HOMETOWN: Austin, TX

GENRES: Rock/Alternative/Praise and Worship

MEMBERS: Joshua Hickman

BIO: Joshua Hickman was born in Austin, Texas on March 15, 1985, and was raised in nearby Bastrop, where he lives today. He began attending church with his family toward the end of 2000, and by February of the following year, he had given his life to Christ and was filled with the Holy Spirit. This was obviously a critical experience for Josh at the age of 15; things began to transform, including his passion for the Lord and his use of the talent given to him.

Since then, Josh has developed a heart for God and a desire to worship Him through song, as he picked up the guitar in 2000. He began writing songs in 2002, all of which he believes are true outpourings of God’s word. Josh “won’t go anywhere without the Lord”- because his music is from the Lord, he desires to give it all completely back to Him.

Joshua has a calling in his life to be in full-time music ministry, to minister through music to the nations, and to lead youth to Christ. He has been playing in various church praise teams over the past few years, and is truly excited about the doors that God is beginning to open for him regarding his music. Josh wants nothing more than for others to experience God’s life-changing presence, and to allow the Lord to move in powerful ways.

Inspiration comes from many different places for Josh, but the most prevailing comes from intense worship experiences, scripture, and times of high emotion. In fact, all of his songs are born from these passionate moments with the Lord. His musical inspirations include anointed artists Matt Redman, Jason Upton, and Paul Baloche. Josh wouldn’t be where he is today musically or spiritually without the guidance and encouragement of those closest to him, who have further inspired him to continue his musical journey. He would especially like to recognize his parents, former worship leader Mark Reece, his brother Jonathon Hickman, and the New Life in Christ praise team for their constant support and mentoring.

Joshua is currently working on his first album and is excited about what God will do with the first recording. Joshua Hickman will be releasing his first EP by January 2007.

Josh’s passions in life include spending time with the Lord, worshipping Him with others, and simply hanging out with his friends. He grew up listening to the Beatles, Radiohead, classic rock, and all types of metal. However, since his salvation his favorite bands and artists include Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Charlie Hall, Shawn McDonald, and Third Day.