New Tour Dates for Taylor Hicks Leads Up To His New Album's Release!

For those fans who are out of the loop, here's you chance to purchase tickets to Taylor's intimate club tour leading up to the new album's release on February 10, 2009. If you live in or around the Annapolis MD or Chicago, IL area, break open that wallet and catch him sing his brand new music! It may be your only chance to catch him in such a small venue since he'll be touring larger venues after the album's release.

The two stops so far are:

Martyrs: Chicago, IL, $40, January 17, 2009
Tickets on Sale Now @ Ticketmaster, w/special guest TBA

Rams Head: Annapolis, MD, $35, Feb 7, 2009
Tickets On Sale Now @ Pollstar. Tickets going fast, so get yours while you can!

WXMI (Fox West Michigan) Interview With Taylor Hicks!

Here's a VERY cool interview that WXMI-Fox TV conducted with Taylor Hicks in Michigan yesterday (12/11/08). In Part 1 he talks about his role in Grease, in Part 2 the talk is about American Idol and the most interesting one, Part 3, Taylor talks about his new album ("The Distance") and how incredible it will be with all those A-List studio musicians - basically Eric Clapton's backing band! Thanks to Sturgess on the Boogie for finding these gems! Enjoy!
--------
Why does Taylor Hicks get top billing in the musical Grease if he's only in one bit of the show? Because he's an American Idol after all.

I had a chance to talk with Taylor, and see the show at the Wharton center in East Lansing, and I left both of them feeling pretty good.
Hicks, who reprises his Broadway role of Teen Angel does a solid job following in the footsteps of legends like Donny Most and Eddie Mekka. He plays it with some self-deprecating humor and a swagger that lets the audience know that he's in on the joke.

I have to give a shout out to the cast as a whole, especially the actors who played the roles of Doody and Rump. Although neither would be mistaken for the leader of the T Birds, they both had surprisingly good singing voices, and had some of the more memorable moments as far as I'm concerned.

As far as Taylor off stage goes, I appreciated that he embraces his Idol roots, and stays true to his blues styling in his music.
And he's a big golf nut, so we had plenty to talk about off-camera. Although he's a performer comfortable with being in front of millions on TV, when he plays in some of the big celebrity golf events, or PGA pro-ams, he still gets nervous and shaky. Cool to hear him admit that, rather than putting on the brave face saying "yeah, that doesn't bother me..."

Here's to hoping the tour comes to west Michigan sometime in the spring/summer so we can try and go "On the Tee".

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3

Taylor Hicks Exclusively Partners With A2M! Album Due Out February 2009

According to Sys-Con Taylor will be releasing his BRAND NEW SPANKING KICK ASS (I know, I'm biased! Heh!) CD on February 10, 2009!!! Yes, friends, it looks like the long wait is just about over! Excuse me while I go jump around like a friggin' lunatic! He has tapped Simon Climie to produce the album. He has worked with legends such as Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, and BB King. Simon Climie also produced Michael McDonald's new CD "Soul Speak". I have this album and love it!! It's such a soulful album and beautifully produced! If Taylor's new CD sounds *anything* like 'Soul Speak', we're in for something really special IMO!! Billboard has a headline about this newly inked deal as well! More news to come!

Birthday Boy Hicks Signs Cutting Edge Deal Unlike Any Other Idol

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- He's "Takin' It to the Streets" on "American Idol" -- now Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks will be takin' it more directly to the people. Celebrating his birthday today, Hicks has tapped the independent artist services company Artist To Market (A2M) to release his much-buzzed-about new album, due in stores on February 10, 2009. The platinum-selling singer-songwriter will be releasing the new title with complete control of direction and ownership of his masters on his solely owned and operated, Modern Whomp Records label. Hicks is currently in the studio with producer Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill).

"In this digital age, when artists can connect more directly with audiences, this is a partnership that makes a lot of sense," says Hicks. "I'm very much enjoying being in the studio with Simon working on the new album and look forward to releasing it through A2M early next year."

"We at A2M are very excited to be working with the team at Modern Whomp Records on this release," said Paul Ignasinski, General Manager of A2M. "As the industry continues to evolve, it's exciting to see significant artists approach the marketplace in a new way, and truly take control over their own destiny. This is exactly why A2M was built in the first place -- to provide a service platform for these artists to prosper on their own terms."

