Taylor Hicks to Sign with Vanguard Records?

OK, this is really me, heh. I recently saw something about Joan Osbourne on some tv show (very descript, I know. I am clearly the Queen of Information). Well, it was all about how well she was doing supporting herself with her music, and releasing albums to a small, but dedicated fanbase. It’s interesting that Taylor is on her label. I am confident he’s found a good fit if they support their artists the way it seems that Joan is supported. She still plays shows around the country, and she isn’t dropped if she doesn’t sell platinum. (I mean…700K is NOT BAD. This label is probably ecstatic at the prospect of half of that)

While I am not really a Taylor fan, the man has talent and deserves to be with a label where people believe in him.

Taylor’s pre-idol stuff is 1000 percent better than the dreck that is his last album. So he’s already off to a better start (assuming, of course all of the above is true :-)

I know not a thing about Vanguard but am pretty certain that there is no possible way they could do a worst job than the last guys.

Mj
The info I heard on another board was the preidol works were being released by Vanguard. Logically one would think there is a good possibility his new cd may also be on this label too. Obviously you think that is a good thing. When I looked at the list of other artists releasing on Vanguard I didn’t see any I knew but maybe this company will be a better fit for Taylor. I sure hope so if not for Taylor then for his fans

Is this way to kill the other thread? It was just getting interesting

Hmm, if this is true, it would be very good news. This label sounds like a better fit for Taylor and his music.

This is really good news. I wish him nothing but the best with the new label, and I am really looking foward to the previous works CD.

I was at Planet Hollywood after Taylors Grease opening and he looked to be bursting with happiness. GOOD FOR HIM

NICE PICTURE! Thanks for posting this MJ

I hope Dingo is reading- I think she will be pleased.

Thats great news .I have the Under the Radar cd and would love to get the In your Time one .I cannot wait till the new one in the fall .(crossing fingers that it will knock your socks off .)

Well, good for Taylor! Hicks – too funny – I was just thinking that, I saw you all over there still this morning.

I’m so happy for Taylor. I have Under the Radar and In Your Time already. I think it’s great that Vanguard will be re-releasing them. Vanguard will probably treat Taylor like royalty compared to the way his other label treated him.

I just read that Levon Helm was the one who played Loretta Lynn’s father in Coal Miner’s Daughter. I knew I had seen his name before. I watched a video and I like his music.

Anxiously waiting for Taylor’s new cd…

I am ecstatic for Taylor. I do hope he enjoys his working relationship with them more than the one he had before. I do hope they show their positivity and belief in him unlike his previous record company. Cannot wait for his releases.

Good for Taylor. Vanguard is a great label that’s been around for years. I’m pretty sure they started with jazz (my dad has lots of lp’s on that label). I’m most familiar with them for the bluegrass they produced. They don’t have a lot of huge names but they do have Robert Cray who is a master blues guitarist, Joan Osborne (not my type of music), and Levon Helm who was in The Band back in the day. Anyway, I think it’s a great fit for Taylor.

This is fantastic news. Vanguard has been around a very long time (as others mentioned, it’s more known as a jazz label) that’s now known for its slightly off-beat (in a good way) artists. It’s a great fit.

It’s a smart move for Vanguard as well. They have a well known (albeit unusual) artist in their stable with a couple of albums already readfy for release.

I see a long term relationship. And we’re the happy beneficiaries.

Taylor’s independent releases were made on a shoestring budget.
His first, “In Your Time,” was made when he was 19 years old and contains four self-penned songs. Listen to “Somehow” and you’ll wonder how a 19 year old could sing with such depth of feeling. Taylor’s moving version of “Georgia” is accompanied by Billy Earl McClelland, well known guitarist in country music.
“Under the Radar” has seven original compositions and includes the song that has become a bit of an anthem for him, “Soul Thing.” My favorite is the dixieland flavored “My Friend.” Wailing clarinets get me everytime!
Delighted Taylor is releasing these to broader distribution, so fans can hear more facets of Taylor.

Marc Broussard is coming to the Bluegill in Mobile June 13th. Too bad Taylor will be in New York or he could make a surprise appearance with him.

