A multi-instrumentalist and classically trained pianist, Laura HIckli explored her break with religion in 2022’s five-song release Both Feet in the World, At Least I Can Stand after growing up in a strict Christian household where she was homeschooled and subject to a barrage of conspiracy theories. Both Feet, her sophomore release, transports the listener to a dreamlike state with baroque pop vocals and lush orchestration providing a mesmerizing backdrop to her lyrical explorations of the questions she began to ask about the fear-driven faith foisted upon her by her family.

It’s a dramatic shift from her other main musical gig with 36?, fronted by her partner Taylor Cochrane, an art pop ensemble that could be easily find a home on a David Lynch soundtrack. A member of the group since 2018, she adds guitar and piano to Cochrane’s songwriting. The EP length Both Feet was originally released as a wildly juxtaposed split release with Naturally, an EP by 36? on the other side.

For her own music, Hickli says she uses songwriting as a way to process trauma and the difficult things she’s gone through in her life. “It’s kind of like my go-to diary in a way.” A diary full of insights that, fortunately, she’s prepared to share with the world.

- Sean Myers