Taylor Hicks: The latest from Hollywood
By Wade KwonBirmingham’s Taylor Hicks took time today to talk with reporters via teleconference from Hollywood during the final week of “American Idol.” His competitor, Katharine McPhee, spoke earlier to the media. A few highlights:
• The next album
I would like it to be a really good representation of who I am as an artist. There’s gonna be some things I want to do creatively that I’ve never been able to get to do before “American Idol.” Possibly a little bit cutting edge — there are some things in my mind that would be cutting-edge music.
I just want really good songs. If I can feel it, it doesn’t matter if I wrote it or somebody else.
There’s a couple of albums that I’ve done before “American Idol” that I’m very proud of. I would like to re-release on a bigger scale, possibly re-record.
• Moving away from Birmingham?
My home has been the road since even before “American Idol.” My Birmingham apartment has been nice to come home to, but I’ve been there only a few days before hitting the road.
I’ll probably live on my tour bus. I might have some little lake place where I can sit on the porch and stare at a tree and some water, but as far as what I’ve always wanted to do, I’ve always wanted to be on a bus.
As a struggling musician, I would be traveling and see buses in Alabama going to their next destination, and I would always dream of being on one. And now I have the opportunity.
• The hidden harmonica
It’s a singing competition. That’s what I was told (by producers), so I pulled a sneak harmonica attack during Hollywood week. They had no idea I was going to do it.
There might be a harmonica solo or two in the finale.
Yeah, I keep it around (for luck). It’s kinda my instrument of choice. (Hicks also plays guitar.) Sometimes, when I’m moving around onstage a lot, I don’t have it on me because it kinda hurts because it’s in your pocket.
• His dream woman
Funny, entertaining, obviously easy on the eyes and can cook turnip greens.
• Craziest come-on since competing on “Idol”
I got a couple of pictures of two sisters, and they had “Soul Patrol” tattooed and my autograph on their neck.
• On his competitor, Katharine McPhee
She’s had some great moments on the show. It’s just so cool to see somebody that talented and just to be able to watch them. I’m a fan.
We’re great friends. She’s a very talented girl. I wish the best for her, and I can’t wait to hear her album.
• On this week’s close vote
Yeah, that was a very close race, and it’s going to be a very close race to the finish line.
• What were you doing this time last year?
Probably still sleeping from performing at the Mullet Toss (at Gulf Shores).
I’ve tossed a few mullet in my time, and I’ve performed (at the festival).
• His future with his band, the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra
They’re extremely excited for me. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. They’re extremely talented, and I really had a good time playing with them when I went back home (last week).
• Is it the singing or the dancing?
I just hope I’m winning people over with music that I’m making. This is a singing contest, but people want to see you live. Luckily I’ve been able to work in a live arena before.
• Dance fever
Connecting with the lyrics and melody of the music, and really feeling each song, you want to try to live the song as much as possible. If you really get into a song, then people will be able to feel what you’re talking about.
• Marketing his music
I’m worried about my fans and the people who like me as opposed to what’s mainstream. I’m going to be a musician and a soul singer for the rest of my life. In this business, I’ve been denied many times. Mainstream music is a very interesting beast, and if I play a part in that in the next year or so, then fine. But if I don’t, somebody will be seeing me being funky somewhere.
• Nervous or relaxed onstage?
I am at ease. I enjoy making people smile.
• What is it about Birmingham and “Idol” contestants?
People play music in Birmingham, and they have work. And work makes you better as a musician and an entertainer.
• Preaching soul
I believe in the soul of music. And it can be rap, hip-hop, it could be anything but as long as it can translate a feeling, that’s where I come from in music.
When I first heard Ray Charles at 12 years old, my vision as an artist has been to try to inject more feeling and soul and depth into my music and touch the lives of others with the same kind of idea.
• Soul Patrol shout-out
They’re just a great bunch of fans. (The name) kinda fit from the beginning. I’m looking forward to cool ideas for the Soul Patrol post-“American Idol” tour.
• How “Idol” changed his life
I was at a crossroads of music (before “Idol”), whether I was going to work at a local bank or keep playing in clubs. Luckily, this opportunity arose.
• • •
Read more on Taylor Hicks.
Friday, May 19, 2006, 5:12 pm
Thank you for this awesome awesome article! I have been dying to hear an interview like this with Taylor. I love hearing how he thinks and what he cares about, and what his plans are. He loves music and it’s obvious. I can’t wait to see him in concert.
