Why I Created Absence of Blame…
March 26, 2010
This is an excerpt from the special booklet that comes with the limited edition 500 run of “Absence of Blame” you can order from me (also includes a handdrawn cd cover by yours truly.) I’m not going to post everything I wrote… if you want to read it all, why, I guess you’d have to help a lady out and buy one of the limited edition cds to find out the rest! 
It seems to me people get REALLY uncomfortable whenever a woman cries, let alone they have to HEAR a woman cry, at, say, a political rally, or God forbid,
on a recording. On numerous occasions throughout my life, I’ve heard women, myself included, apologize for publicly weeping. Why is it when we women express sorrow (or joy) via our eyeballs, some people consider it a sign of weakness or, dare I say, insulting to their intelligence? An intrusion on their time? Again, maybe it’s just me, but it’s what I’ve witnessed and experienced, and just wanted to put it out there. Over the last 13 years, after birthing two babies, I’ve come to recognize that tears are a damn miracle, and they sure can be healing to release.
So, I started thinking about tears I’ve shed through my life. The multitude of purposes they’ve served. My first kiss (cried with happiness), weddings (same thing), at funerals (sorrow and loss), over Hallmark commercials (touching and sweet), holding the hand of a dying friend; playing with Romanian orphans, dirty and impoverished, but who were in awe when I shared a photo I had taken of them….I had tears of amazement at the sheer joy they were experiencing over seeing their own image for the first time! I’ve bawled watching my kids accomplishments, or had completely wet cheeks when doubled
over with laughter (or pain), as I become red-faced and bleary. Once, at 3 a.m. in college, I walked in on a boyfriend having sex with someone else, and rain home in the rain, sobbing all the way. I cried after I met a murderer on death row, and I cried when he was executed. I cried for all the innocent people who died at the hands of Cho, and I cried for Cho’s mother. These tears have always changed me: they cleanse my soul, they release my anguish, and they bond me with others who are at loss. Mostly, though, I’ve learned, tears are ok and deserve a helluva lot more credit and respect.
And that’s what these songs are for me. Moments in my life where I have cried, and, as you listen to the record, moments where I cry again, reliving what I have chosen to share. As an artist, I wanted to go someplace scary, to push myself physically, to let go and expose myself as a vulnerable woman, trying to figure out the past, the present, the future. It’s been a life I love, but, like you, I’ve had some painful, hard times, and I wanted to let you know—- you are not alone. Maybe through these songs, you can cry, too.
But these songs needed atmosphere. They needed understanding. Approaching…
(I’m stopping here…there are about eight more paragraphs in the booklet…)
Here’s what the songs, or “tiny movies” as I call them, are about:
LOVE.
BETRAYAL.
REALITY.
SEX.
JOHN LENNON.
INFIDELITY.
CHANCE.
MURDER.
FIRST LOVE. WITH ANOTHER WOMAN, AT THAT.
SUICIDE.
FAMILY DYNAMICS.
BODY IMAGE.
AUTISM.
PRISON.
A HERO.
GRATITUDE.
Thanks for reading this far.
To order, just send $50 to:
Sara Hickman AOB
3005 S. Lamar D-109 #412
Austin, TX 78704
Or, if you want to order 5, you’ll also get 5 hand signed 8 x 10 photos. So you’d send $250.
Or, if you want to order 100, you’d send $5000, I’ll send the cds with handmade art, 100 hand signed photos to the people of your choice, and I’ll come do a house concert at your house.
Keeping the faith, making the music, and finding creative ways to bring it all to fruition,
Sara
posted by Sara Hickman at 11:44 am
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Please vote NO in the CNN poll on death penalty support
March 24, 2010
Please mobilize your networks to generate NO votes in the poll at http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/larry.king.live/?hpt=tv
We need to keep that momentum up prior to and beyond the 9pm EDT live broadcast of the Larry King Show.
ALSO, positive comments are needed in response to the article at http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/24/texas.execution/index.html?hpt=T1
Thank you.
Abe
Abraham J. Bonowitz
Director of Affiliate Support
National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
1705 DeSales St., NW Fifth Floor
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.NCADP.org
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
202-331-4090 - Office
202-331-4099 - Fax
561-371-5204 - Mobile
NCADP is proud to be making an impact online!
Visit us at The Huffington Post
Read our blog for the latest death penalty news!