Taylor and Marc Broussard on the same label. An old friend of mine from this blog and another would find that interesting (Deb are you lurking?). I have Under the Radar, but couldn’t get In Your Time, now I will be able to. Sweet. I hope this is his future label. It will be a good fit I think. He could become a great source of revenue for them. What a great leap of faith this would be.

Hicksaholic, Taylor and Marc too much to dream of. Talk about incredible, sigh.

Could my dream of a long stream of Taylor Hicks/Marc Broussard collaborations come true? Pretty, pretty please?

If true, hopefully Vanguard will turn out to be just what Taylor was looking for. Provided, of course, that they make him COMB HIS HAIR.

;-)

Provided, of course, that they make him COMB HIS HAIR.

I think perhaps he just needs some more gel. :lol_tb:

I think perhaps he just needs some more gel. :lol_tb:

Actually, having taken a second look at Broussard’s facial hair…I’d say my hopes for Hick’s hygiene are pretty much dashed. :(

Spence- OH NO YOU DIDN’T!!! LOL

As a complete and utter fantard for Marc Broussard ( I have seen him in concert more times than I can count..sigh) I too would kill for a killer collaboration between TH and MB. My only concern is that MB would say HELL NO. He had some pretty harsh things to say about American Idol and the people that have gone on the show right after Taylor won in S5. Also, I have always scratched my head over MB’s latest album release of covers. It’s ok…but nothing compares to his two orignal albums, esp Carencro..IMHO. Always wondered if that was MB’s choice or the labels.

Also another link between MB and TH is on MB’s latest album, one of his back-up singers and duet partners is Toby Lightman, who opened for Taylor during part of his tour last year. She was also MB’s tour partner last summer. JUST FYI!!! :)

ETA…as a bad Taylor fan I have to say, I will believe that album is coming out in the fall when it’s in my hands and not a minute before. Wasn’t there a DVD of his concert tour that was suppose to be released LAST December, then Jan, then Feb and still no DVD??? At this point Taylor is going to have to prove it to me.

I’m an idiot Marc Broussard CAME to the Bluegill June 13th. I was reading an old publication.

Edwin McCain, and, Hootie & the Blowfish are on Vanguard. Seems they are also releasing unheard George Jones duets in July. So, hope this all pans out for Taylor. He wouldn’t say he was releasing an album in the fall so positively, if it weren’t true. Dang, what’s up with those Bama boys? He and Bo are the most tight-lipped people. Never tell you anything. The fans have to play private eye to find out anything.

I sincerely hope this is a better fit for Taylor and works out well….

Vanguard is a great label for Taylor and I hope they have signed him.

On the Mark Broussard and Idol front. A few months ago the Virginia Coalition posted about a great night in the studio with Broussard, Elliott Yamin and Josh Hoge. The results were an original song and I have no idea when and if we’ll ever hear it. So he does work with people from Idol.

A little off topic perhaps but boy is it nice to openup MJ’s and the first thing you see is Taylor’s smiling face.

Wow, whether they’ve signed him or not, it’s a mark of prestige that they will re-release his old stuff. It’s such a respected label. And all that history! This sort of small, fine label is the independent music lover’s pride and joy. He must be completely thrilled. Great news, really.

It makes me nervous to do any speculating when it comes to Mr. Hicks – he’s a surprise a minute. Being signed by Vanguard would be wonderful news, if true, but, even having them involved in the “Early Works” project is fantastic.

Good news for Taylor and for his fans. I have a question though. Is it a remastering of his past work or just a re-release? I have a physical copy of UTR (thanks Laser’s Edge) but only a download of IYT. I would love to have a better sound mix on IYT, especially on “Somehow”. I’m hoping for this song to be “discovered” by Adult Alternative radio. I can dream, can’t I?

Don’t know anything about this label, but sounds like a much better fit than Arista. I wish Taylor the best of luck.

Excellent news! I really hope this means he will be releasing on new album with them too.

I love Marc Broussard! This would be fantastic news if it is indeed true.

