“If you’re in a casino, you might as well, right?” wonders the “Silver Fox,” speaking via telephone from the Ameristar Casino in St. Louis, tonight’s stop on his first solo tour with his eight-piece soul band.
What’s more, he even admits that he’s excited about being there. “I mean, people get paid in a casino. That’s pretty tough to come by,” he laughs.
Hicks is on tour at least through the summer, with very few days off. He’s used to it, though, since he spent a lot of time on the road before entering the AI contest. “Nowadays, for me, the road is where I thrive,” he says.
With the backing of the Soul Patrol, a nationwide fan club exploding with ardent members, each gig brings an overwhelming amount of support. You don’t get the sense that Hicks indulges in groupies, however. He says that he unwinds on the tour bus by playing chess, and it’s believable. And while his knowledge of the game won’t approach Grandmaster status any time soon, it appears to have given him the side-stepping moves needed in the music industry.
“Chess is like the game of life, and the game of life is definitely like the music business,” he says. “There are a bunch of hard-learned lessons in life as well as the music business — to be writing it and performing it on the road. You can say that about life. You have to make the right decisions and the right moves, and they have to be premeditated.”
Last year, Hicks went on a national arena tour with last season’s AI finalists, while his current itinerary has him playing a smattering of casinos, ballrooms, and other intimate settings (like Cleveland’s House of Blues). “That’s what I wanted to do. I feel like I need to start small and get bigger. I understand the game. I understand the business. You have to grow and grow. That’s key.”
It’s an astute strategy; he’s not looking for short-term success, and a second arena tour this soon after his national debut could have been an easy fast track to quick, free-fallin’ burnout. It’s really hard to get larger when you have already received more votes to win a televised singing contest than any political figure does to win office, including the president.
“It’s crazy, isn’t it?” he asks, referring to America’s appetite for a good tune versus a good leader. “I want to be a career artist, not a flavor of the month. What you do after you win [AI], you really have to take it and use it to your advantage. For me, I have to get the point across that I’m a real artist — a performing, touring artist. It needs to start in the intimate settings, where you can really communicate that idea.”
He draws parallels between the current version of his live show and Van Morrison’s seminal live album from 1974, It’s Too Late to Stop Now, which was recorded when Van Morrison was in his early 30s (as Hicks is now). After years of large-scale attention and shows, Van Morrison released the album at a time of renewal, starting small and getting bigger. Hicks says, “I like to draw that similarity right now because I think the same energy is there.”
The music business has its well-documented treachery, and there’s a public perception that American Idol probably doesn’t offer the most generous recording contract to the winner. It’s clear that Hicks is not one to sign blindly and has spent his years in music paying attention to the pitfalls, but did he have to stand up for himself when it came to his deal?
“Artistically I had to, but contractually, it was already a done deal. You know what you’re getting into when you get into it.”
Not sure whether it’s comedic coincidence or a calculated cutoff — but that’s precisely when we’re told that there is one minute left in the interview. A bit of elaboration on how he fought for artistic freedom would be great, but it’s not to be on this particular day. There’s also no time to sneak in a quick bark for Randy Jackson, a puzzled quip about Paula Abdul’s zany brain-farts, or even an inquiry about why Simon Cowell likes to rub his own nipples.
Oh well, start small.
Thanked for his brief yet gracious time, Taylor Hicks makes a concluding move that’s rather different from most pop and rap stars who endure cattle-call interviews on daily tour stops. What he does is wonderful. He doesn’t direct me or Scene’s readers to go get his album, in stores now. There’s no Taylor Hicks clothing line to hawk or branded beverage coming soon.
Instead, there’s a far more pressing recommendation on his mind.
“Make sure you check out that Van Morrison album — it’s really good,” he insists. “It’s Too Late to Stop Now.”
This article appears in Mar 28 – Apr 3, 2007.
Van Morrison recorded the Live album “Too Late To Stop Now” at the age of 28 (not his early 30s).