Join NCADP on Facebook
Sign up for Twitter updates from NCADP
posted by Sara Hickman at 07:39 pm
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Jupiter Index Interview, September 2009
March 18, 2010
Who exactly is Sara Hickman? Call her what you wish, whether a humanitarian, a savvy businesswoman, a renowned songwriter, a loving mother, or an indie-music darling, Sara Hickman is undeniably one of the busiest women in music today.
At the age of 7, this Texas native was already writing and playing her own music. With the release of 14 albums under her belt, including three children’s albums, Hickman has gained a loyal and solid fan base throughout her twenty-year music career. Her music has touched on many subjects such as love, war, and motherhood.
Hickman has appeared and performed numerous times on national television, has had many successful tours, and has gained many musical accolades such as being given the 2008’s Performing Songwriter Magazine Award, and being named as the Texas State Musician for 2010. Since the release of her latest album, Songs to Love By, she has been traveling nationwide to support and promote it. Jupiter Index had the pleasure of catching up with Sara Hickman. This is what she had to say….
What are your musical projects in the coming year?
I am working on FAMILY TIME ROCKS!, a collection of songs, stories, and family gathered ideas (in varying languages) that I hope to have placed in 1 million children's backpacks for Fall 2010. My feeling is that families that create together, do great together! And with the slash in funding for arts programs across Texas' schools, I want to give families ideas, music and a starting place to sit down and be creative together. My friend and co-hort, Jason Molin, is co-creator on this venture, and he's absolutely amazing. I'm blessed to know and work with him! Now, we just have to find the funding...and I have faith we will! (To pay for the replication of 1 million CDs....)
I'm also working on a CD called I, a collection of my songs performed by other Texas' musicians, including Asleep at the Wheel, Marcia Ball, Betty Soo, Rhett Miller (Old 97s), Patrice Pike, Brave Combo, LZ Love, Matt the Electrician, Gretchen Phillips (2 Nice Girls), Abra Moore, Carolyn Wonderland, Ruthie Foster, Guy Forsythe, Alejandro Escovedo, David Garza, Trish Murphy... and many others. I plan to sell this CD to raise funding and awareness for two non-profits, Theatre Action Project (T.A.P., here in Austin) and Big Thought, up in Dallas. They both take music/art/theatre into schools and fill the gap for giving kids creative outlets.
I'm starting on a new CD with Mark Addison producing (of new original Sara songs)...
Working on my first animated DVD (of songs from my children's CD, NEWBORN) with the amazing animation house, Shiny Object (Austin, TX)...
...and finishing up a documentary on the death penalty in Texas, and my journey across Texas to start a dialogue about it....
Lastly, I'll be returning for Valentine's Day to sing with the Dallas Wind Symphony, a big swing band in which I sing 40's classics while people dance the night away. It's a total blast...and I dress the part. Think Rosemary Clooney meets Carly Simon!
...And I'm a mom/wife, so let's not forget family time...cuz it rocks!
How has your music and singing changed over the years?
I would say I am much more confident. Actually, I started out confidently, at 7, and then went through my awkward teen years, unsure twenties, grew in my thirties, and I'm liking my 40s very much. I have a love and passion on the guitar, and it shines through when I play. I think I don't worry as much about hitting bad vocal notes (I used to beat myself up over those)...now, my goal is: am I delivering my ultimate to the audience? Am I enjoying myself, too? Am I taking people on a journey? How long can I stay up here before they ask me to get off the stage? Ha ha!
What would you say have been your top ten memories in music?
1) Becoming Official State Musician of Texas for May 2010-2011. I hope to represent Texas to the best of my ability, and raise awareness of the arts.
2) Singing with my two daughters, whether in the car, or at home, or out on a walk. They are amazing singers, with broad imaginations, incredible voices and quite comical, too. Passing on the music gene BLOWS MY MIND, and it has expanded in them beyond what I could ever hope for myself, even though they are only 13 and 9. I am a huge believer that exposure to music/art right after birth and as a child grows is crucial and gives children vast opportunities to express themselves in astounding ways. Definitely a top ten memory in all areas!
3) Anytime I've gotten to record with my dear friend/fellow producer/engineer, Marty Lester. I believe we've worked on every single album of mine except one. We work together so fast and smart and have such a blast. I can't express how awesome it is to have a musical partnership with someone who can also engineer, play drums, write music, come up with bass lines and crazy, musical ideas. And we have been working together since 1990, so...a big thank you to Marty!
4) Getting the phone call the day I was signed to Elektra. I couldn't believe it. It was one of the happiest, and most surreal, moments in my life.
