One of my favorite parts of running Greetings From the Garden State is bringing in artists who are in it for the right reasons. That was exactly the case when the band Hickory stopped by the Radio Garden State studio for an episode that turned into one of the most down-to-earth, real conversations I’ve had on the show.
Hickory is a folk rock band made up of longtime friends and collaborators who have been playing in and around the New Jersey music scene for years—mostly in cover bands. Less than a year ago, they decided to shift gears and start creating their own music. And it’s working.
Their debut album, Postcard Picture Show, dropped this past December, and they’re already on track to release a second album this September. For a group of guys juggling day jobs, families, and other projects, the amount of creative output they’ve managed to put together in a short time is impressive. The songs pull from a range of influences—folk, Americana, blues, and rock—and it’s clear that each member brings their own flavor to the process.
We spent a lot of time talking about what it means to be an original band in New Jersey right now. As anyone in the local scene knows, it’s not always easy. Venues lean heavily toward cover bands, and there’s more money in playing familiar tunes. But Hickory is finding ways to break through, especially with the rise of breweries, record stores, and smaller venues that are more open to showcasing original music.
There’s something refreshing about their mindset. There’s no rush, no ego—just a clear love for making music that’s theirs. They’re not chasing trends or trying to fit into a single genre. They’re writing songs that mean something to them and putting in the work to get them out into the world.
They’ve already played some great local spots—like Cricket Hill Brewery and the Stanhope House—and have more shows lined up this spring and summer, including dates in Connecticut and Maryland. They’re even pressing vinyl and building a catalog that’s growing faster than they expected.
If you’ve been craving original music that feels honest, well-crafted, and rooted in real connection, Hickory is absolutely worth checking out. These guys aren’t trying to be the next big thing—they’re just making great music, and that’s what makes them stand out.
You can catch the full episode now wherever you listen to podcasts, and I’d recommend giving Postcard Picture Show a spin if you haven’t already. New Jersey’s indie music scene is alive and well—and Hickory’s a big reason why.
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Learn more about Hickory: hickoryband.com
Follow them on Instagram: @hickory_music
Check out the Radio Garden State: Unplugged sessions Hickory performed for us:
Mike Ham is the voice behind the popular podcast, "Greetings From the Garden State". Traveling up and down New Jersey, Mike brings his listeners the stories of the people and places shaping the Garden State. Not only is he a Jersey diehard, he is also a respected member of the podcast community and has spoken at several podcasting conferences. As he continues to amplify the voices of New Jersey, Mike Ham remains a passionate advocate for the diverse narratives woven into the fabric of the Garden State.