What a great guy! I’ve been to a few of his concerts and he is Pure Magic on stage. It’s nice to see a good guy making it with hard work. Too bad American Idol does nothing but bash this guy. He is the most talented person they’ve had on that show in quite sometime. Pick up his “Taylor Hicks” CD, it’s awesome as are his 2 indie CDs, but one must see him in concert to fully appreciate the magic of Taylor Hicks.
Thanks for the great interview!
Great article. It’s nice to read a more indepth interview about Taylor, the working artist, and his musical beliefs and ideas. Hope we get to read more about this side of him (and less about American Idol).
I admire Taylor for staying true to himself and his music,he has opened the avenues to great music once again.Is is main stream,perhaps not,it is something far better than that.It is music with clear beautiful vocals,a great band and you can actually decipher every word he sings,and they make sense.It’s music that touches your very soul and makes you feel something,and that is what music should do.We have waited a long time for someone of Taylor’s caliber.He is the real deal,a humble beautiful man, and boy can he belt the songs out!Awesome entertainer,I would advise people to cathch his concert,he is like no one you have ever seen.
Wonderful Article about Taylor Hicks. Every article I read about him leaves me more impressed. He seems to be thoughtful and well grounded. His talent and appreciation for his fans should help him achieve the long term success he is aiming for.
Very nice to see a review from an interviewer who realizes that Taylor is much more than just an AI winner. He is a truly talented artist, gracious, and highly intelligent. For those of us who have been following his post AI career and have learned more about his pre AI career…it is wonderful to see him getting the good press he deserves.
However…I would like to have heard his take on why Simon likes to rub his own nipples.
As I read this, I have 3 more hours to wait until I see “magic man” in concert in Milwaukee tonite. I can’t wait. I have been waiting for this for a long time! There will never be anyone else like him …. ever
Taylor said early on “it’s all about the music”. Nothing he has done or said since contradicts this statement. The sad thing is that many people don’t realize he has a cd out, the single “Just To Feel That Way” has hit the top 20 but it is not getting the play it should by radio stations. Having said this, tonight in another city somewhere Taylor will get on that stage and pour 150% of himself into his performance and the music – and he will do it because that is who he is and he loves being a performer. If you can see this man once – just once – you will be a believer and you will “get” Taylor Hicks. (That is a true gift).
Tamara, really good article with sensible questions which provided good insight into an incredibly talented performer. I hope you attend the concert. Taylor has to be seen “live” to fully appreciate just how wonderful he is. What an unselfish entertainer he is, to plug another artist during his interview. We see the same total investment and enjoyment in the music during any performance-he’s always plugging the band. He wants them appreciated as much as himself.
Thanks for a great interview…it seems that you have no ulterior motive…what a switch. Finally, a conversation rather than interrogation. Taylor is above the usual calculating questions that so many have thrust his was. It was enjoyable and enlightning and you have just made an impression on the vast number of people that are better known as the SOUL PATROL. Good job!
Excellent article. Taylor quite often speaks admiringly of other musicians and gives recognition to those who came before him, inspiring him. He is a student of music and that definitely comes across during interviews and live performances. Have had the opportunity to see him live several times. Would go to every concert if I could – he’s that good of a performer. Can’t say that about many other artists I have seen.
Thanks for a great article. You hit the nail on the head when you said Taylor is gracious. Yes indeed!!!
Great interview. This man is awesome and I am so glad you communicated this in your article. He is more than gracious to everyone and I believe Taylor will be around for a very long time. I guess what puzzles me is why AI does not give him the credit he so deserves. Has anyone tried to get an interview with them and ask that question?
I find it hard to believe that they don’t support him like they do all others. This years show has become a real disaster and part of that reason could be that they are shunning Taylor. Don’t you think. Of course along with their other issues with Sanjaya. I love Taylor and will see every show I can.
Jackie
what a classy guy. i am still a great fan since day one. hang in there guy. the best is yet to come. enjoy the ride.