I have Under The Radar and In Your Time and love them both. Taylor’s post Idol Cd is okay but I much prefered the songs after he had played around with them during his tour.

Agree it is nice to come home and see Taylor’s smiling face!!!! Along with Cookie making the People’s hottest bachelor list………this day couldn’t get much better – just need Jason in the mix somewhere now.

Oh how I hope this is true and Taylor’s talent is captured and marketed properly – I would love to see Abraham, Martin & John, Ain’t No Sunshine, People Get Ready, etc. released or new songs with the Taylor magic we fell in love with!

O Happy Day!!!!!!

ETA: I not only want a new CD, I want a tour too. Seeing Taylor live is just the best!

I hope Taylor comes out with all new fresh and modern material. Nothing wrong with borrowing from the classics, but Taylor needs his own identity, otherwise it’s just karaoke.

New post-
OK, Vanguard is quick – this is what they sent -
the bold part is done by me…

Hi,
Unfortunately the sites that posted this information were misinformed. Vanguard Records is only distributing this album so it’s not a Vanguard release. Taylor will be releasing this on his own label which is called Modern Whomp Records.

Sorry for the confusion.

Best,
Vanguard Records

UH OH read this ! Got it from The Boogie Board Tell me if that is wrong MJ

Damn! And we were off and running!

It’s still good. The release has Vanguard’s stamp of approval. It’s also got to be a better deal financially to have it on his own label. Plus, Taylor will have his foot in the Vanguard door when his new cd is ready to be shopped around. Yes, I do own a pair of rose colored glasses. Why do you ask?

Ok so is what we think is Vanguard is willing to distribute Taylor’s preidol cd but they are not producing it? What does this mean in terms of radio play or promo?

i still like his first audition best out of everything he has done. if he would only make a record like that…

Bo Bice has his own label and more & more artists are making this move. Still all gooood.

I question for someone more knowledgable than I, hicks dear.

How do you do pay for play then? I guess only the big boys and girls can do that If so it will be hard for Taylor to be heard on the radio right?

How do you do pay for play then? I guess only the big boys and girls can do that If so it will be hard for Taylor to be heard on the radio right?

Vanguard will distribute the album to retail channels, but they won’t promote it. That’s a label’s job–and the upside of actually being signed.

So, basically promotion is what’s lacking in these types of deals. Not really the best scenario for Taylor.

Can the market handle two Taylor CDs in a fairly short time period? Maybe this is the same way they will market the second album? Whomp label and distribution by Vanguard.

Elliott (with a similiar deal) did a tour of every radio station under the sun and performed live mini concerts for them. That got him early promo and of course WFY became a big radio hit. Taylor could do something similiar. However, it seems he’ll be doing Grease at the same time so I’m not sure how much promo he can do.

I am kind of confused I guess So it will be distributed by Vanguard to retail outlets ( just music stores or Walmart or what?) but no promo ( at least not by Vanguard?) Do you think Taylor will be promoting it through his label? I can’t believe there is not a label picking up Taylor. I can’t imagine that Taylor has the financial resources to do this on his own but admittedly I have no clue what I am talking about.

Remember this?

A short interview with The Legendary King of Surf Guitar about the record industry – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AJxc3Lxn4o

Mj are you knowledgable on this? What is your take?

deleted

Remember this?

A short interview with The Legendary King of Surf Guitar about the record industry – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AJxc3Lxn4o

So this can be a win -win. Taylor will likely have fewer fans but make more money. I can handle that. The only thing that will not is feeding my ego that wants him to smash Justin Timberlake. But on the other hand, there will be fewer people fighting for those good tickets. If he’s making a good living he’ll probably spend a lot of time in Alabama(where I am) Hey, this could work for me!

I guess I’ll just keep reading until this makes sense to me, lol. Taylor’s decision making drives me crazzzzy. Seems I can’t keep up with the boy!

:unsure_tb:

A short interview with The Legendary King of Surf Guitar about the record industry – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AJxc3Lxn4o

It will work out fine for Taylor…If he plays his cards right. That artist had a visionary business sense–very smart, knew exactly what he was doing. Whether Taylor can make the same smart decisions remains to be seen.