During the last two years, Taylor Hicks has seen his self-titled Arista debut album certified platinum, performed with the likes of Willie Nelson, Widespread Panic, The Allman Brothers and Jackson Browne, toured through Asia, penned the brisk-selling Random House memoir Heart Full of Soul, spent time in NY this past summer for his three-month Broadway debut as "Teen Angel" in Grease, and will take Grease on a national tour beginning December 1.

In August Hicks' Modern Whomp Records released Early Works (a reissue compilation of his two independent albums, In Your Time and Under the Radar) through the Welk Music Group. Hicks is also planning the release of Whomp at the Warfield, a DVD showcasing a live performance by Hicks and his band at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco.

About Artist To Market Distribution:

Launched in 2005, Artist To Market Distribution (A2M) is an independent music distributor and artist services company designed to work directly with artists, labels, and content owners to streamline the supply chain, provide flexible service solutions, and deliver new product to the marketplace at a lower cost. Over the past two years A2M has partnered with a diverse group of platinum and multi-platinum artists including Dolly Parton, Tracy Lawrence, Tommy Lee, John Michael Montgomery, Sinead O'Connor, Unwritten Law, and Tracy Byrd, in addition to critically-acclaimed newcomers, The Cool Kids. More information can be found at http://www.artist2market.com.

SOURCE Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks on Good Morning New York! Big Announcement Coming Soon!!!

Entire interview portion here.

Taylor Hicks Interview on CW11 News - New York

The media blitz just keeps on keeping on in NYC today when Taylor dropped by the CW11 News studios for an interview. What struck me is when he said he is "IN" the studio recording, which gives me great hope that we will be hearing NEW TAYLOR HICKS MUSIC before Christmas hits this year. I'm so excited about that. Now onto something far more important, his looks! haha! Isn't he the cutest thing? New York obviously agrees with him - I think I see a twinkle in his eye, don't you?

Taylor Hicks Is Back - Ready To Turn Heads - Again!

Taylor gave an exclusive interview to Fox News in Mobile, Al. He talked about his life, the songs he's been writing, his upcoming album and his other upcoming projects. Here is the interview and video. Part 2 of the interview will be up tomorrow.



GULF SHORES, Ala. -- It's been two years since Birmingham-native Taylor Hicks patrolled the winner's stage at American Idol. Now the Alabama soul man is getting ready to turn heads again.

Hicks on Broadway

After taking a break from the spotlight for a little bit, Taylor Hicks is starting to make headlines again. He recently announced he's joining the Broadway cast of "Grease." And after touring the world and working on an upcoming album, Hicks is hoping for more than just some "summer lovin’.'"

2006 American Idol win

Taylor Hicks sang "Do I Make You Proud?" right after winning the 2006 American Idol. That was two years ago. The Birmingham-native is back in the studio working on an upcoming album to see if audiences still feel that way. "I've been writing in Nashville with a lot of A-list songwriters for my album which I'm gonna try to release this fall," Hicks said. "I've been able to have the creative control and the time to be able to make a great representation of who I am right now as an artist, a songwriter, and musician."

Where is Hicks right now?

Many fans have been wondering not just who Hicks is right now.... but where he is. It's been about 18 months since his self-titled album was released and earlier this year - he parted ways with his record label - Arista. "It was very mutual. It's just one of those things that happen in the business and the main thing is the music and where the music's going and the fans, and how they respond to the next album. The next album is key."

Hicks said that next album should be ready in the fall. He calls it a snapshot of his current life. "Some of the music that I've really taken to right now and written is about things that have happened right now in my life, friendships, relationships in the past, but a lot of those... and just stories."

Hicks rapping?

Hicks is excited to have plenty of freedom on his sophomore album, which is saying something for a man who once shared the stage with rapper Snoop Dogg, "Rap might not be in my repertoire just yet. Although I have been known to do a little bit of rapping on stage - no rap albums just yet."

Aftermath of an American Idol victory

Hicks said he wishes he could relive his Idol experience, but the show's aftermath was a bit stressful. "Right after you win, they put you on tour and then you have to record a record. What they really want you to do is put the album out, during the time when people are buying records at Christmastime - it completely makes sense, but for a songwriter, and somebody who's creative - it's tough, and there's some pressure."

But now that he's back on an independent label... there's more pressure than ever. "I was very fortunate to get my first record deal with them, but I'm excited about what lies ahead in terms of particular deals and stuff like that. I'm pretty excited about a few things, which I can't tell you about!"

