Small World: Batesville native gets Aurora surprise on her debut album

Emily Hicks, Kristin Weber to appear on same Nashville album

(NASHVILLE, TN.) – Batesville native Emily Hicks is preparing to release her debut album in September. 

She is a folk-pop singer/songwriter who now resides in Utah with her husband.

Hicks traveled to Nashville to write and record her debut album and thought everything was mostly finished when she returned to Salt Lake City. 

However, Emily and her producer later felt something was missing from a few of the songs.

They agreed to add strings to the album which was recorded by other musicians after Emily left Nashville.  

With the album approaching, Emily decided she would “tag” those instrumentalists on social media when she got a big surprise. One of those musicians was none other than Aurora native Kristin Weber! 

For those who have not heard of Weber, she has quite the resume as a violinist, fiddler and singer in Nashville. 

She has played with major acts including Dolly Parton., Eminem, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, The Beach Boys, Carrie Underwood, Evanescence, Eric Church and many more. 

Weber caught up with The 812 prior to her performance at the Grammy’s with Chris Stapleton a few years ago:

Hicks says she was speechless when she realized the local connection.

“I was ecstatic when I finally connected the dots that the string player on my album was THE Kristin Weber who grew up a few towns over from me in Southeastern Indiana," Emily said.

“Being raised a Hoosier is a huge part of my identity, so it feels like a little wink from the universe that another woman from Indiana was able to lend her talents to this project and leave her mark on it,” she added. 

Kristin appears on four songs on the album and Emily says Weber’s melodic string lines are some of favorite parts of the production. 

Emily’s debut album is called “Weird Wild Wonderful” and it draws inspiration from the diverse landscape of the western United States. Through the lyrical metaphors and soaring vocal lines, Hicks relays stories of unconditional love, letting go of the past, and navigating the growing pains of young adulthood.

The album is set to release on September 6 and you can hear one of the singles by clicking here. 

Want to learn more about Emily? Click this link.

Want to follow along with Kristin’s career? Click this link.