Mj are you knowledgable on this? What is your take?

Vangaurd is not going to promote his record as a distributor. It all depends on Taylor’s team, and I have no idea if he even has one. That’s why Elliott’s record worked out so well from him. Red distributed the record, his excellent team–a team that had lots of great industry connections–promoted it for him.

Taylor can’t do this all by himself, imho.

I was happy, surprised and excited at the news about Vanguard; too bad it was just a misunderstanding.

Modern Whomp Records, do you want nachos with that cheese? Doesn’t Taylor Hicks have any friends to bounce ideas off of? At least call it plain old Whomp Records. Modern Whomp sounds cumbersome and silly and overly thought out, like a brand name some kid in your dorm thought of one night and continues to insist is cool; it makes me cringe.

Is the guy really that much on his own? How many bridges did he burn, anyway? He’s almost back to selling CDs out of his backpack. Dang.

Well, maybe it’ll all work out. Maybe this is in fact just the way he wants it. In the meantime, I’ve got my own problems! lol

No, Taylor can’t do this by himself, but, he sure can’t do any worse than the last promoters he had. Guess I’ll take a wait and see attitude.

I’m looking forward to “Early Works.” Can’t wait to have it in my hot little hands!

Modern Whomp Records, do you want nachos with that cheese? Doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Taylor Hicks have any friends to bounce ideas off of?

i agree. it’s embarrassing…>

Modern Whomp… I too agree. That’s kinda cornball.

Same name as his publishing company. I have no problem with the name for his businesses, just didn’t like him using it to describe a genre. I’ve heard many worse and goofier company names than this.

The thing about “modern whomp” to me is that I still have no idea what the heck it is exactly. Before its release, he said the TH album was “modern whomp.” So which of the songs on that album were modern whomp? Anybody know?

“Modern Whomp” isn’t bad if it’s a buried production name, I guess, but yeah, still not my first choice.

Y’all know that I really, really like Taylor. I think he’s amazingly talented, and yes, I do think he takes an unfair beating in the media (all those journalists just think they’re so friggin’ clever with their “he looks like he’s 50!” jokes, don’t they?). But I really, really hope that this album is something that I can enjoy, because first album got only a few novelty spins before the novelty wore off and I shelved most of it. Obviously, Taylor is not obligated to tailor his music to my personal tastes, but I’m also not going to buy the next album “just because it’s Taylor,” either.

I’d like to believe that there’s a label out there that would love to have him, but at the same time, if Bo Bice couldn’t get one, nothing makes me think that Taylor will. And as for the “Taylor being on his own label is great!” mindset…well, he’ll own his own stuff and have complete creative control, which is always a plus. But networking and promotion will almost be nonexistent. It’s partially the media’s fault for branding the man a leper for no apparent reason other than that he’s not a coltish blonde beauty or an eyeliner-wearing rocker. But then again, it’s partially Taylor’s. He chose to market himself on Idol as a goofball who many people did not take seriously, and he hasn’t done much to change that image. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but he has to deal with the consequences from that. Then again, he’s a grown man, and I’m sure he thought it through.

Some people just can’t accept the fact that Taylor is going to be Taylor.
He is an independent thinker and knows what he wants for himself.
Who cares what he calls his label as long as the music speaks for
itself. Taylor is business savvy. He knows the industry more than
any of us could imagine. This is his career and he is carving his own
path in an industry that is in a strong state of transition.

It’s wonderful that he is trying to be an independent recording artist.
This takes guts and having a vision for the future. I applaud him
and look forward to anything he throws our way. In the end
Taylor can truly said he did it his way !!

beachn

I don’t know if it’s so much people not accepting that Taylor is going to be Taylor. I for one just want to understand what all of this means in terms of me getting to hear and buy Taylor’s music in the future. And selfishly, I would like to hear it on the radio if possible but if it’s only on cds and live I’ll survive I guess.

Most all who have posted are fans of Taylor’s and want to discuss what all this means openly both pluses and minuses to understand it all better.