5) Jamming with the nine-piece band at Austin City Limits in 2007 to celebrate my CD, Motherlode. The musicianship was beyond solid and a total blast! (David Grissom, Paul Pearcy, Glenn Fukunaga, Eddy Hobizal, Carlos Sosa and his horn section, Kristin DeWitt and Lorrie Singer on backing vocals....wow.)
6) Performing on stage in NYC with the Sugarcubes, Psychadelic Furs, El Vez and Lena Lovich for the Rock Against Fur! concert at the Palladium. One of the funniest times EVER on stage.
7) Singing with Billy Bragg and Chryssie Hynde in London for a New Year's gig.
8) Holding my boyfriend, E, in 1995, slow dancing as we listened to the (then) unreleased version of "Shadowboxing," and having his tears on my shoulder. I will never forget that moment as long as I live.
9) Singing on the same mic with John Prine as his guest on "Angel from Montegomery." Holy smokes, he's h-o-t! Artistically, of course!
10) Being in Domestic Science Club. It is too bad it eventually imploded because 1) Robin Macy is a genius on so many levels, and singing 2) with Patty and Robin was perfect music, when we were in the zone. Our two CDs should be considered classics, if I do say so myself.
With all the music being performed now, who would be your top ten list of artists?
Billy Jonas (my absolute favorite and a huge inspiration on how the mind can reach creatively all the way past itself-pop/funk/folk),
Rachel Loy (pop),
Livvy Bennett (Aftermath, Super Pal Universe--she's a teen multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter/journalist),
Sarah Silverman (I realize she's famous, but I don't think people, truly, recognize her musical talents, which always crack me up but have plenty of great melody/beats),
Betty Soo (folk),
Matt the Electrician (folky pop fun),
Conspirare (chorale),
Doug Snyder (children's pop; also has the band the Jelly Dots),
Gretchen Phillips (formerly of 2 Nice Girls---pop genius a la David Byrne),
The Dodos (pop)
Which top ten CDs would you most want with you on an island?
I'd rather have my favorite live musician friends/co-creators with me, so we could jam like silly:
Billy Jonas (percussion/vocals),
David Batteau (vocals/guitar/writer),
Brian Hartig and Chris Searles (drums),
Steve Zirkel (trumpet/keys/bass),
Tony Levin (bass),
Danny Levin (multi-instrumentalist/writer),
Rachel Loy (vocals/bass/writer),
Bob Thompson (piano),
Eddy Hobizal (keys),
Kenny White (multi-instrumentalist/writer/singer),
Robin Macy (singer/guitarist/writer),
Sammy Nestico (arranger/composer),
Javier Chaparro (violin);
Andy Timmons, Sam Swank, Bradley Kopp & Jennifer Batten (electric guitars),
Ruthie Foster (vocals/writer/guitar);
my best friend, Kevin Howard, and the dudes from DadLabs (for comedic relief);
Kristin DeWitt, Lorrie Singer (singers) and Rain Perry (vocals/writer). I could go on cuz I know I'm forgetting some very dear friends, but you get the picture!
(If I had to have a CD, though, I'd definitely take Ben Folds Has Been, his collaboration with William Shatner. It's amazing, hilarious and touching.)
What have been the ten best concerts you have seen?
1) Peter Gabriel---Cullen Auditorium, Houston/I never saw anyone start out a concert, flat on their back, and raise one hand, one finger curling, and the power to raise an entire audience to their feet, mesmerized, by such one, small action. Incredible power, beauty and music.
2) Jane Siberry---Cactus Cafe, Austin/she is so original, so ethereal, enchanting and highly intelligent. Her lyrics are paintings, and her music is savvy. This show was perfect in every way, from her pre-recorded music to her playing a simple electric guitar. She goes to 11 in my book.
3) John Denver---when I was about 8/The Summit, Houston/I had never been to a concert where the entire audience sang along on every word of every song. It was such a loving tribute to a very loved human being.
4) Jeff Buckley---Electric Lounge, Austin, TX/a completely humbling, gorgeous, effervescent performance. Everyone sat on the floor, hearts wide open, and Jeff sang so quietly on the mic, we were all leaning forward to be with him in the moment. Even his band played softly to support him. Enthralling magic.
5) Billy Bragg---Martin Luther King Center, outdoor stage, Atlanta, GA/the raw, sheer force of Billy's complete commitment to music, it's message, and connecting in the moment is always earth-shattering, and his lack of worry about how long he rambles between songs empowers me further, every time, to be more of myself. He can put politics to music and make it seem like the most natural pop song you ever heard.
6) Queen---The Summit, Houston/I had never seen a laser light show, and Freddie Mercury was the consummate entertainer.
