Is acting something you hope to continue with in the future?
I think it is. It's definitely something I'm going to think about for the future. It's been an interesting thing to learn: how to act and play a role, while also playing music. Because they're very similar, one's musical and one's theatrical. It's been a wonderful learning experience.
Getting back to your live shows, my husband and I saw you when you played Seattle in 2007 and we were surprised by parts of your set-list - such as combining "Another Brick in the Wall" with "Hell of a Day". How do you come up with those ideas?
Well, I think it's just comes from years and years of playing live music. If a song has some space where you can perform another song within it - and it fits the style of the song you're already playing - there's a creative aspect to that. That's the spontaneity, and there's a creative outlet for all of that. And that's what I love. I enjoy being able to have songs within a song. I just think for me, I try to put myself outside and look inside. I know I would want to go to a show where that type of spontaneity and creativity were present.
Regarding your upcoming new album, what can you tell me about it stylistically?
My idea for this record was to try and find the greatest songs I possibly could. For me, having the time to be able to write and to be able to have those songs around me for an extended amount of time... I wanted to kind of live with the songs for awhile. I feel like my instincts on Idol were very similar to my instincts on this record. I've tried to really put great songs around me. In today's music - if you buy a CD, a whole album of songs - a lot of the songs are often similar in the way that they sound. But for me, there's a lot of different styles that I think are reflective of my artistic expression. I think with this record I've been able to hopefully take the listener on a musical journey into the songs I've written, and a lot of them touch on different styles. But the common thread is my voice. There's a lot of storytelling in the songs. I've been able to hop into different genres and pull out the greatest music that I can.
Article comments
1 - TESSA
TAYLOR HICKS IS AN AWESOME PERFORMER AND SUCH A GREAT ARTIST. I THINK TRUE FANS SEE SOMETHING IN TAYLOR THAT IS REALLY DEEP - HE HAS A GENUINE LOVE FOR THE MUSIC HE CREATES AND HE HAS A KEEN EAR FOR THE MUSIC HE LOVES. HE IS TRULY AN ENTERTAINER AND WHEN HE PLAYS AND SINGS YOU CAN TRULY GET LOST IN THE MESSAGE. HE "FEELS" THE LYRICS AND THAT COMES ACROSS IN HIS PERFORMANCE. I WISH HIM THE BEST WITH THIS CD - THERE IS A LOT MORE TAYLOR HICKS TO COME.
2 - mavis
I love Taylor Hicks music and his many entertaining skills. He has overcome so much in his climb to fulfill his dream and in so doing has brought his dream to us to enjoy. There is a lot to look forward to and I hope that others enjoy his exceptional accomplishments as I do.
3 - cypfan
Absolutely love the smokey, husky quality of his voice. I would know it anywhere. Thanks for asking some good questions about music.
4 - Julianne
Taylor Hicks has had my respect since Idol. I loved his album that came out thereafter, and found it inspiring, pensive and upbeat. He is very talented and i look forward to all his opportunities to show his creativity. Thanks, Taylor!
5 - Dawniebelle
A friend of mine bought tickets to go see Grease on Rhode Island last night. Now, being a novice to all things "Idol" I had only really heard of Taylor Hicks when he won and then not again until last night.
It was a night I'll never forget! He might have a bit role, but,make no mistake about it, he is without question, the star of the show.
There was a lot of buzz about him singing his new single last night from his upcoming album. Taylor fans as well as non-Taylor fans were waiting in anticipation. Sadly, it didn't happen.
But, the good news is as a non-fan I can't wait to see this incredibly talented man in concert when he is out of character. One thing that struck me is his soul shines through.
6 - havingfun
This is a wonderful article.
GREAT QUESTIONS !
I too have seen Taylor live, and he puts on one heck of a show. I've been to several other artists' concerts in the last two years, and Taylor's voice and performances are "up there" with the "big boys" as far as I am concerned.
7 - sallyannlady
Dawniebelle, sounds to me like you're not a "non-fan" anymore. The number of people that go to see him and come away astounded by him is incredible. I've seen him a number of times, and every time, I do, there's something new that I take away with me. This is a really great interview!
8 - debO
Taylor Hicks is an enigma. Brilliant singer, electric performer, but whitewashed by Idol and, as a result, has not received the critical praise he deserves. Revisiting the "Idol audition," was struck again by the ease with which Paula and Randy "got" him, and the naysaying of Simon which, in fact, did represent the Idol Juggernaut of overly tidied-up and plasticized packaging of format that enhances some but devalues other performers. Hicks was immediately recognized as a "soul singer" by no less than Stevie Wonder, a brilliant musician himself. Has Taylor lost his way? Not vocally but as a production artist? That is to say, are the perceived demands of the public in general what an artist should concentrate on. Or should he, rather, concentrate on his soul and share that helplessly, joyfully and without any agenda other than to speak his own truth. God bless the child that's got his own.
PS: someone send Taylor to Santa Cruz CA, willya?