Hicks will play "Teen Angel" in "Grease," starting June 6. In addition to his new album slated for the fall, Hicks has a concert DVD coming out called "Whomp at the Warfield."

Taylor Hicks - "A Taylor-Made Career"

Here is a small blurb from the Inside Racing News Website:

Taylor Hicks, winner of the fifth season American Idol competition and Jeff Green look alike, was on hand at Talladega Superspeedway to perform the National Anthem prior to the Sunday, April 27th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Aaron's 499 race. Early fall "Soul Patrol" fans can expect 'Whomp At The Warfield' a DVD of Taylor's concert at the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco, CA. Currently he is working in Nashville, TN on a new album due out later this year. Hicks recently participated in the Asian American Idle and has an huge "Soul Patrol" following in the Philippines. Taylor made - is exactly what his career will be, he currently does not have a record label contract, but stated he could see himself with 20 different labels during his career. Fans could tell Hicks was not a follower, but he is warm and a pleasure to speak with.

April 28, 2008
By Connie Felix

Taylor Hicks And His Plans For 2008!

Taylor gave his fans a pleasant surprise today when he made an unexpected appearance as the 'mystery sidekick' on the Paul Finebaum Show in Birmingham, AL. Paul was out with emergency surgery so Taylor helped fill in for him by answering questions from viewers for about 90 minutes. He was in great spirits and looked great! He talked on a variety of subjects - everything from his golf game to the new CD to his allergies.

Here's my summary of the show:

- Will be playing on a cruise to Italy in late May and possibly be doing some small festivals while there.
- His golf game is improving - now at about a 10 or 11 handicap.
- His NBA Allstar Appearance - he thought it would just a lighthearted event playing with the scorekeepers; instead he had Deon Sanders yelling at the top of his lungs. :)
- He has been able to watch Idol more this year and likes "the Irish girl", Carly.
- He might make an appearance at the Soul Patrol Convention in May but no committment.
- The DVD is a done deal and will be out soon (no specific date given).
- Tour in August (not sure with whom yet).
- Would consider doing a Gospel album at one point in the future (like Elvis), but would need to get more educated in that type of genre.
- New album will be out in September. The direction of the CD has taken a 360 degree turn from the character he thought it would take when he started. He did make it sound like the songs are all written. They (the songs) will dictate how much 'production' is on each song (in answer to whether the album will be acoustic or not). He's not sure yet whether it will be released on an indie or major label but there is definitely interest out there for his 'brand'. As far as a producer, he's going to team up with somebody who he feels will give him a great opportuity to be able to have control over the creative side, but he can't say just yet who it is. He was vague about who the producer will be (him or someone else).
- Biggest difference between making the Clive record and this new one is the time he has to just "write".
- He has an I-Touch with all of his new demos on it that he listens to to get familiar with all the nuances of it, so when it comes time to record he'll be ready to go.
- In addition to this new album, he will have another album out called "Early Works" of all his older songs. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT???? GAH!!! These songs will be put together in a brand new CD package. No word on whether any unreleased tracks will make it onto the CD. This should be out in the next few months.
- A caller said Ace Young said hello to him and that he 'thinks the world of Taylor'.
- Taylor has talked to Elliott Yamin in the past 2 days about Elliott's mom's passing and that he's doing okay. Elliott has a good support and family around him and he'll pull through fine.

Here is the interview:

Part 1:


Part 2:

Taylor Hicks - The Songwriting Process

There's been a lot of excitment lately about Taylor's new album and the songs he's writing for it and the people he's collaborating with. I thought it would be interesting to go back and look at 2 GoFish videos he did a while back about this very topic. Every little tidbit about the writing process is so interesting to me. I can't wait to see what he comes up with! Enjoy!

Taylor Hicks Collaborates With Grammy Nominated Writer

More collaboration news leaked out today (thanks MK!) from the Patriot Ledger in Quincy, MA regarding Taylor Hicks and his upcoming album. Seems he's writing with acclaimed songwriter Tom Hambridge, who has quite a long list of credentials and credits to his name. According to Billboard Magazine, "Tom Hambridge is a Grammy nominated producer, singer, songwriter and drummer. He has worked with: Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Susan Tedeschi, Hank Williams Jr. Delbert Mcclinton and Bo Diddley to name a few. His songs have been recorded by: Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Thorogood, Rodney Atkins, Van Zant, NRBQ, Shemekia Copeland, Joe Nichols, Montgomery Gentry, Delbert McClinton, Keith Anderson and Billy Ray Cyrus to name a few. As a solo artist he has released four critically acclaimed cd's and been featured on the Disney soundtracks of "Cars" and "Rattattoui" Tom was presented with the ASCAP 2007 song of the year award for the hit "Every Time I Hear Your Name".

