Larry Joe Taylor has gifted the world with many things but the friendship of Presley Haile, Nick Brumley and Race Ricketts is what we were most grateful for Saturday, November 18th. HiCo Hall was able to sit down with the trio to see how we got here and where they are looking to go next!
“I knew from his first round that he was going to win the whole thing,” previous showcase winner, Nick Brumley reflects on watching Race Ricketts’ performance at LJT’s Annual Songwriter Showcase in 2022.
While Presley and Race were friends before the competition, the relationship between these three talented artists planted its roots in a conversation at Melody Mountain Ranch’s T-Birds Garage Pub that started with, “So I hear you like Blaze Foley?”
“In retrospect, I feel like it happened pretty quick,” Race reflects. “We went from just enjoying each other’s songs to helping remodel floors and painting cabinets.”
The organic nature of their collaboration is a sacred element for Nick, who emphasizes, “We won’t allow each other to fail. Whether together or individually, we want to see each other succeed.” Their mutual respect and genuine friendship ensure that no matter the challenges that arise, they have the confidence to press forward.
Speaking of challenges, the biggest one to mention: the challenge of determining the capacity in which they wanted to perform together. “We all know individually what we’re doing and what the next steps are as solo artists,” Race admits. Yet, their collective love for music and each other talent propelled them to consider how they could turn this collaboration into a professional venture. “Now we can think about how can we make this a real deal.”
A real deal it has become. HiCo Hall was electric with excitement as fans eagerly anticipated the awe-inspiring performance. Preparing to take the stage together, the trio discuss the sense of appreciation they feel for their audience. “I love that people feel comfortable enough to talk to us, and that we’re able to engage with them to let them know, ‘Hey, we actually care about what you’re saying.'”
To HiCo Hall:
Presley, Nick and Race express a deep appreciation for the supportive community fostered by the Hall. Presley describes it as a family, highlighting the care and active involvement of the venue owners. “We love being able to make this a place where people want to be because we want to be here,” Race explains. “Wes, Jennifer and the entire team here have never once made us feel like we didn’t belong.”
“They care,” Nick affirms, emphasizing the sense of belonging and community that permeates the Hall.
Advise For Artists:
Presley encourages surrounding oneself with people who make you better, stating, “You should never be the best person in the room.” Their collaboration serves as a microcosm of the supportive environment they’ve found at the Hall, where everyone wants to see each other succeed.
To Hico:
THANK YOU! In closing, they celebrated the community support, abundance of great food, and evolution of Hico. “Y’all have really made this place a destination,” Race affirmed. These sentiments encapsulate the essence of their journey—a slow build of harmonies, friendship, and a shared love for success that binds them together.