Taylor Hicks: An Interview with Cindy Wright

Taylor Hicks has been on tour since last February. His self-titled album "Taylor Hicks", released in December of 2006 went to the number two spot on the Billboard 200 by selling almost 300,000 CDs during its first week of release. This was with hardly any radio play. Top that off with his CD going gold only in its second week of release, with over 500,000 units sold in the United States alone. The album is now certified platinum.

On July 10th Taylor Hicks released "Heart Full of Soul" An inspirational memoir about finding your voice and finding your way. The book is a very interesting read; I wrote a review of the book that you can read here. After my first interview with Taylor that associated content set up for me, I was hoping to get another. August 10th I got my second opportunity to interview the very talented Taylor Hicks. I hope you enjoy reading this interview and maybe learn some new things about Taylor.

How is everything going with the concert and book tour?

Taylor - It's going really good. It's fun.

Is the super rocket into stardom all that you expected?

Taylor - Yes, it is and more

Are there any regrets?

Taylor - No. None at all, when you're working as a musician for 10 years and the phone never rings, you are thankful when it does.

When you were dreaming of your big break, do you feel that this all played out how you hoped?

Taylor - Oh Yes! I was just hoping for "a break".

When you first saw a fan walk in too meet you, with a copy of Heart Full of Soul, what were your thoughts?

Taylor - I was glad. I was glad that it got finished and got out. I'm glad it's helping people find a positive light.

What did your family think of the way you portrayed them in Heart Full of Soul?

Taylor - I think they are pleased with the book. It's my story and my words.

What is the main message you want readers to come away with?

Taylor - I think that inspiration and perseverance can lead to great things.

In Heart Full of Soul you talk about being offered movie offers, have you accepted any or are you considering any movies or TV shows?

Taylor - No, not right now. I'm happy playing these theaters for the summer. You never know though.

With all the interviews you have done, snooping that fans do and now with the release of Heart Full of Soul, fans know quite a bit about you. However, there is no way they know everything. Is there one thing fans do not know yet that you can share now?

Taylor - I don't know if there is.

I think the fans know a lot.

Taylor - That's cool.

How does it feel seeing so many children at your concerts, enjoying your music so much?

Taylor - It's quite a feeling. It's what it is all about. It's so great to bring every kind of person together.

You have been all over performing concerts and I am sure there are many stories you can share. What is one or two of the most memorable things for you, to happen at a concert?

Taylor - Just all the fans that are outside at the buses afterwards and just the sheer amount of support I have gotten out on the road.

Why haven't you sung Places I've Been on tour?

Taylor - Well, that's definitely a thought.

Everybody wants to hear that song.

Taylor - Ok

You have mentioned an acoustic tour, can you tell me if the dates will be announced, or will you just surprise people by just showing up at places?

Taylor - A little bit of both. Around the first of the year I am going to try and put some things together. But there will be a couple of shows that I will be doing during the fall.

What songs can fans expect to hear on the acoustic tour? Will they be different than the past tours?

Taylor - It will be a newer experience.

Are you going to release a music video for MTV?

Taylor - I am planning on releasing a DVD of Live at the Warfield Theater.

What is the most unique or memorable gift a fan as given you?

Taylor - I would say some old Rolling Stone Magazines.

What is the wildest thing a fan has done to get your attention?

Taylor - We can't write that.

What about one that's not so wild that can be written?

Taylor - (It took some thought for this answer) I think chasing me down in the parking lot.

What are your greatest hopes?

Taylor - That I will keep playing live music.

Is there one question you have never been asked that you wish someone would ask, and if so what is the question and the answer?

Taylor - How fast do you drive?

And, how fast do you drive?

Taylor - The speed limit

All the time?

Taylor - All the time.

Is there one thing not music related and not toothpaste or things like that, which you can not live without?

Taylor - Chocolate.

Is there anything you want to say to your fans?

Taylor - Soul Patrol