I wouldn’t actually trust Taylor to make the right choices. From my viewpoint, he’s made lots of odd choices. I get the feeling that the years of being a working musician made him think he knows more about his career that the “pros.” But he obviously likes doing it his way. I’m just puzzled that they’d release the preidol stuff so close to the release of the 2nd album. I think the dedicated fans probably own it already and casual fans might get confused and think its the “new album” he’s talking about.

Re: Elliott and his deal. He has benfited from having a major industry player as his cousin. His management team is great and clearly is working on a long term strategy. He never does anything just to make a buck that would hurt the career. Even then, selling albums as an indie is very tough. As far as I know, Elliott is the only one from Idol who’s really made it work (so far).

jpfan
You make very good points. I wondered too about releasing the albums so close together. I would think promoting one album would be a challenge. Two so close together seems really difficult.

I wonder if Taylor will benefit at all bt his relationship with Elliott. Perhaps his cousin might help Taylor too. Assuming , of course, Taylor wants to be helped.

Well, I’m a fan and I’m looking forward to the new album. I hope it’s as good as he’s indicated. He’s said he’s worked with top songwriters and that he’s been able to take his time on it. If it’s good, it will make it’s way to the masses, in my opinion. I’m not so sure I care about radio play anymore because there are so many artists I’ve discovered the last few years/bought CDs of/never hear on the radio. If he’s making a good living & putting out good music, I’m happy enough. I already have IYT & UTR, but I’m hoping maybe the IYT has the sound cleaned up a bit – especially on “Somehow”. I love that song, but the mix on the first one is not clear. If it’s not a remix, I’ll still buy the CD so that I can have them all one one CD and put away my signed CDs. Maybe one of the reasons he took the Grease gig was to make $$$ to self-promote the CD? And I’ve pretty much given up on that concert DVD too…

The thing about à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“modern whompà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  to me is that I still have no idea what the heck it is exactly. Before its release, he said the TH album was à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“modern whomp.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  So which of the songs on that album were modern whomp? Anybody know?

I think Taylor tried to come up with a new name to describe an old time soul sound with a modern twist. Unfortunately I don’t think the album delivered that unique of a sound to be labeled as a new take on soul music. In fact it was more pop than soul. And that’s not a knock on it because I do listen to it occassionally.

Who cares what the label is called. David Letterman’s production company is called Worldwide Pants, not very catchy or snappy, but the content is good. If Taylor has a good product he will be okay. No he ain’t ever gonna beat Justin Timberlake on the charts, it’s just not gonna happen. But could this work as well as Elliott, I think so because he has made some good connections as well. He isn’t quite the fuck up some think he is, he’s just not Daughtry, or Cook, and I dont think he set out to be either. Ir’s all about the content. If it’s good, he will be okay.

I agree with you hicksaholic. It’s why I don’t care for the name “Modern Whomp”.

Hicks attributed that self-named genre to the post-Idol CD and really, there wasn’t anything much, on the CD, that was unique enough to carry a new music genre name.

I still listen to the CD from time to time, makes for a decent road trip soundtrack.

On a personal level, I hope, above all, this album is a critical success. I do not expect it to sell much, but if his work becomes accepted on a level that is respected in the music world, then I think he will have won a big victory.

I hate feeling that this may be a last-ditch effort for him as a recording artist, though. This one will get some media attention. No question. He will get a one-time bump on this, but if it is a total artistic dud that doesn’t sell well, as opposed to an artistic triumph that doesn’t sell well, it will truly be his last opportunity as a recording artist, in my view.

He could very well return to the small bar circuit and sell subsequent self-produced CD’s at the shows and, well, from his backpack. The difference will be, because of his national notoriety, he likely will get to play live shows in more places than just the deep South.

He is a unique entertainer who can light up a stage and a TV screen, but a lot hangs in the balance on this personal label and the CD he seems to be very carefully working on putting out.

(BTW. I don’t much care for the label name either, but Taylor seems determined to put his stamp on this name and a style of music he feels he is re-introducing the the public. I wish him the best on this, but I doubt the media will much give him a break. They certainly haven’t so far.)

