"Seven Mile Breakdown", Taylor Hicks' new music video premieres tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6th on AOL music!
"Seven Mile Breakdown" is the second single being released from Taylor Hicks' CD 'The Distance'. To read more about Taylor's newest single, soon to impact Country radio, scroll down to the previous blog entry. You'll also find there, video of Taylor's American Idol appearance last week, when he introduced American to "Seven Mile Breakdown". Fabulous performance, well deserving of the standing O for Mr. Hicks!
We waited, what seems like forever, to have a 'real' Music video showcasing Taylor's talents, and now within months we have two!!
I have been throughly enjoying Taylor's "What's Right Is Right" video from his first single! We are now in for a second musical and visual treat, thank you Taylor and thank goodness for MODERN WHOMP RECORDS!
Showing posts with label The Distance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Distance. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Taylor Hicks On American Idol
It's official!!!
Taylor Hicks will be performing his latest single, "Seven Mile Breakdown", on American Idol next Wednesday, April 29!
Tune into Fox at 9/8c to see Taylor Hicks back on the stage where it all began!
We've had some incredible performances of Taylor Hicks' "Seven Mile Breakdown" captured on video to whet the appetite of those of us not yet fortunate to have seen Taylor perform it live.
ENJOY!!!
Taylor Hicks @ Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco
April 14, 2009
video by: Robin Again (thank you!)
Taylor Hicks - Accoustic performance of "Seven Mile Breakdown" on San Francisco's View From The Bay
IT'S GONNA BE A LONG SIX DAYS WAITING TILL TAYLOR HICKS
ONCE AGAIN ELECTRIFIES THE STAGE OF AMERICAN IDOL!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Taylor Hicks ~ New Found Freedom
Last week, we had the opportunity to have a sneak peek at Taylor Hicks' new CD, The Distance which will be released on March 10, 2009. Many of Taylor's songs have a message and, for me, the title track, "The Distance", has the biggest message for humanity.
In my opinion, there is another song from Taylor Hicks which has a very personal message of self-realization and it is "New Found Freedom". As I watch some of Taylor's most recent interviews, the lyrics to this song definitely fit the man and where he is right now.
The words below, in particular, are clearly evident in the media we have been seeing and hearing lately.
I walk with confidence
I hold my head up high
When I talk
I’ve got a positive sense
Of who I am inside."
For those of us who boarded the Taylor Hicks Train at the beginning, we have shared an incredible ride!
We started here:
We watched every week and saw Taylor evolve as an artist. This was an exciting moment for all of Taylor's supporters:
Listening to one of Taylor's most recent interviews, with Taryn Winter Brill from ABC News Entertainment - "What's the Buzz", gave me a sense of Taylor's "New Found Freedom". Taylor, as an entertainer and a man, has broadened his scope since that "first" day he appeared on our television screens. He does not just "talk the talk" with respect to the lyrics of this song, Taylor Hicks "walks the walk".
We are now here:
screencap caption: Taylor Hicks Goes "The Distance"
screencap caption: American Idol's Taylor Hicks
screencap caption: "Grease" Star Taylor Hicks 
screencap caption: Taylor Hicks Singer/Songwriter To enjoy this fabulous interview from What's The Buzz, click here
Mary Colurso, Birmingham News, has written a wonderful "up close and personal" interview with Taylor Hicks which gives us more insight into Taylor and The Distance.
To read Mary's full interview with Taylor click here
I really enjoyed reading Mary's interview, "Track by Track with Taylor". It gives us more understanding with respect to Taylor's perspective on the songs which have been included on The Distance. It's no secret that I happen to agree with his assessment of "Maybe You Should".
click here for Mary Colurso's "Track By Track With Taylor"
Taylor Hicks now has his own record label, "Modern Whomp Records". He is looking forward to signing other artists to his label in the future. Taylor has worked continuously over the past three years. He has literally spread his "Teen Angel Wings" and with the release of "The Distance", this artist is "gonna fly" with the "Taylor Hicks' Sound"!
