It takes a true artist to honestly open their heart up in a vulnerable way, to create an emotional time capsule of sound that echoes of a time long gone, and then to offer that beautiful piece of art to the world to criticize or embrace. For Calgary, Canada’s multi-talented and highly praised Laura Hickli, walking such an honest path is second nature. Time and time again, this ambient folk/dark acoustic songstress releases music worth listening to. Armed with one of the most beautiful voices around, Laura Hickli is gaining a lot of positive attention for her unique brand of music.

Working with the award-winning director Doug Cook, Hickli evokes a true sense of compassion and deep introspection in the music video for her song “Midnight.” Within the opening moments of the song, you can tell that you are about to experience something both professional and profound. In what has become Hickli’s signature sound, the grand piano pairs beautifully alongside her smooth and haunting voice. The video itself captures the fragile emotions that we sometimes carry in secret and the strength found in those thoughts. Cook masterfully harnesses the solitary and dreamlike feel of the song, while Hickli pushes herself to the emotional edges of her own acting abilities. Channeling the beautiful creative force that exists between two professional artists focused on the same outcome, “Midnight” is a video you will want to share and watch over and over again.

The newest video released by the Laura Hickli camp is “Play Your Magic,” and much like “Midnight,” it’s an emotionally charged song that dares to bare it all. Originally written in high school (2010) for a love interest at the time, the song has finally gotten the proper attention it deserves: a re-recording of the track, and an accompanying video. Here, the song gains another level of depth, as Laura asked the love interest of the past, Richard Charter, to direct the video; I don’t need to tell you how dedicated an artist has to be to even consider that full-circle decision. Inspired by Charter’s particular style (8mm film clips with old school filters), Laura had no doubt that he was the only one to make this gorgeous video, and she was absolutely correct in her instincts. The video reenacts their high school friendship, and the song captures a beautiful nostalgic feeling. I have no doubt many will find themselves lost in their own thoughts while this song plays in the background.

Hickli has released many great songs over the years, songs that have been loved by many and have created a true bond between herself and her fans. Both “Midnight” and “Play Your Magic” are only two pieces of a very complicated and creative puzzle. The music alone is enough to capture the heart of the listener, but accompanied with a video that fully embraces the song’s meaning, the incredible power of art and how it can move us when shared is undeniable.

If you are a fan of new music that dares to open up the emotional mind, or a listener that cannot get enough of a beautiful voice, then look no further than Laura Hickli and her powerful songwriting skills.

Laura Hickli can be found on Facebook, YouTube, and SoundCloud.