Taylor Hicks - Season 5

[Unklescott]

Originally Posted by roses4me

Thanks for posting this info. Now if I can get Wisgalb or bnnbama to copy the picture here, I'll be one happy camper.

You mean this one?

[Google]

 

[roses4me]

^ Thanks so much for posting the picture. I still can't get enough of Taylor.

[wisgalb]

Hicks is the word - al.com

Hicks is the word
Thursday, October 09, 2008
ALEC HARVEY
News staff writer
Taylor Hicks is rarely at a loss for words.

But he's had to contain himself this year, hearing and reading that his 800,000-unit-selling self-titled CD was a one-shot deal. That he wouldn't sign another record deal. That the 2006 "American Idol" was through.

"It's about driven me crazy to hold my tongue," Hicks says. "I've wanted to talk about this for three months, but I've been patient and trying to be smart about choosing my battles."

The battle, it seems, is over.

Hicks, who turned 32 on Tuesday, announced on his birthday that he had signed a deal to release his new CD in February 2009. It'll be on his own Modern Whomp Records label through Artist to Market (A2M), which gives the Birmingham native control over his recording destiny.

"I was offered a plethora of record deals, some traditional record deals and some non-traditional record deals," Hicks says. "It's been very hard not to just hop on the first one that was offered, but during that time when there was a lot more speculation that I might never sign one again, it couldn't have been further from the truth."

He calls the A2M deal "very cutting edge."

"In today's marketplace, having the control as the artist is key," Hicks says. "I'm in control of where I spend my marketing dollars, who I want to record with, and in control of the companies I hire out. It allows me a really focused release. Basically, I am my own record label."

What that means for the upcoming CD is that the bulk of it will be written or co-written by Hicks, who cut his musical teeth in bars in and around Birmingham.

"I've always been a singer-songwriter, and that's going to be able to surface a lot more than it did on the last record," he says. "On the last one, things had to move at such a quick pace that the actual art of songwriting couldn't really be seen on the last record."

Hicks is in pre-production of the CD now, working with producer Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill) in the studio.

"I don't have a title for it, yet," Hicks says. "I'm kind of waiting for it to hit me."

Announcement of the new record deal comes just after Hicks' stint in the Broadway production of "Grease" comes to an end, and just before he hits the road as that show's Teen Angel for the national tour beginning Dec. 1.

"It was such a success and such a great way for me to learn a new craft," Hicks says of his Broadway debut. "I feel like if I'm going to have longevity in the entertainment industry, I've got to cover all aspects. I have to reinvent myself."

The national tour of "Grease" will offer a unique hybrid for Hicks, he says.

"We're going to cross-promote this record with the `Grease' tour," he says. "I'll be allowed to perform my single in the show on tour."

Most importantly, it offers fans a chance to experience Hicks live, which he says is crucial to his success.

"There's such a live aspect to me," he says. "You put me on the radio, and you can't see me, you can't feel me, you can't touch me, so it's easy to count me out in that regard. On the road, that's where you really make your mark and have your longevity."

So don't count Hicks out just yet. He's only getting started, he says, and he doesn't pay attention to the naysayers.

"I hear those things, but I'm not into the talk, I'm into the walk," he says.

[wisgalb]