"As long as we are persistent in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will fully bloom. It happens in its own time."
~ Denis Waitley ~
Mark your calendar and tune in!
TV Guide's "IDOL TONIGHT", hosted by Kimberly Caldwell and Justin Guarini, will premiere it's 4th season Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT with special guest Taylor Hicks, season five winner of “American Idol”.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Taylor Hicks Did Go "The Distance"
~Songwriters Universe Magazine Interview by Jason Blasco~
Bloom and I were very fortunate to catch the KOL Listening Party for 'The Distance' while it was posted online. We are hoping that the preview will once again be available on March 2nd. If you have not yet heard a preview of Taylor Hicks' new CD, please check AOL Music on Monday. Taylor is scheduled to appear on Regis and Kelly on Monday, March 2nd as well. I can't think of a better way to start off the month of March!
Taylor Hicks has accomplished his goal on this CD. No two tracks sound the same which keeps you wondering what is coming next. There is something for everyone on 'The Distance'. Taylor boldly shows his unique versatility by crossing more than one genre of music!
It didn't take me long to come up with some descriptive words for the songs on 'The Distance'.
Taylor Hicks' music displays sensitivity, versatility, emotional vulnerability, compassion for mankind, understanding, empathy and perhaps most importantly, "optimism" with the title track, "The Distance".
His sense of humour is clearly evident on two of the tracks - "Keeping It Real" and "Wedding Day Blues". Taylor teams up with Elliott Yamin on "Woman's Gotta Have It". I hope that we will hear more collaborations from these two artists in the future because they really are a unique combination of talent.
If you have ever experienced "a love gone wrong", (haven't we all at some time in our lives?),"Maybe You Should" will bring you to your knees and tears to your eyes. "Nineteen" is a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices of our men and women who bravely find themselves abroad.
Everyone will have their own favourites on this CD. There is no need for me to elaborate on each track. It more important for you to make your own assessment. Visit AOL often and enjoy the new music that Taylor has shared with us.
On behalf of Bloom and myself - "Thank you, Taylor!"
We wish Taylor continued success in the entertainment industry!
Today's cup:
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
~Herman Cain~
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
"TAYLOR HICKS EXTENDS NATIONAL GREASE TOUR" – A SIGN OF THE TIMES?
A few days ago, I was surprised to read that Taylor Hicks had extended his contract with the National Grease Tour until 2010.
When I discussed this with a friend, she told me that she was not at all surprised. When “times” are difficult, she said, people feel the need to be distracted from the everyday challenges of life. Taylor intends to continue the “shadow tour” with his music which, in the end, turns out to be a “win/win” situation for him and his growing fan base.
My friend’s analogy to the desperate times of the Great Depression really did hit home with me when I watched the Oscars on television. It wasn’t an obvious choice for me to watch this show but since my favourite programs were not scheduled, I decided to take in the celebrations of the evening.
The multi-talented Hugh Jackman was an impressive host for the Oscars. I thoroughly enjoyed his musical and dance performances with Anne Hathaway and Beyoncé. In several interviews over the past few months, Taylor has made references to his goal of being a well-rounded entertainer. After watching Hugh Jackman, Taylor's rationale of "honing his craft" is understandable especially in today’s environment.
On a non-musical note, I thought it was wonderful that the acting nominees received individual recognition by one of their peers before that “envelope” was opened. All too often in previous shows, the names are read far too quickly without any personal mention of the accomplishments of the nominees. This was another “feel good” moment in my opinion.
As I watched the performances which included dancers and top hats, I was reminded of a time many years ago when there were afternoon movies on television that always had a great story, lots of music and dancing. You walked away from the television feeling good!
It seemed to me that the dominance of a musical theme throughout the show reinforced my friend’s conclusions that when the road is full of potholes, as it has been over the past several months, we all look to the entertainment industry to distract us from the hardships and the ongoing uncertainty that we are faced with on a daily basis.
