There is something quirky about Ashley Hicklin's little world. Hidden in the cabin of an old sail-boat in Hamburg's harbour is a creative home somewhat fitting for such a distinctive voice. It's an enchanting setting that's certainly added a unique twist to his debut album Parrysland.
The roots of this nautical theme go deeper - He was raised on open-mic nights in his parents bar on the North-East Coast of England, and first picked up the guitar, piano and drums in his early teens. After roc...
There is something quirky about Ashley Hicklin's little world. Hidden in the cabin of an old sail-boat in Hamburg's harbour is a creative home somewhat fitting for such a distinctive voice. It's an enchanting setting that's certainly added a unique twist to his debut album Parrysland.
The roots of this nautical theme go deeper - He was raised on open-mic nights in his parents bar on the North-East Coast of England, and first picked up the guitar, piano and drums in his early teens. After rocking-out in punk and brit-pop bands, he then turned to classical music, going on to compose works for World-renowned ensembles such as London Sinfonietta. Concerts at the Royal Albert Hall were followed by many months touring up and down the UK as a Folk-Pop singer-songwriter ("in the most orange camper van known to man").
He swiftly made a name for himself as the Bright Young Thing from the North, and the BBC soon invited him into their TV studios. The live video broadcast created an immediate buzz in the music industry, and among those who approached him was Peter Ende, the CEO of EMI Publishing Europe. In less than a year after signing, Ashley had written his first number one single for Swedish Idol's Johan Palm, Belgium's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest (another number one single) and a host of other chart hits for major artists across Europe (working with the teams behind Skunk Anansie, Leona Lewis, James Morrison, Marit Larsen, Amy Winehouse, Sugababes, etc. - "basically a lot of cool cats"). It's hard to believe that hes still only 24 years young.
Whilst writing in Germany for other artists, Ashley was introduced to acclaimed producer Franz Plasa (Echt, Selig). They immediately clicked and started to record the foundations of Parrysland. A record deal with Ferryhouse Productions and Warner Music followed suit, and Ashley relocated to Hamburg to work closely with his ever-growing team. A series of gigs and media showcases ensued, from intimate solo concerts to full nine-piece band affairs featuring his raucous string quartet. The debut single Eskimos To Astronauts is due for digital release 4th June 2010 - the album will hit stores Autumn 2010.
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