Bill Hickman is an intense, lyrical singer/songwriter from Wellington, New Zealand. A long serving stalwart of New Zealand stages, Bill has played in bands (The Shot Band, Billy Bones, Parcel of Rogues and King Lazy) and as a soloist all over the country and further abroad.  A self described ‘folkie with a chip on his shoulder’ Bill’s songs run the gamut from murder and outlaws to absent friends, love and gratitude. With a strong, gravel dragged voice and country inflected acoustic guitar; fans of Warren Zevon, Johnny Cash and Townes van Zandt will find touchstones in his songwriting and selected covers.  But don’t be fooled into thinking this is a set of gentle melancholy, Bill  primary approach is ‘gutsy’.  He has done his time howling above the clamour and is always capable of stepping it up a notch when the occasion or story requires. On June 19th Bill will be backed by Dusty Burnell (The Frank Burkitt band: Mandolin, lap steel and guitars), Adam Crawford (Winsome Lost: Drums) and Tommy Joass (Bass). The four piece have been gigging together since the release of Bill’s album ‘Crossbones’ in May 2019 and are now colaborating to create the follow up recording scheduled for release in 2021.  

Rob Joass has been called a songwriter’s songwriter, a master wordsmith who wears his heart on his sleeve, prolifically turning out song after song about life – ups and downs, love and heartache, and the road to happiness and redemption.

“Accomplished…..powerfully beautiful….well focused songs…lived in voice” 

Graham Reid 

A troubadour at heart, Rob has spent the last 30 years touring New Zealand, releasing  14 albums with his bands Hobnail, Too Many Chiefs and The Shot Band along the way.  He has been a finalist at the NZ music awards 3 times (twice for best country song, once for best folk album) and has had songs covered by bands in New Zealand, Australia, Germany, the U.S. and  Canada.

Alan Norman (keys), Hamish Graham (drums) and Murray Costello (bass guitar) are the Small Mercies. While a relatively new line-up, these are hugely talented and experienced musicians who have all worked with Rob regularly over the years. 

“The band has the goods, with layers of sound and brilliant vocals to entertain the masses.” music.net.nz