During one of the elaborate musical performances, there was a tribute to Grease which obviously made me smile. I had always been a fan of the original movie and its music. Hugh Jackman shouted out “good music is coming back”! Yes, I thought, bring back some really good music. I want to feel good.
Music continued to be in the limelight during the Oscars when Queen Latifah performed “I’ll Be Seeing You” as pictures of those who have “moved on” were flashed across the screen. At the end of the show, we saw clips from upcoming 2009 movies accompanied, yet again, by music.
All of the emphasis on “music” that I saw on the Oscars tells me that Taylor Hicks has made a good decision to stay with the Grease Tour. Musicals are coming back which was clearly evident in the very popular movie “Mamma Mia"! When times are the darkest, we seem to yearn for nostalgia and we want to tap our feet to the beat of the uplifting songs.
Taylor Hicks' new video produced by Jake Davis for his newly released single, “What’s Right is Right” gives us this feeling of nostalgia with the lighting effects; the scenes of a dimly lit bar and an old-style restaurant. The song gives us hope that life will get better and that love from those around us can see us through the troubled days we face as citizens of this world.
Taylor’s new CD, “The Distance” which is being released on March 10th will, I am sure, give us more “feel good” music!
Today's cup:
A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn.
~ Author Unknown ~
Monday, February 16, 2009
Taylor Hicks Tells It Like It Is
American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks Talks About His New Album The Distance, And His Songwriting
By Jason Blasco
Taylor Hicks quickly discovered the instant fame that comes from being named the 2006American Idol winner. Hicks has refused to buckle under the blazing spotlight of the entertainment industry, and has thrived on eclipsing expectations since his national television debut when Simon Cowell vehemently stated, “The American Idol audience would not put him in the final group, and he should be singing as a background singer.”
Hicks proved Cowell wrong by becoming American Idol’s Cinderella story and champion. Hicks rode the wave of success with his 2006 debut album, Taylor Hicks, that was certified platinum less than a month after it’s December release. But despite the early success of his debut album, he was dropped by both Arista Records and J Records in early 2008 after disappointing overall sales.
Like he has throughout his entire career, Hicks took being the lowest-selling artist in American Idol history in stride, and continued to move forward with his next project. Hick’s new album, The Distance, which will be released in March and contains the single “What’s Right is Right,” encompasses Hicks’ love for blues, pop, R&B and country. The album also features more of Hicks’ own compositions than on his previous album. Hicks is releasing The Distance on his own Modern Whomp Records label, which is distributed via a partnership with independent artist services company, Artist To Market. Hicks has also secured a deal with Vanguard/Welk Records to release some of his pre-American Idol material.
“Well, for me, I wanted to first of all understand the record, and what the model for owning and operating my own label was going to be,” Hicks said. “I felt like owning my own label would be the best way to go, because the distribution and the music has changed significantly. I felt like it was in my best interest to own a label because it’s a hybrid, up-to-the-minute record deal, if you will, and I felt like distribution was the way to go as opposed to the actual classic music business models.”
For Hicks, releasing The Distance under his own label changed the dynamics, and it allowed him the flexibility of more creative expression as a songwriter than he had with Arista Records. “Well, with the first record, I was unable to have the time and creative freedom to collaborate with who I wanted to write with,” Hicks said. “I think that is one dynamic that really sticks on this record. I wanted to showcase the songwriting side of me that I did on my first two records, prior to Idol. I think having the time, being able to pick the writers that I wanted to write with, and thinking about what I created is more apparent on this record.”
Article continued @ Song Writers Universe click here
YAHOO!!!!
YAHOO Music Video Premiere -click HERE!
2/17/09
"What's Right Is Right" - Taylor Hicks
Video still by music video and film director Jake Davis
Today's cup:
"I'm a firm believer in telling the truth, even when the truth hurts. Think of it this way - in the end, telling the truth is easier than keeping up with a bunch of lies. It's also good karma."