To hear Tom's music, check out his myspace and his personal website.

Taylor Hicks Writing For Next Album

Good news folks! We heard from Taylor this morning and yes there is signs of life! Seems he has his sexy patooty in motion and is writing all kinds of music for his next album. He said for the past 2 weeks he's been in Nashville and Los Angeles and has about 30 songs that he's choosing from. Oh boy, if this doesn't make you salivate, I don't know what will. I'm absolutely convinced that this looooooong wait will be worth it in spades when we hear the final product. Imagine someone with the soulful vibe of Taylor Hicks having creative freedom without the strangle-hold of Clive Davis!? Imagine if he comes up with another song like "Somehow" (a masterpiece in my opinion), a song he penned for his first album "In Your Time". Imagine if it makes Clive rue the day he and Taylor parted ways? Imagine if he makes the critics eat crow? Yum Yum! Ah! A glorious day for the Soul Patrol, eh?

Personally, I don't care how much or how little commercial success this album has, just as long as there's some good soulful and bluesy tunes to groove and swoon with!

Also, he said his goal on the next tour is to make it up to Canada AND to give the West Coast of the U.S. lots of Taylor luv! Wooo! Europe and Asia is not out of the question either depending on how the new album does! Let's cross our fingers!

Go Taylor! We're waiting with baited breath!

Taylor Hicks To Write New Album in Nashville, NY & Los Angeles

Happy Superbowl Sunday! We got a treat today from Taylor who gave an update on the progress of his new DVD "Whomp At The Warfield", his public appearances, his upcoming gigs and his new Clive-Free CD which should be out later in the year! Listen to it here:

Taylor Hicks Flanked By Beautiful Women at Bob Hope Golf Classic

According to The Desert Sun, Mr. Hicks had the time of his life relaxing and lounging in beautiful Palm Springs, CA last week:

"Do you think when Taylor Hicks auditioned for "American Idol," he imagined that someday women would be pressing themselves against the glass windows of a club, furiously trying to get his attention?

Because that's what happened Friday night. He ended up outside by a limo, flanked by beautiful ladies.

That silver fox is living the dream."

Wanna make a bet he hasn't given the new season of American Idol one iota of thought?

And according to more on-the-scene reporters from the Desert Sun:

"'American Idol' winner Taylor Hicks kicked back in the outdoor cigar lounge and puffed on a stogie.

Superficial assessment: Looks trimmer than usual. Hair also seems less gray. Taylor Hicks getting cute."

Getting cute? Girl, the man has been pure eye candy sweetness since we first layed on eyes on him 2 years ago.

And more information from the Golf Course. Taylor said that he'll be writing for the next couple of months in preparation for his next album and has exciting collaborations starting in 2-3 weeks. He'll be writing in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville. Check out the interview here!

Official Statement from Taylor Hicks Regarding his Record Contract

"A statement from Taylor: To all my fans and The Soul Patrol, I want to take a moment to talk about the recent news that my label and I have mutually parted ways. The important thing for all of you to remember is that I've been a working musician my whole life. This is turning the page on a new chapter of my career. Artistic freedom and control is an exciting prospect. The things that are most important to me is creating my art, performing it, and my fans. With the momentum that all of you have created over the years, Taylor Hicks is not going to stop anytime soon. I've started working on the new album, writing and scheduling exciting collaborations. The DVD, Whomp at the Warfield, is in it's final stages, and will be released soon. So as one door closes, a new one opens for 2008 with more excitement for all my fans than ever before. Sit tight, because the best is yet to come!"

Source: www.myspace.com/taylorhicks

Taylor Hicks Talks About Upcoming Album & Plans for 2008

Taylor Hicks talks about 'Asian Idol' and plans for 2008

Friday, January 04, 2008
ALEC HARVEY

Taylor Hicks was at home - almost.

The familiar "Idol" set was behind him, and he was on stage singing "Do I Make You Proud."