Tour dates:
Dec 2 2008 7:00P
Providence Performing Arts Center Providence, Rhode Island
Dec 3 2008 7:00P
Providence Performing Arts Center Providence, Rhode Island
Dec 4 2008 7:00P
Providence Performing Arts Center Providence, Rhode Island
Dec 5 2008 7:00P
Providence Performing Arts Center Providence, Rhode Island
Dec 6 2008 2:00P
Providence Performing Arts Center Providence, Rhode Island
Dec 6 2008 8:00P
Providence Performing Arts Center Providence, Rhode Island
Dec 7 2008 2:00P
Providence Performing Arts Center Providence, Rhode Island
Dec 7 2008 8:00P
Providence Performing Arts Center Providence, Rhode Island
Dec 9 2008 7:00P
The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts East Lansing, Michigan
Dec 10 2008 7:00P
The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts East Lansing, Michigan
Dec 11 2008 7:00P
The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts East Lansing, Michigan
Dec 12 2008 7:00P
The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts East Lansing, Michigan
Dec 13 2008 2:00P
The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts East Lansing, Michigan
Dec 13 2008 8:00P
The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts East Lansing, Michigan
Dec 14 2008 2:00P
The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts East Lansing, Michigan
Dec 14 2008 8:00P
The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts East Lansing, Michigan
Dec 16 2008 7:00P
Palace Theatre Columbus, Ohio
Dec 17 2008 7:00P
Palace Theatre Columbus, Ohio
Dec 18 2008 8:00P
Palace Theatre Columbus, Ohio
Dec 19 2008 8:00P
Palace Theatre Columbus, Ohio
Dec 20 2008 2:00P
Palace Theatre Columbus, Ohio
Dec 20 2008 8:00P
Palace Theatre Columbus, Ohio
Dec 21 2008 2:00P
Palace Theatre Columbus, Ohio
Dec 21 2008 8:00P
Palace Theatre Columbus, Ohio
Jan 2 2009 7:00P
The Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jan 3 2009 2:00P
The Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jan 3 2009 8:00P
The Orpheum Theatre MInneapolis, Minnesota
Jan 4 2009 2:00P
The Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jan 4 2009 8:00P
The Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jan 6 2009 8:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 7 2009 8:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 8 2009 8:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 9 2009 8:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 10 2009 2:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 10 2009 8:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 11 2009 2:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 11 2009 8:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 13 2009 8:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 14 2009 8:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 15 2009 7:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 16 2009 7:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 17 2009 2:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 17 2009 8:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 18 2009 2:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 18 2009 8:00P
Auditorium Theatre Chicago, Illinois
Jan 20 2009 7:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan 21 2009 7:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan 22 2009 7:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan 23 2009 7:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan 24 2009 2:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan 24 2009 8:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan 25 2009 8:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati
Jan 25 2009 8:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan 27 2009 7:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan 28 2009 7:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan 29 2009 7:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan 30 2009 7:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan 31 2009 2:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jan 31 2009 8:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Feb 1 2009 2:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Feb 1 2009 8:00P
The Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinnati, Ohio
Feb 3 2009 7:00P
The Hippodrome Theatre Baltimore, Maryland
Feb 4 2009 7:00P
The Hippodrome Theatre Baltimore, Maryland
Feb 5 2009 7:00P
The Hippodrome Theatre Baltimore, Maryland
Feb 6 2009 7:00P
The Hippodrome Theatre Baltimore, Maryland
Feb 7 2009 2:00P
The Hippodrome Theatre Baltimore, Maryland
Feb 7 2009 8:00P
THe Hippodrome Theatre Baltimore, Maryland
Feb 8 2009 2:00P
The Hippodrome Theatre Baltimore, Maryland
Feb 8 2009 8:00P
The Hippodrome Theatre Baltimore, Maryland
Feb 24 2009 7:00P
The Music Hall Tucson, Arizona
Feb 25 2009 7:00P
The Music Hall Tucson, Arizona
Feb 26 2009 7:00P
The Music Hall Tucson, Arizona
Feb 27 2009 7:00P
The Music Hall Tucson, Arizona
Feb 28 2009 2:00P
The Music Hall Tucson, Arizona
Feb 28 2009 8:00P
The Music Hall Tucson, Arizona
Mar 1 2009 2:00P
The Music Hall Tucson, Arizona
Mar 1 2009 8:00P
The Music Hall Tucson, Arizona
Mar 3 2009 7:00P
The Civic Theatre San Diego, California
Mar 4 2009 7:00P
The Civic Theatre San Diego, California
Mar 5 2009 7:00P
The Civic Theatre San Diego, California
Mar 6 2009 7:00P
The Civic Theatre San Diego, California
Mar 7 2009 2:00P
The Civic Theatre San Diego, California
Mar 7 2009 8:00P
The Civic Theatre San Diego, California
Mar 8 2009 2:00P
The Civic Theatre San Diego, California
Mar 8 2009 8:00P
The Civic Theatre San Diego, California
Mar 10 2009 7:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 11 2009 7:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 12 2009 7:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 13 2009 7:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 14 2009 2:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 14 2009 8:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 15 2009 2:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 15 2009 8:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 17 2009 7:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 20 2009 7:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 21 2009 2:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 21 2009 8:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 22 2009 2:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 22 2009 8:00P
The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles, California
Mar 24 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Mar 25 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Mar 26 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Mar 27 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Mar 28 2009 2:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Mar 28 2009 8:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Mar 29 2009 2:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Mar 29 2009 8:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Mar 31 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 1 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 2 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 3 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 4 2009 2:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 4 2009 8:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 5 2009 2:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 5 2009 8:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 10 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 11 2009 2:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 11 2009 8:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 12 2009 2:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 12 2009 8:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 14 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 15 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 16 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 17 2009 7:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 18 2009 2:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 18 2009 8:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 19 2009 2:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 19 2009 8:00P
The Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, California
Apr 21 2009 7:00P
The Keller Auditorium Portland
Apr 22 2009 7:00P
The Keller Auditorium Portland, Oregon
Apr 23 2009 7:00P
The Keller Auditorium Portland, Oregon
Apr 24 2009 7:00P
The Keller Auditorium Portland, Oregon
Apr 25 2009 2:00P
The Keller Auditorium Portland, Oregon
Apr 25 2009 8:00P
The Keller Auditorium Portland, Oregon
Apr 26 2009 2:00P
The Keller Auditorium Portland, Oregon
Apr 26 2009 8:00P
The Keller Auditorium Portland, Oregon
Apr 28 2009 7:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
Apr 29 2009 7:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
Apr 30 2009 7:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 1 2009 7:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 2 2009 2:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 2 2009 8:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 3 2009 2:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 3 2009 8:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 5 2009 7:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 6 2009 7:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 7 2009 7:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 8 2009 7:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 9 2009 2:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 9 2009 8:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 10 2009 2:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 10 2009 8:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, California
May 12 2009 7:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 13 2009 7:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 14 2009 7:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 15 2009 7:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 16 2009 2:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 16 2009 8:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 17 2009 2:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Seattle, Washington
May 17 2009 8:00P
The Orange County Performing Arts Center Seattle, Washington
May 19 2009 7:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 20 2009 7:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 21 2009 7:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 22 2009 7:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 23 2009 2:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 23 2009 8:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 24 2009 2:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 24 2009 8:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 26 2009 7:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 27 2009 7:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 28 2009 7:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 29 2009 7:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 30 2009 2:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 30 2009 8:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 31 2009 2:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington
May 31 2009 8:00P
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle, Washington

