILLE, Tenn (July 23, 2013) – One of Performing
Songwriter‘s 100 Most Influential Independent Artists, Sara Hickman
releases her Kirtland Records debut album Shine today. The 10-song
collection, which blossomed out of simple poems and visions on pieces of
paper, is an adventurous effort for the official “State Musician of
Texas,” whose songs were brought to life with guidance from Los
Angeles-based musician, producer and fellow songwriter Jim Jacobsen.

“Usually, I have a plan, an entire concept for a recording in
mind, and I then write the songs to fit into that ideology,” explains
Hickman. “However, with Shine, I just had fun. I wanted to
take risks and just go with the flow, starting with those scraps of
ideas.” After previously recording in Austin, Nashville and New York,
Hickman also shifted her creative environment for making the album,
relocating to L.A., away from family and friends to experience a different
energy. She worked alone in the studio with Jacobsen, whose credits include
the Eels, Parthenon Huxley, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs
and hundreds of TV shows and commercials. Shine was mastered by
Dave McNair (Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen).

“Making music is such a weird job because who knows where it comes
from?” she says. “There’s nothing, then … Bam! A song
exists. And if it connects with other people, that weirdness blends into
blissful camaraderie. Or it pisses people off. But I guess that’s what
art/music is supposed to do – cause a reaction. Otherwise, you’re
just a feral cat, but you aren’t aware of the fact.” As Rolling
Stone puts it, “Tuneful, clever and carefully observed, Sara Hickman’s
material has all the strengths expected of a contemporary Texas songwriter,
plus one more – whimsy.”

Within its certain spontaneity, Shine testifies to
Hickman’s diverse and emotional songwriting capabilities that appeal
to a wide range of audiences. The title track offers a motivational message
that inspires listeners, as Hickman puts it, “to come out of their
shell.” Meanwhile, “You Are Not Alone” is also an
optimistic, compassionate song that promises hope and encouragement to
anyone who may be withdrawn or feeling isolated.

Hickman doesn’t just write and sing about those who
face day-to-day challenges, she lives it. She is renowned for civic
outreach initiatives, having raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for
the Dallas Dance for Life, House the Homeless, Bryan’s House, Amnesty
International, homeless shelters and Mothers’ Milk Bank. She has
visited Romania to deliver clothing, money and supplies to orphans, and
personally raised more than $50,000 for the Hill Country Youth Ranch, a
safe haven for severely abused children in Ingram, Texas. Austin has twice
celebrated “Sara Hickman Day” in 1996 and 2009 to honor not
only her musical accomplishments, but also her dedication and community
involvement.

Hickman has been lauded by the Dallas Observer and the Austin
Music Awards in categories including Best Musician, Best Producer, Best
Indie Release, Best Major Label Release and Best Female Vocalist. The
Maverick Report proclaimed, “Cut to the chase – Sara Hickman.
Genius. Not only is she a singer-songwriter par excellence, but she
possesses a self-confidence and empowerment unheard of for a creative
artist in this industry.”

Coinciding with the release of Shine, Hickman is pleased to have
built a promising new relationship with Luna Guitars. The mission of Luna Guitars is to craft
fine stringed instruments with artistic sensibility that are comfortable,
affordable, and inspirational to people of all ages and walks of life.
Hickman found the guitar manufacturer to be an ideal match and will be
taking Luna Guitars on the road for her 2013 Shine tour.