“He will get a one-time bump on this, but if it is a total artistic dud that doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sell well, as opposed to an artistic triumph that doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sell well, it will truly be his last opportunity as a recording artist, in my view.”

Maybe that’s why he is trying out Broadway and talks a lot about acting lately. He probably wants to open up new doors in case his new cd doesn’t sell. I hope his new music is successful, but if it isn’t I can see Taylor acting in movies and television. In fact, if I could see Taylor on tv every week, that would work for me.

Works for me too- in fact I’d love it even if he couldn’t act! I always thought Taylor would be a good fit for a talk show.

A talk show would be good. Heck, he could just stand there and smile and I would be entertained.

Some people just canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t accept the fact that Taylor is going to be Taylor.
He is an independent thinker and knows what he wants for himself.
Who cares what he calls his label as long as the music speaks for
itself. Taylor is business savvy. He knows the industry more than
any of us could imagine. This is his career and he is carving his own
path in an industry that is in a strong state of transition.

Do I know that Taylor is business-savvy? No, I don’t. Just because Taylor is releasing this compilation on his own label doesn’t mean that he’s omgsuperhappy about it. I mean, there are upsides to being independent. I’m sure being with Arista was very constricting, perhaps moreso than he thought it would be. And as other have mentioned, I don’t doubt that Taylors went into recording his first album with some very strong ideas about what he wanted, and he probably didn’t make a lot of friends that way. But at the very least, I’m sure he had mixed feelings about getting dropped, no matter how his public statements read. I doubt Taylor would have gone on Idol if he didn’t want his music to reach a wide variety of people, and the bigger your label, the more people you can reach. That may not be his first and foremost concern, but I’m hard-pressed to believe he doesn’t at least consider it every now and then.

I really, really like Taylor, and I hope to hear good music from him. But I’m sorry, at the end of the day, he’s not some amazing musical trailblazer paving the way for independent artists to have great success. If I turn out to be wrong and pigs fly and Modern Whomp Records completely redefines the music industry, believe me, I’ll be the first to eat my words. But right now, Taylor Hicks isn’t a trailblazer. He’s just a guy who can’t get on a record label. It saddens me, and I hope I’m wrong, but I’m calling it like I see it.

The Soul Patrol has always amused me. They always talk like they personally know him. “Taylor is smart”, “Taylor is happy” and “Taylor is business savvy”???? How would a fan know these things?

I guess I am a little well maybe a lot confused .I thought that when Taylor got cut from the label .They gave an option of if his new album was good they would still distribute it ?

I think Taylor did take some business courses at college so he has some knowledge for things from that .At least I assume he should .

But Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sorry, at the end of the day, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not some amazing musical trailblazer paving the way for independent artists to have great success.

Tee Hee – this made me giggle. So true. I think in this respect, some people confused being able to put a unique spin on an old tune with revolutionizing the music industry. Which, lets face it, is just an impossible expectation. Most successful acts today follow the tried and true formula of previous artists in their genre. There is very little innovation on American Radio today. You have to look a wee bit harder for that.

That’s why I totally understand the people who were disappointed in his cd. Those who were expecting something new, a fresh take on that cool blues vibe he gave off. The cd removed some of the layers of Taylor and that was unfortunate.

I get where people believed something huge was coming from him. He really was larger than life on tv to many of us. And he still oozes that charisma and stage presence in his live shows. But, that’s because the way he performs a lot of those songs live, is a whole hell of a lot different than they sound on the cd.

I didn’t have a huge emotional letdown personally, because I really wasn’t expecting a new musical era from him. I just dig the voice. And, I don’t mean to poke fun at those who saw something more at all. I just think maybe expecting Taylor to be the next Elvis was a bit much to expect of anyone. And, I think that that’s what leads some to feel the need for “vindication” brought on by his success.

My point is, it’s okay if Taylor doesn’t sell a million records, or win a grammy or be on the cover of Rolling Stone. If he can make enough of a living to still perform for his fans, that’s a good thing. And, it works for a lot of musical acts that aren’t HUGE anymore. Heck, I remember back when I thought Hootie and the Blowfish was the best band in America LOL.

