EJ Vickers

I started learning guitar at 3.  My dad taught me four chords and let me run with it. I had put it down for a few years out of frustration, but I came back to it at about 6 and never quit. We had an old table down by our hay barn that my brother and I would get up on and act like we were having our own concerts for our parents. We always called it the stage and thought we were superstars. When I was 8 my dad had my brother and I get on stage with him for the first time.  We were at the canaan fall festival, my dad had played it for years so it was such a special moment for everyone.  

My dad is really what got me into music.  I grew up watching him play and it was a life most kids never get. I got to see my dad be a superstar my entire life, even to this day I get to do shows with my dad.  He has always been my favorite voice to hear and I love the songs he writes.  He has so many great songs, as an unbiased artist, I really think my dad was and still is one of the most deserving artists to live.  

I played basketball, baseball, and soccer at South Ripley High School.  I loved all 3 so much I was a forward in basketball, a pitcher and first baseman in baseball, and a defensive mid in soccer.  It taught me a lot of things I live by to this day.  I grew mentally and physically as an athlete, all of the mental growth with learning how to tough things out and my work ethic have all helped me in life tremendously. 

My family is my pride and joy, I love each of them for who they are.  I grew up in a little town called Cross Plains on a farm. We have horses, cows, coon dogs, and cats.  We grew up fishing, hunting, and throwing square bales.  I have a beautiful mother, a strong leading father, and a tough twin brother. I also have a very special grandmother.I spent summers with her at a time.  She spoiled me most of my life with food and stories and memories I will never forget.  She was always there for me and still is!  She is such a hard , workin

g independent woman.  My Mom was my best friend for most of my life.  She was at every game and always supported me in everything. She is one of the strongest and smartest women I have ever had the privilege of knowing.  I love her with everything in me.  My dad has filled every role, from father, to provider, to best friend, to even like a brother when needed.  He has helped me so much with music in my life.  His dad was also an amazing musician and preacher.  He loved Gospel and Country.  I unfortunately never got to meet him but from what I know he was an amazing person along with his beautiful wife.  My nana was truly a saint and loved me and everyone so dearly.  She was truly one of a kind and she supported me so much!   My brother has become one of my best friends. We were not very close growing up but we had grown and bonded, I would not trade him for the world.  He is a super hard working and caring person.  We grew up fishing and hunting together.  I am so thankful for each of these people and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.  

Songwriting to me was always healing, but it was also the way to capture a memory forever.  It's about what you want to say, then saying it in a way where people can relate to something in their life and know they aren't alone.  I don't think there is a wrong way to write a song as long as it means something to you.

I first got on stage when I was 8 with my dad.  I continued to play shows with him until I was ready to try my own show.  Over the years I’ve played so much with my dad and it is something so surreal to get to experience.  I grew to perform and not just play shows.  My dad had always taught me to perform the songs as naturally as it comes, to let people see the real emotions you perceive.