Friday, May 19, 2006, 5:34 pm
Taylor has brought so much joy and happiness into my life. He makes me smile. I just watch his videos everyday. I can’t get enough of him. There are millions just like me. I will buy every bit of music he puts out there and I will go to his concerts. I love the same artist he loves. He has touched my very soul with his personality, performances, humbleness, kindness, singing, presence on stage, and his sexy sweet fun-loving voice. He is so unique and there has not been a soul around like him in a long time. He can make me laugh, cry, and thud with his performances. AMERICA WE HAVE A HOT ONE!!!!!!!! I so hope he wins because he has worked so hard to get this done. I told my daughter the night of the auditions that he was going to be the next american idol. I told her just wait and see. Each week she says, he will go this week, and I tell her just wait and see. Just wait and see………………………
Friday, May 19, 2006, 6:55 pm
I just wish right now that I lived in the USA. Taylor has changed my life for the better. He is a down to earth great guy and I will be forever thankful to him. Thanx Tay xxxx much love from Aly in UK xxxx
Friday, May 19, 2006, 7:26 pm
Taylor, you have made such a difference in my life. I have wanted to hear and see someone like you for years, and you are finally here. I have voted for you only since Las vegas audition. I lived in B’Ham for years and then moved to Florence, Al. I now live in Memphis Tn. I can’t wait for your CD to come out. I bought a new phone today and got text voting just to vote for you. You are well worth it. I hope you fulfill all your dreams and more. Joy Elwanta Hall Memphis Tn
Friday, May 19, 2006, 8:32 pm
What a beautiful article!
Dearest Taylor,you have fans all over the world,
for example me,a german girl,living in Peru!
Friday, May 19, 2006, 9:24 pm
To Taylor: Thanks to you I have re-discovered the kind of music I have always loved and have been missing. Thank you for introducing me to new artists such as Ray Lamontagne and Keb Mo. I have to say that your quote “I’m going to be a musician and a soul singer for the rest of my life” brought a tear to my eye and all I can say is THANK GOD! I will be buying everything you record (I am listening to UTR right now) and hope to have the awesome opportunity to see you sing (and dance) live. Please come to Vancouver, Canada on your bus – we will welcome you with open arms.
Congratulations and good luck in the finale and warm wishes for a happy and successful future. I’m so glad to know that we will always see you being funky somewhere.
Friday, May 19, 2006, 10:29 pm
God Bless this man! It’s been said before but let me say it again…he brings so much joy into the lives of his fans. There isn’t a day that goes by now where I don’t listen to his music and watch videos of his performances because, by doing so, I am guaranteed some spine-tingling chills and a lot of smiles.
He’s made us all fall in love again!
Friday, May 19, 2006, 11:22 pm
What a great article. Taylor so many people are in love with you and your music. You make me smile everytime I see and hear you sing. I feel like a 16 year old school girl again with my first crush. Not only are you drop dead gorgeous but an awesome singer and entertainer. Stay yourself Tay and don’t let anyone try to change you. You are already my American Idol!!!
Saturday, May 20, 2006, 1:59 am
I so wish he wins and that “They” let him do the kind of album he wants.
And I so wish I could cook turnip greens! (;-)
Saturday, May 20, 2006, 7:59 am
Wow- great interview… great, down to earth guy- despite having that wealth of talent.
I really think this is ‘just the beginning’ for a performer who’s going to be the next big thing since Elvis.
Taylor- you’re way overdue and I wish you every success and happiness now you’ve ‘caught that bus’!!!
Sange, member of theofficialsoulpatrol.com
Sunday, May 21, 2006, 9:30 pm
Are you kidding me?! This guy is just
Sunday, May 21, 2006, 9:32 pm
oops…got overly animated there and didnt finish my post! Anyway..
as I was saying This guy is just unbelievable! I have never liked a musician as much as I am liking Mr. Hicks! I cannot wait to support him in his career 190%! You go man!
Sunday, May 21, 2006, 11:36 pm
i always enjoy a good read on your board, WADEONBIRMINGHAM, as i take delight in knowing TAYLOR always share his confidences closest to heart with you, and here on WB, u have such an understanding & interest in our Boy that set you poised to ask the most insightful questions that takes us along in the beautiful journey of TAYLOR’s WIN at AI & SUCCESS STORIES. Loving it.