Great discussion. And, very respectful I might add. I write a very tiny music blog and I’m very careful as to what I say about Taylor and his career as I just don’t want to be bombarded with Soul Patrol hate mail and comments. It’s nice to see that a discussion can take place without “good” fans and “bad” fans. Thanks, MJ.

Regarding the record label — Don’t like the name, love the idea. Since the beginning, I have felt that Taylor should be producing other acts in addition to his own. He needn’t be the next Elvis or otherwise to have a good career, IF he gets back to what he does best. Perform nitty gritty soul & blues. Grab people’s attention with a “real” record this time. However, if he could sign a few good up and coming acts and one hit it big, VOILA! he’s a record producer a la Tim McGraw. That loosens the purse strings to do some other things that he might want to do.

However, I don’t think the Grease gig does him any favors. While he seems to be getting decent PR for a change, the fromage factor is off the charts and may come back to bite him in the butt.

Hey double d, I remember you from GC and elsewhere. I think I even lurked at your blog a while back! I like your take on things. I have never been a member of the SP, neither did I think that anyone coming off of this show was going to turn the music industry on it’s ear. What I want from Taylor is that gritty soul/blues cd. I want him to channel what made him so successful on the show into something tangible in the industry. I really want a damn good cd.

Yes, abbysee, I remember you. Didn’t you win a “hoodie”? Those were the days. I agree on the CD and hopefully Taylor knows that too.

……the only thing taylor and Elvis have in common is that Charisma thingy and they both have stood on the grounds of GRACELAND.

I liked the AI Taylor (don’t throw stones at me, lol). I enjoyed every single song he sang on that show except Country Roads. I would like to see him live. I understand that is where he shines, and I think that may be the only way I could appreciate him now. That is, unless the next CD can REALLY hit the mark. Hopefully, it will.

Hola… I too don’t care what his company is called (and btw, speaking of “Modern Whomp”, it looks like our old buddy Gray Charles – yep, the sage trickster himself – is back to a few of his old sleight-of-hand games with a new site/domain name http://www.modernwhomprecords.com – it will be fun to see what comes of that…)

Anyway, after having seen Taylor and crew at the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco last May 2007, and being totally blown away by that live Taylor experience (with such an extraordinary band too…), I’m still finding it hard to wait for: “Whomp at the Warfield”, the long-promised DVD; this new “Early Works” CD; and of course, the new “TBD” CD… AND for the tour to accompany the new music CD..

It’s all been such a long time comin’…

One thing I’d remind my fellow TH fans (and yes, I’m a big Marc B. fan, and looking forward to seeing him for the 1st time live in San Fran end of August…) is that Taylor is currently managed by one of the top companies in the world, Creative Artists Agency – LOOK AT THE INCREDIBLE LIST OF ARTISTS TAYLOR IS A PART OF! (okay, just ignore Daughtry ;-) and focus on Bruce, Mariah, Stevie, etc.!)

http://www.caatouring.com/Public/ArtistRoster.aspx?role=

My point is that I think the folks at CAA are likely giving him some ongoing good advice about all of these choices and options in his career at this point, and I trust them – and would bet he does too ;-)

(By the way, I’m writing this from Costa Rica, where I’m studying for 6 weeks – and boy, do I appreciate MJSblog while I’m down here, keeping me posted on everything I’m into – when not in law school!: from David Cook, to SYTYCD, to Taylor news! Gracias to all of the Hicks fans who post here too, cause I don’t have time to get to the Boogie Board these days- so this is my one-stop shop!)

Taylor is currently managed by one of the top companies in the world, Creative Artists Agency

CAA is a talent agency, not a management firm.

The New York Post has picked up on the Vanguard distribution…. actually has a positive vibe to it. Has anyone else noticed how positive the press has been to Taylor since his Grease participation.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06202008/tv/hicks_finds_niche_116267.htm

Beachn
It’s great to see Taylor getting positive press. It is about time he was treated fairly by the media IMO.