7) Carol Burnett---Bass Hall, Austin/I know, you're saying, "Hey, wait---she's not a musician!" But she's got such a fast mind, a caring soul, and she's not only genuinely hilarious, she's genuine.
8) Ben Folds---Austin City Limits, Austin/Because he's Ben Folds and he engages the audience.
9) Flaming Lips---OMG. Austin City Limits, Austin/I want to be them someday. Extraordinary thought processes captured into music, visual joy and crazy output that makes my mouth water.
10) Neil Finn---La Zona Rosa, Austin/my second date with my husband. Neil blows my mind with his melodic sensibilities. Every song feels like it was in your head and he captured it succinctly; just gorgeous music.
Would you like to add anything else about your music?
I write all the time. I just can't keep up with recording, nor learning/memorizing everything, nor afford to record what I've created. I'm trying to figure out new ways to share my expression and make a living at the same time. And I'd like to say, "Thank you," to all the people who have stood by me throughout my career and shared their time, thoughts and allegiance. I don't think I could ask for better friends and appreciators because it's an exciting but, sometimes, rough road. I feel blessed, and thank you, Jupiter Index, for supporting me and my music so many times. Amen.
posted by Sara Hickman at 06:18 pm
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Why I Love the Cactus Cafe and Will Continue to Speak out on it’s behalf
March 01, 2010
SARA HICKMAN: What the Cactus Cafe Means To Me
For me as a performer, the "memory makers", besides the people and the travel,
are the remembrances of a stage: the ambience, the quality of the sound, the people who are
in charge of a venue I've been asked to play.
The rare thing about the Cactus Cafe is that, among owning those fine qualities,
it also has history, and it has longevity. To perform on a legendary stage that has
hosted songwriting legends---from blues to folk to pop and instrumental---is becoming harder
and harder to find in a world that wants new, fast, convenient. Cactus Cafe is about risk,
about depth, about opportunity (for the listener and the performer) and about culture.
It will be there long after students graduate, long after many of we performers pass on.
There is a beauty to that that must convince others to keep the doors open.
And let's not forget Griff, Chris and Susan...people who have dedicated half their LIVES,
their hearts, to keeping what makes the Cactus unique and special. This is an added
blessing to what keeps Cactus a venue I enjoy---knowing the faces who have become
an integral part of the Cactus itself, people I have grown to consider friends, consider family.
So, for me, Cactus Cafe is always about returning home. It represents the essence of a city that
prides itself on community, culture, music and nature. I will always feel a pinch of nervousness
mingled with enthusiasm when I have an impending Cactus show---it's a sacred space,
a place to share my songs, my words, my thoughts, my SELF. To clarify, I feel like I'm returning home
on that stage because the sound is crafted to allow me to be heard---much like a smaller
version of Carnegie Hall, that same buttery ease of delivery---and I know the audience is
diverse, it's eager, it's ready to absorb and reflect on what I want to share. The audience
represents a microcosm of the world beyond...
To take away an historic part of what is Austin would be to throw the baby out with the
bathwater. There is no other place in Austin where the eclectic, esteemed performers (Jane
Siberry, Mike Doughty, Alejandro Escovedo, Robert Earl Keen) can mix with the up and coming (Betty Soo,
Ruthie Foster, Emily Elbert) and create an environment of interesting sound. There is, I repeat,
no other home in Austin for this one-of-a-kind mystical moments of song.
We've lost Armadillo Headquarters, Chicago House, Liberty Lunch and Electric Lounge.
And, now, should someone be foolish enough to sign off on closing the Cactus, they
will have the eternal stain of removing the most precious of jewels that UT has maintained,
and maintained because the Cactus brings together the community, the students, the staff while
providing an oasis for those thirsty to see a myriad of amazing talent in an intimate,
quality listening room.
posted by Sara Hickman at 03:29 pm
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Play on March 6, “Earnest” 2-4 pm
Saturday, March 6, 2-4 pm
"Earnest," a reading of a play by Joe Morris Doss and Andrew Doss (Joe Doss is the retired Episcopal Bishop of New Jersey. He was involved in the case of Earnest Knighton Jr, executed by Louisiana in 1984. The play deals with the relationships Earnest built with his legal defense team and spiritual advisors in the months leading up to his death.)
Carver Library, Meeting Room 2; 1161 Angelina, Austin, TX 78702
Map:
http://www.austinlibrary.com/apllocations.cfm?acronym=acb
posted by Sara Hickman at 02:10 pm
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