But the Birmingham native was nearly 9,000 miles away from the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, where he won the "American Idol" title in 2006. This was Jakarta, Indonesia, and the leader of the Soul Patrol was gyrating on stage during "Asian Idol."

"It was definitely an eye-opening experience having been to that part of the world," Hicks said last week, shortly after returning to the U.S. "The set was very similar, but the singers were sure different."

Hicks, 31, had never been to Asia, much less performed there, so he jumped at the chance to perform on "Asian Idol," followed by a concert in Manila.

"I've done two pretty extensive national tours in the past year, so we started looking for some interest overseas," Hicks says. "It was amazing the interest that was there."

Hicks says his reception in Asia was "warm and gracious."

"As soon as I hit Indonesian soil, they knew who I was, and it was a little nerve-wracking at first," he says.

Turns out "Do I Make You Proud," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard singles chart just after Hicks won "Idol," made its way around the world.

"`Do I Make You Proud' is a nice-sized hit in Asia," Hicks says. "People know me over there because of that. It's amazing that the song I didn't think was right for me has taken off over there."

Something else made an impression on the Asians as well.

"As soon as I walked on stage in South Jakarta in Indonesia, I saw this big, huge `Soul Patrol' sign," Hicks says with a laugh. "They were yelling `Soul Patrol!' and the whole nine yards. I never knew the Soul Patrol would go internationally this quickly, but it has."

So Hicks gave them what they wanted, singing three songs during the show.

"I don't think they get to see too many white soul singers dance and get funky like that," he says. "The key for me to be able to communicate my music to them was the dancing and more of the visible aspects of the performing as opposed to the lyrics."

Hicks is looking forward to a busy 2008 with a primary goal being a new album out in stores.

"I think I'll have a lot more freedom creatively this go-around," says Hicks, whose self-titled last CD came out seven months after he won "Idol."

"I'll also have the time now to create an album without the post-winning-'Idol' constrictions," he says. "I have time for the album to breathe artistically."

Hicks also has time for other things.

Although he still declines to discuss his personal life, he has been linked to Milwaukee TV anchor Caroline Lyders. After his appearances in Asia, Hicks headed to Milwaukee before heading back down South.

Hicks is affably evasive about where "home" is these days.

"For now, if I'm in one place for two weeks, then that's where I live," he says. "Milwaukee is one of those places."

And he's working out the details of the club he hopes to open in downtown Birmingham's planned entertainment district. He and 2003 Idol Ruben Studdard have committed to opening nightclubs in the district.

"I haven't signed anything, but I'm planning on it," Hicks says. "Some fine-tuning needs to be done, and they're working the details out."

But you can bet on one thing - Hicks won't have a club in name only.

"I'm kind of a hands-on kind of dude, you know?" he says. "I wouldn't get into something like that if I didn't feel like there was a call for it and that I could add to it. A place for some songwriters and some musicians to go is always a good thing."

Right now, Hicks is still taking in "Idol" and what his against-all-odds win has done for his career.

"Playing at Ona's and WorkPlay and all those places a couple of years ago to playing in front of millions of people in Asia is mind-boggling," he says. "I couldn't have done any of it without the massive support I got from the people in Alabama, and I thank them for that.

"It's a very cool opportunity to go somewhere in a different part of the world and then come home to talk about it," Hicks adds. "That was the furthest this Alabama boy has ever been."

Alec Harvey is features editor for The Birmingham News.
E-mail him at aharvey@bhamnews.com.

Souce: The Birmingham News

Thanks lynnluvstaylor for the gorgeous picture!

Taylor Hicks on Sirius Satellite Radio - A Recap

Taylor Hicks fans got a real treat this afternoon with a lengthy interview with George Klein on Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 13 - the Elvis Channel. Taylor said that his DVD - "Whomp At The Warfield" will be out in the Spring of 2008, followed by a new album this coming summer and an Asian and Europeon tour to follow! He also said he'd be writing with Steve Cropper from Stax Records, who incidently co-wrote many classic soul songs such as Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay, Knock on Wood and In the Midnight Hour. He was a guitarist, A & R man, engineer, producer, and songwriting partner of Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd and a dozen others, as well as the founding member of both Booker T. and the MG's and The Mar-Keys. Sounds like a perfect writing team!

Click below to hear the entire interview:
Thanks Gypsee for the audio capture!

Part 1


Part 2