TAYLOR-ME-BEAUTIFUL xoxoxo !
Thursday, May 25, 2006, 10:33 pm
Love ya Taylor Hicks! This is America’s music!!!! You are US and WE sent the music industry a big fat message!!!! Much love, ~ Michaux
Hicks’ sound is more classic soul and R&B, which isn’t among the current priorities of the ClearChannel empire. That means it’s not heard on the radio very often.
Perhaps that’s the point. The 63.4 million votes that led to his victory could be read as a signal that maybe not everyone is in the market for cookie-cutter pop music. Maybe the viewers are asking for some variety in their radio diet, rather than just another manufactured Jessica Simpson/Britney Spears clone.
http://www.myspace.com/michaux
Friday, May 26, 2006, 3:52 am
Taylor IS the sound that we have been waiting for. The numbers show that the “pop star” image that has been forced on us has long since gotten old. Taylor is authentic soul and R&B. You make me smile when I see you sing and dance. I haven’t felt this way about a singer since in the 70’s like…Bob Seager, Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, James Taylor etc…and etc… I knew you were going to win when I saw you at the audition level. I watched every time and voted as many times as I could get through. I work at night in a hospital and would sneak to watch you and vote! My co-workers came to catch your vibe because of the smile you put on my face!!! Just so you’ll know Mississippi LOVES you!! Wish you would come and play for us here…HINT-HINT!!!!!
Friday, May 26, 2006, 11:27 am
Thanks for an interview that actually says something! I’ve watched idol fore a few years, but have never cared too much. When we saw Taylor’s audition, my husband and I said, “He’s amazing, but a show like this will never let him through.” I’m glad we were wrong, and if I wasn’t married, this Oregon girl would be learning to cook turnip greens:)
Friday, May 26, 2006, 2:35 pm
Can somebody please email me or publish the true and correct lyrics of the song “Do I Make You Proud!?”
I am one of those that Taylor entertained throughout the who season of AI….He rocks!!! Thank you for the music Taylor…wooooo!
Betsy
Thanks Wade.
Friday, May 26, 2006, 2:39 pm
A big Taylor Woooo!!! to the man that makes me appreciate the good feelings I get everytime I listen and watch his performance videos…
Of all his songs performed, I love the YOU SEND ME, so cool!!!
Is his CD available now???
Friday, May 26, 2006, 11:39 pm
Here are the partial lyrics (sorry, too lazy to fill in the rest from the debut single).
And here’s Taylor’s previous CD, “Under the Radar,” available at Laser’s Edge in Homewood.
Sunday, May 28, 2006, 11:28 am
Love ya Taylor
Sunday, May 28, 2006, 11:31 am
He was so awesome i almost cried when I saw the results. cant wait for the future plans, you were so good all of the people i know that stayed tuned to the show for the season was with you all the way. Thank you
Friday, June 2, 2006, 4:40 pm
Taylor is able to connect with me in ways other current artists simply cannot. The emotion and passion that he puts into each song performed is incrediable. He has been and continues to be a thrill to watch. I am looking forward to supporting his music and the risks he wishes to take. Bring it on brother.
Tuesday, June 6, 2006, 12:59 pm
Dear SOUL MAN Taylor,
You are such a UNIQUE talent. It is OBVIOUS that you FEEL your MUSIC from the inside out! How FORTUNATE we are (admirers) to know EXACTLY where you are coming from because you know WHO YOU ARE and you SING from the HEART!
I’ve been a fan of ELVIS all my life and you remind me of him. Keep FAITH in your heart, keep GOD by your side and TRUE TO YOURSELF. Thank GOD every day for his “GIFT” to you AND MAKE HIM PROUD. if you do these things, YOU CAN’T LOSE!
My husband and I have Section A – Row 14 – (seats #33 & #34) tickets for August 25th at The san Diego Sports Arena. Hope to see you there!!
Monday, June 19, 2006, 10:20 am
This is a question, rather than a comment: Who wrote which songs on the “Under the Radar” CD. Did Taylor write the music or lyrics on any? If so, which ones? If he writes music as well as being the musician and performer that he is, he is beyond a super-talent!!!
Monday, June 19, 2006, 10:22 am
P.S.: I think Taylor’s eyes are what “pull you in”. As far as his LOOKS…he makes me wish I was in my twenties again…..delicious!