~ Taylor Hicks ~
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Pillow Talk - What's Right Is Right - Is So Right
"What's Right Is Right"
From his upcoming album,'The Distance', Taylor Hicks' first single to be released, "What's Right Is Right", is available (MP3 download) as of today, January 27, 2009, at AMAZON.COM and iTunes.
I've long been a listener of Alan Almond's Pillowtalk radio program. I'm a romantic at heart and Pillowtalk is all about romance. Taylor Hicks' "What's Right Is Right" is a perfect tune for lovers - it is full of passion and romance and emotion. It's a baby making song, and I honestly am unable to listen without tears in my eyes.
When I first shared this song with my daughter, I told her, listen to the words and emotion in this song, this is the kind of love I have always wished for you and I do believe that you have found it. She was as profoundly affected as I am and agreed - it's a great song! She was moved by how beautifully Taylor delivered the song, she knows good music when she hears it!
Like Mother - Like Daughter :-)
'The Distance' due to arrive on March 10th is available for pre-order at AMAZON.COM
"Wedding Day Blues,"
"Seven Mile Breakdown,"
"What's Right is Right,"
"Hide Nor Hair,"
"Woman Gotta Have It,"
"New Found Freedom,"
"The Distance,"
"Nineteen,"
"I Live on a Battlefield,"
"Yes We Can,"
"Maybe You Should,"
"Once Upon a Lover of Mine,"
"Keepin It Real"
"Indiscriminate Act of Kindness."
PLEASE visit TAYLORHICKS.COM to view additional stills of his upcoming video release of "What's Right Is Right", and for a current listing of his scheduled performances!
Taylor Hicks LIVE - My 3 favorite words
:-)
Bloom
Monday, January 12, 2009
Looking in the Rear-View Mirror
I agree with that particular statement. So often, when we glance in our personal "rear-view mirror", we see so much more than we did when we initially experienced all of those life lessons along the "Road of Life". When we look back, we often see how a situation could have been handled in a much different way than it was at the time. Due to our inexperience or immaturity, we handled it the best way that we could at the time. In some cases, people simply do what they have to do in order to survive in this very complex world of ours.
I happen to believe that everything we have seen and heard in our lives, whether it be positive or negative, leaves a lasting imprint on our psyche. It is very fascinating to me that no two people have travelled the same "road". Each of us perceives words, actions and reactions differently when they directly affect us.
It is with great hope that through our travels, we will emerge with personalities, hearts and souls that are influenced by the good things in our lives. Every action/reaction makes us what and who we are today. As we mature, we hopefully will gain a greater understanding of the whys of our "calendar of life events" and we will continue strive to be the very best that we can be. I like to think that the majority of us try to overcome our shortcomings. I guess this could be a good description of "Karma" if you subscribe to that theory which I personally do.
I have always been amazed with the people in this world who, as young children, just "know" what they are going to do with their lives. They seem to arrive here with a very clear destination in their minds and they possess the determination to get where they are supposed to go.
Sometimes, they are blessed with a support network that helps them to achieve their goals and sometimes, they just "do it" through their trials and tribulations. Often, doors will unexpectedly open and they find themselves connected to the right people and friends at the right time who help to guide them to the end zone.
I am often in awe when I think about those individuals who are outstanding political and very influential world figures in various arenas. The "shining stars" in this world often have faced many struggles to fulfill their hopes and dreams.
Since I seem be very analytical in my way of thinking, I always want to understand the "how, what, when, where, and why" of many situations and people in general. What makes them tick? While I will never know the answers to many of those questions because I do not "know" these people, it is always fun to wonder about these things.
This never-ending curiosity of mine, along with the enjoyment of the music from Taylor Hicks, has encouraged me to try to learn more about where Taylor has been. We all know that he became a household word when he appeared on American Idol. His unique combination of charisma and talent was intriguing.
When Taylor Hicks released his 'Early Works' CD in late 2008, his self-penned lyrics demonstrated the raw emotion of youth and his interpretation of the impact of real life experiences.
