Taylor Hicks: An Interview with Associated Content

Taylor Hicks became the American Idol of 2006. There were over 63 million votes cast for the Season Five finale that aired on Fox. Since the win, Taylor Hicks has been a very busy man: touring with the American Idol Tour all summer, playing with his pre-Idol band, playing harp on Gin and Juice with Snoop Dog at a concert, getting a book ready for release this spring and getting his CD ready for its release Dec 12th. Most importantly, though, he has been doing what he loves most -- sharing his talent with America and beyond.

Taylor Hicks has fans all over the world. The fan base, known as The Soul Patrol, is a huge following that continues to grow as more people that hear Hicks and his addicting soulful voice. His love of music and his enjoyment of pleasing his fans is a joy to experience in today's world of the same music every day.

Hicks is bringing back soulful/bluesy music that tells a story in each song. His new CD, entitled Taylor Hicks, is filled with 12 truly great soul inspiring songs. There is something on this CD for every musical taste. Hicks worked his butt off for 10 years trying to get someone to take him seriously. Thanks to American Idol, Hicks was seen by America, and he was instantly loved by thousands. Each week he gave it his all and the fan base grew. American viewers knew Hicks was the one to bring real music back and he was voted #1. He proved what his fans already knew: Taylor Hicks was the best choice.

I was given the opportunity to interview this extremely talented man via phone. I hope you enjoy reading the interview as much as I enjoyed talking with Taylor Hicks.

How is the promotional tour for your album going?

Taylor: It's going great, I'm having a ball, I'm loving my job, I love my job!!

I told Taylor I really enjoy his music and just that day, Dec 5th had heard the whole album at VH1 and I thought he defiantly had a winner album.

Taylor: Good I'm really happy about that I think it's you know a good soulful start to my major debut.

I then told Taylor I think the album is exactly what he said it would be.

Taylor: Well, that's really too good to hear. I'm really glad to hear that.

You're used to writing your own songs and having full creative control.

Taylor: Yep!

However, of some of the songs on this album that were offered to you. Which ones are you most excited about?

Taylor: I'm excited about "The Right Place" -- the one Bryan Adams gave to me. I just really think that's a great representation of me and you know, where my artistry is going, and I just think it's just that good old soulful tune, you know.

What was the first song you ever wrote?

Taylor: A song called "In Your Time." I wrote it when I was about 18.

What was your inspiration for it?

Taylor: Well, I think it was a relationship that had gone bad.

Do you plan to put it on a future album?

Taylor: Yeah, I'm planning on releasing both of my albums, my independent albums soon.

You've been compared to the likes of the great Ray Charles and Elvis Presley. Is it a lot of pressure to live up to the hype people are creating for you or are you more concerned with leaving your own mark on the industry?

Taylor: I'm very flattered to be in the same sentence as those two artists and I'm just trying to really make my own path and mark my own way.

You've been very vocal about Ray Charles being one of your main influences. How does it feel to now be on that side of the coin and having people look at you as their influence?

Taylor: Well, that's just really, it's just really flattering. I'm just trying to make the best music that I can and learn everyday about my craft as an artist.

A lot of things have happened since you became American Idol. Is there anything specific that has happened to you that has been most surprising?

Taylor: Ummm... Well I'm surprised at the amount of great people that are working around me. It's amazing that I've got a big great team that helped me get my music out there and make my music really good.

It's rare to find a relatively new artist cultivate such a strong following of fans in a few months time. How does it feel to have such a strong outpouring so early?

Taylor: Well, it really helps the cause; it really helps my music and I'm just very appreciative of all those people that are on The Soul Patrol.

You've been out in L.A. for a while and a lot of your fans want to see you in movies. Do you think you would ever act in a movie?

Taylor: I would definitely, definitely, like to think that one day. Yes.

Your tour is set to start in February with your book coming out shortly thereafter. What can your fans expect on your solo tour?

Taylor: A lot of the stuff that I've performed on the album and a lot of the stuff that has come off my previously released CD's -- just some really great live music.

We all know this is what you have always wanted to do what you were born to do. Has this experience lived up to your expectations and how do you plan to exceed what you've already accomplished?

Taylor: This is more than I'd ever know; I plan to just keep making good music.

Do you think you will ever do a duet with a female artist?

Taylor: Umm... Probably I'm hoping so in the near future, hopefully.

Is there anyone you would like to sing with?

Taylor: I think Alicia Keys would be great.

I would like to thank Taylor Hicks, J Records and Fanscape for allowing me the opportunity to talk with Taylor for a little bit and giving me the chance to share with Taylor's fans a little look into what is going on in his world. Keep an eye on Taylor Hicks. This man is climbing the ladder of success quickly. He is enjoying every minute of it. If anyone deserves this success it is Taylor. He enjoys sharing his music with the world and the fans love every minute of it and craving each new thing he brings along with him. Thank you again, Taylor, and have a Merry Christmas.