What is Unconditional, and how did it come to be?
Unconditional (Make No Bones) is a 9-song album dedicated to my father, William H. Hicks. This record reflects the dynamics of coming to age with a father who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. I worked closely and honestly with my producer and musicians to ensure this record reflected this personal journey from childhood to adulthood.
This includes an artist who worked with me on the cover art. In a moment of bravery, I opened up about my experience with my father. I told her everything and her response changed my life. She said: “That sounds like it was hard. I’m sorry. But I’m in tears because you have no idea…MY father was diagnosed when I was a kid and I thought I was completely alone until just now.”
Suddenly, I realized the power of “talking about it.” At that moment, this project became so much more than personal therapy. It was a way to connect with others who had a shared experience, a way to show others it’s okay to not be okay, and most of all to show others (and myself) that we are not alone in our suffering.
Unconditional started as a therapeutic project for myself, but now it offers community among those of us who have lived with and alongside dementia.
Who initially inspired you to grapple with dementia?
When we share our heavy feelings–the ones that weigh too much on our shoulders–we find friends and family who are happy to share the load. I know that now.
My survival instinct during my father’s illness was to convince myself and others that I was fine. I was very convincing, even to myself. But as life went on, I could see more and more of what was unresolved.
We all found ways to survive during the hard times, but 10 years after he died I saw that we were still surviving. So I suggested family therapy. That was the first time I heard about the personal experiences of my mom and brother. That was the first time I had talked and listened to their perspectives of the experiences we had together. That’s when I knew we had something to share.
How has working on dementia-related art changed you?
Working on dementia has completely changed my outlook on my art. Art and music are powerful tools that have direct contact with the subconscious.
In my career, I’ve had the opportunity to play music for dementia patients, including my father. The results are astounding. I’ve seen patients go from completely unresponsive to tapping and singing along as soon as the music starts. The joy on their faces from hearing an old tune is enough to keep me happy forever. I’ve taken these experiences back with me into my writing and performing.
I see the powerful effect music has on our well-being and consciousness.
How has Unconditional been received?
The reception to this project has been overwhelming. As I exposed my heart and soul to the world, it was greeted with love and understanding. Many people have been deeply sympathetic. Others have found the album to be a signal of safety and found it to be a safe space to share their experiences. The words and phrases others have used to describe this album are “healing,” “cathartic,” and “thank you for making me feel like I’m not alone.”
This work is dedicated to: My father, William H. Hicks, my mother, brother, and extended family.
The artists who contributed to this work include:
- Producer & Engineer – Michael Rosen
- Assistant Engineer – Dakare Dixon-Essen
- Keys – Nick O’Connor
- Electric Guitar – Sam Kane
- Drums – Ryan Scott Long
- Guitar – James Deprato
- Keys & Bass – Jerry Becker
- Drums – Jim Bogios
- Upright Bass – Chuck Humfrey
- Keys & Bass – Will Dias
- Drums – Miles Elze
- Bass – Sean Spangenberg
- Bass – Vicki Randle
- Drums – Michael Urbano
- Organ – Phil Bennet
- Vocals – Camellia Boutros
Find more from Austin Hicks and Make No Bones on YouTube, Instagram, and Bandcamp.