[razorbacker]

That is quite the extensive tour. Good luck to Taylor with the new album.

[roses4me]

Thanks so much for the update. I'm looking forward to his new cd.

[BuckeyeAddict]

If you are a Taylor Hicks fan club member (or become one), you can buy "Meet & Greet" packages for "Grease" through his fan club. You can also buy presale tickets 3 days before the rest of the public. Currently, the packages are only available for the 3 shows that are now on sale in RI, MI and MN. It sounds like they will probably be available for all shows.

[wisgalb]

Taylor Hicks Takes His (Broadway) Show on the Road - Great American Idol Blog | TVGuide.com

Taylor Hicks Takes His (Broadway) Show on the Road

It's been quite a year for Taylor Hicks. After mutually splitting with his record company, Arista, in January, the former American Idol champ took his career into his own hands by starting his own label, Modern Whomp Records, and taking a little music breather to get into acting. And no, there was no From Justin to Kelly monstrosity. Hicks made his Broadway debut in Grease as Teen Angel, the one (role) that he wanted and loved so much that he's joining the musical on a nationwide tour. Before the festivities kick off Dec. 2, the man behind the Soul Patrol chatted with TVGuide.com about jump-starting his acting career, his upcoming, as-yet-untitled album and why he loves working overtime.

TVGuide.com: Let's start at the beginning. How'd you land the role of Teen Angel?
Taylor Hicks: I've been offered to do some parts on Broadway before I took it, but I didn't really want to dive into the theater and acting without starting from a really good point. I wanted to get my feet wet in the acting field and the theatrical field and we wanted to find a role where I'd be able to learn about the process for future acting jobs and this is a great start. Being musical, I'm starting to understand the little nuances and stuff about acting because it's very similar to playing music with its rhythm. It's just in an acting sense instead of musical sense. I'm still learning.

TVGuide.com: How nervous were you about not only making your acting debut, but having it be on Broadway?
Hicks: Oh, yes, I was so nervous! Not only was my first acting gig of [my] life on Broadway, but I was suspended 40 feet in the air, so I wasn't actually on the stage! [Laughs] So, I was definitely feeling a little queasy before I actually opened the cone. To say the least, it was a grand entrance.