There have been various thoughts as to the meaning of his songs. His lyrics, to me, are somewhat cryptic at times but then again, I think that feelings expressed in words will only ever be completely understood by the writer of the words especially if they are based on a personal experience. Everyone is entitled to their privacy and songwriters should be given the same consideration with respect to privacy.
I believe that if a song leaves you wondering "why" then it is cleverly written because you have taken the time to actually listen to the lyrics and the impact of the "raw emotion" has really touched you in some way.
One of my favourite songs, and there are many that are, on 'Early Works' is "West Texas Sky". You may agree or disagree with my interpretation but I hope that you will enjoy the video montage which tells a story based on my understanding of this song. Without the amazing graphics by Allyn, I am not sure that this story would have been told.
video: Taylor Hicks - "West Texas Sky"
Through the songs on 'Early Works', we have been given the privilege to look in Taylor's "rear-view mirror". When we read Taylor's autobiography, "Heart Full of Soul", we learned a great deal about his early years. If you know or have a general idea of where someone has been, then, you will understand more clearly where they are going.
Taylor has consistently displayed determination in reaching his goals. His horizons have broadened since American Idol and he has the sequins to prove it!
From all of the media reports as well as the various fan reports, Taylor's performances of portraying Teen Angel in 'Grease' have not gone unnoticed. He has received much well deserved praise and applause. Taylor has grown as an artist, songwriter and a performer since he first graced our television screens and, in my opinion, the sky is the limit for Taylor!
Taylor Hicks' much anticipated new single, "What's Right Is Right", which is scheduled to be released on January 20th will, once again, give us more insight into the "Man behind the Harmonica". I am confident that when his new CD, 'The Distance', is released in March, we will gain much more insight to this very talented artist!
Blog post by KarinP
Today's cup:
"Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.”
~George Sheehan~
Saturday, January 3, 2009
In The Spotlight ~ Taylor Hicks' ~ The Distance
LJWorld.COM
“For me, this is a marathon, not a sprint.
The longevity aspect to me is the most important.
Doing Broadway theater and looking at movie roles and writing music and putting out CDs — you have to be well-rounded if you want longevity in a career.”
~ Taylor Hicks ~
The Providence Journal
After 10 years playing in clubs in and around his native Alabama, winning American Idol in 2006 was a blessing.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity that it gave me to continue to keep exploring my artistic expression,” he says, and it gave him the chance to learn the ins and out of recording.
At the same time, Hicks was “a working musician — that’s who I am, and that’s who I’ll always be” — before the TV show came along, and the pop-chart game is a different deal.
“It definitely has its positives and negatives.
It’s very short-lived, it seems, along that side.
For me, the key is that you always have to stay in front of people and work,” says Hicks, who adds that he did 282 shows in 2006, the year his self-titled post-Idol album came out.
“That’s something that I’ll always hang my hat on.”
Touring is also where the money is, because it’s something that can’t be taken away from you, and because you can always sell your records at a show.
“If you’re a working musician, you’re always going to have a chance to sell your records.”
Hicks has some serious backing players — guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Nathan East and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. — on his forthcoming record, and says that “I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised about me as a songwriter."
“I think this record is going to allow me to touch on a lot of different styles, not just from a songwriting aspect but from a musical aspect as well.” The record will come out on his own label, and Hicks has signed a distribution deal with A2M.
He says that going his own way was the way to go.
“I must admit, having your own label is being out on the edge in your art.
You don’t get the cushion, but I like that. … “I think this release is going to define who I am as a singer-songwriter. And I want to put myself on the edge that way, because I feel like that’s where I can create my best work … without people telling me what songwriters I need to work with, or what I should do.”
The scheduled release of Taylor Hicks' first single from his new album "The Distance" is January 6th!
Taylor Hicks @itunes
Mark your calendars! 
"The Distance" is scheduled to be released March 10th, 2009!!
Today's cup:
"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody."
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ~
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