Keep Musicians like Nicole Quinn Healthy, Thriving, and Releasing New Music!
Nicole began performing music at 14 years old when she was able to buy a used guitar from a neighbor and taught herself to play from a Jewel music book, her passion to pursue music as a career took off from there. But her journey was abruptly challenged by setback after setback.
The music scene in Central Texas is home to immensely talented and passionate local musicians that makes Austin the incredible and vibrant community we all know and love.
However, behind the melodies and performances lies the stark reality that many of our beloved musicians struggle to access the healthcare they desperately need to continue to perform and thrive. For musician Nicole Quinn, that can mean spending decades suffering from a misdiagnosis and untreated health issues that derailed not only her career, but her life.
In second grade Nicole was in a car accident that seemingly left her uninjured. Years later however she began to experience debilitating dizziness that often left her unable to get out of bed. She was diagnosed with PTSD and spent decades battling symptoms that only worsened.
Undeterred, Nicole continued her pursuit of music but suffered mounting health issues. A ruptured appendix, four pulmonary embolisms and a heart attack all while uninsured left Nicole struggling to regain her health and unsure of where to turn. Then Nicole found HAAM.
“When I found HAAM I was saddled with a Lamborghini’s worth of medical debt. When you don’t have insurance, you neglect even things that seem life threatening. HAAM’s support helped me get my life back.”
HAAM helped Nicole address her medical debt and enrolled her in health insurance, a life-changing impact, allowing her to receive treatment for ongoing serious and basic health needs. HAAM even helped Nicole finally solve the issue of her decades long PTSD misdiagnosis. After taking part in HAAM’s hear clinic run by long time partner Estes Audiology, Nicole learned that her perfect pitch had masked years of hearing loss. More importantly, her audiologist became the first healthcare professional to identify that damage to Nicole’s inner ear was causing her dizzy spells. After a follow up with an ENT, Nicole was finally able to establish the correct treatment. With her health, career, and sense of purpose finally restored, this May, Nicole is releasing her first full album. A testament to her resilience and the power of HAAM’s support.
“Music is where I find my identity, and where I find healing. With HAAM I know I’m not alone. I’m part of something bigger. Everything we love about music HAAM supports.”
HAAM provides access to affordable healthcare for over 3,100 musicians every year. Stories like Nicole’s are a reminder of why what we do is so important, and why your support is so critical. HAAM continues to stand as a beacon of hope for musicians facing healthcare disparities. Our comprehensive approach ensures musicians have access to medical, dental, vision, mental health, and hearing care. In a city known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," it's essential that those who enrich our lives with their music can also maintain their own well-being.
Nicole has just released a new EP, “SAD G!RL F.M.” on Retsuo Records, produced by HAAM member Timothy "Guilla" Russell! Listen below and download the digital album for 8 bucks! Nicole Quinn's voice brings a clear brightness to an alternative feel that spans many genres and timelines that is reminiscent of a time that every song was a story waiting to be unraveled.
“SAD G!RL F.M.
Performed by Nicole Quinn | Song Lyrics Written by Nicole Quinn x Timothy "Guilla" Russell | Produced by Timothy "Guilla" Russell
Guitar Written and performed by Nicole Quinn | Additional Live bass & Guitar written and performed by Jason Allen
Retsuo Records | Released June 25, 2024 | © All rights reserved