Did you collaborate with any writers on this album?
Yeah, I did actually. There were some writers in Nashville that I wrote with. And there were a lot of different styles of writers - one of the writers is Gary Nicholson in Nashville. Also a couple writers that are friends of mine, Wynne Christian and Alan Little. There are a lot of different people that have come together. I've been able to have the time to be able to really focus on what I feel a great song is.
Is it all original material, or did you do any covers?
There will be a few surprises on it. What's been great about this record is I've had total creative artistic freedom. That's really a great thing for me, because I allow myself to focus on what's best for creativity's sake and what's best for the audience's sake. It allowed me the opportunity to pick songs, like I was allowed the opportunity to pick songs on Idol. For me, you get around the music easier. It's been a great creative experience for me.
On your post-Idol album, you weren't able to do that as much?
Not as much. I think there's obviously some time constraints when you're under the Idol umbrella. I loved doing that record because I loved being in a great studio and learning how to become a better recording artist. And I think I'll always enjoy learning the art of recording music. I've done so much live work that [being in] the studio is interesting.
Your band for the new album - were you working with people from past albums, or new musicians?
Yeah, I hired studio musicians for the record. Nathan East is playing bass. Abe Laborial Jr. is playing drums.
Paul McCartney's drummer, right?
Yes. Also Doyle Bramhall is playing guitar. Just an array of musicians that have come together because they heard about the album and wanted to make a great record. You know, I can honestly tell you that it is a great record. I'm really excited about it.
And it's coming out in February?
February 10th. The single hasn't been picked yet, but hopefully we'll be releasing the single for the new year.
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?