TVGuide.com: And now you're gonna be suspended across America. Are you nervous about the tour? It's different going on the same stage every night as opposed to traveling across the country.
Hicks: A little bit, but there are a lot of things I'm excited about. Being able to be with the cast, to do Grease on the road and take it to the different places — places I've never been before — I'm very blessed to have that opportunity to do that.

TVGuide.com: You obviously took a break from music to do this. Was that a conscious choice?
Hicks: I knew that I had to reinvent myself. I think reinvention is key. Being an entertainer, you have to cover all your bases, so to speak. That's something that's allowed to write music for the next record. It allowed me to do a lot of things that wasn't the norm for a standard musician or entertainer. I had the time to write, reflect and obviously try a new venture out.

TVGuide.com: And you started your own label —
Hicks: Yeah, I started Modern Whomp Records. I'm aligned with a distribution company, A2M. It's just a learning process. The inner workings of a label — I'm understanding them. Every label has the standard procedure and practices, so I'm just now learning. I'm excited about that process. Hopefully, it'll allow me to sign other acts in the future too.

TVGuide.com: After you left Arista, did you decide right away you would start your own label or were you looking at other homes?
Hicks: I'd been offered traditional record deals and I just felt like it was best for me to be able to start my own label and partner with distribution. Having your own label really allows you to be out there and have total control of your art and how you want to sell it and how it best fits you. You really live and die by the sword, which I think really makes the artist drive a lot more — drive to succeed.

TVGuide.com: What's the update on your new album?
Hicks: It's coming out Feb. 10. I should have a single the first of the new year. I can honestly say that some of the instincts that I had picking songs on Idol, I was able to use picking songs for this album, which has really been a great experience. I've been able to wrap my artistic expression around these songs and I've had some time to live with these songs and be able to visualize what I want for each of them. I'm really excited about the record because I feel like from the style aspect, nowadays you listen to records that sound very similar on each track, but this album, I wanted to take the listener on a musical journey and touch on the stylings that are reflective of who I am as an artist.

TVGuide.com: How different is it from your first one?
Hicks: There's definitely soul. I think it all starts with soul, but this time around, I think the songs are touching on a lot of different styles that reflect me, so that's different in a way. On the last record, it was kind of an R&B influence. This is my journey as a songwriter. But what's really interesting and cool about it is I'm gonna be able to play my single within the Grease show. It's a very unique aspect. It's like I'm gonna be performing as Teen Angel, but then I'll also be performing my single to the record, so everybody who comes and sees me as Teen Angel can also experience me as a musician.

TVGuide.com: Really?! How is it gonna be incorporated?
Hicks: It's gonna be a big surprise! [Laughs] We're still working the details out. What's even cooler than that is I'll be doing an intimate club tour in each market, hopefully, to be able to start working on this record from a live aspect.

TVGuide.com: When will you start that? After the Grease tour?
Hicks: No, actually, that's gonna be during the Grease tour, like after the shows.

TVGuide.com: Aren't you gonna be exhausted?
Hicks: This business isn't for the faint of heart! [Laughs] Yeah, it's a lot of work, but at the same time, it's very fulfilling from a creative aspect. It's like the time is now.

[roses4me]

Thank you for the updates. I was wondering when and where we would have another interview with Taylor. He's still my all-time Idol fave.

[wisgalb]

Artist2Market - It's All About the Artist - Associated Content

Artist2Market - It's All About the Artist
A Unique Alternative to the Traditional Label Infrastructure
By Cindy Wright, published Dec 01, 2008

Artist2Market developed out of a chance meeting with Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee in 2005. Lee and A2M General Manager Paul Ignasinski, who was also in a band, were recording in the same studio in Los Angeles. At the time Paul worked for Handleman Company, one of the biggest music distribution companies in America. After talking to Paul for a while Tommy wanted to know if it was possible to produce and distribute a record without having to rely on a major label. Paul went back to Michigan and developed the concept that is now known as Artist2Market.

Artist2Market offers artists, labels and content owners a unique alternative to the traditional music label infrastructure. Artist2Market is an entertainment service platform. I found out about A2M when a press release came out announcing Taylor Hicks' partnership with them on his upcoming album. Here is an excerpt from the press release.

"Hicks has tapped the independent artist services company Artist2Market (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)." I spoke with the Director of Operations and Marketing, Rick DiLoreto, too find out more about Artist2Market.

The goal of Artist2Market is to give the artist complete creative control of their project; maximize their exposure to their fan base and to minimize their project costs.