Taylor as of the last information on him (facebook) is managed by Career Artist Manangement which was recently became an aquisistion of Irving Azoff.
http://www.crazedhits.com/daily-news-friday-4/

No not part of the sp just like getting the info on Idols because I am not knowledgeable about the music industry at all.

laurita, regarding the Gray reference and the Modern Whomp site, that’s just pure conjecture by some website participants.

“When pigs fly” – I am waiting for that moment myself. lol.

The humor was very graylike.

What do you make of it, hicksaholic? I’m so confused. Was this an active website?

I couldn’t care less what his record label is named. It’s about the music and I have no doubt Taylor will deliver there. Dissection belongs in a lab.

On the subject of names though, I ran across a guy whose name is Lacoy B. Looney. Did his parents hate him? This is an instance where a name is just plain wrong!

What do you make of it, hicksaholic? Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m so confused. Was this an active website?

I’m confused too although it sure did sound like Gray. There was a thought that perhaps he was back in the picture in terms of a website communicating with Taylor fans. It would certainly be a welcome addition if that is the case. There was also thoughts of it being someone impersonating Gray(that would seem a little difficult to me)

The website changes every so often to really keep things interesting. I need to go over there and see if it has changed lately.

I really wish these people would stop playing games and try using simple declarative sentences! It is astonishing how effective a communication tool they are. I love Taylor’s music and am eagerly awaiting whatever comes out next – the dvd, the early works, the new cd…..I just want a firm date and a product. It would be fantastic if Gray would come back online if he would talk and let us know what was going on……I’d welcome ANYone who would let us know what the heck was going on! This is just so frustrating!

Someone in Taylor’s camp needs to communicate whatever is going to happen with the cd (or cd’s release). We are still waiting fir Whomp in the Warfield and for about 6 months or so have been told it’s coming. This new cd release issue is very confusing. The only thing known is August 12th a cd of Taylor’s early works will be released. It will be distributed by Vanguard but I believe promoted and produced by Taylor’s Modern Whomp Records. We don’t know if this is just a rerelease of IYT and UTR exactly as initially recorded, whether it is remixed and/or rerecorded or if new songs( from early Taylor performances but not included on his first two cds) are going to be on it in addition to those on the first two cds.

Whether or not a new cd with all new material is being released in the fall and by who and when is even more confusing. The proximity of the two dates add to the confusion. If it’s confusing to me and I keep up with Taylor on a daily basis imagine how it must be for a casual fan.

Actually, hicksaholic, maybe casual fans have it easier. They don’t see all the dithering that goes on before something happens! LOL! But, i agree. The communication is really bad and needs to be improved. There is no need for this confusion.

It brings up a question I have- maybe MJ can answer. Who is responsible for Taylor’s communications with the fans? Obviously ultimately Taylor but is it CAA that manages his pr or does he have somebody to do that?

Thanks for trying to help, hicksaholic, in regard to the whomp website. I love a mystery, but I guess I will have to be content with being in the dark about solving this one.
Speculating on the release of the DVD, if clearance of the tags used during the concert is the reason for the delay, why wasn’t it an issue when it aired on the HDTV concert series? Furthermore, if the lack of rights is indeed the reason for the delay, maybe we’ll never get the DVD for public purchase. I’d rather have it this way than butchering a phenominal effort by Taylor and his band by removing certain tracks.
Lastly, It’s clear to me that Taylor’s lack of a signed record deal is only because he doesn’t have a finished project to shop around. This doesn’t worry or confuse me. It will happen.

I really wish these people would stop playing games and try using simple declarative sentences!

Agree. I read on another board that ModernWhompRecordsdotcom was started in June 2005…so surely it belongs to Taylor? How many times did it change in two days?! It did sound so much like Gray Charles. The most current “ceasing and desisting” post is utterly confusing. Could it be that Taylor had it stopped?

It’s a shame that we have to play these guessing games … GC was great at getting the word out. I don’t belong to HQ so don’t get the audio blogs. (not that I want to, I would much prefer myspace blogs from Taylor to tell us what’s up).

Anyhoo, good for Taylor on the formation of his Modern Whomp Records and for the distribution deal with Vanguard.

June 2005? Before AI Taylor, lg?

Yeah, MN Sue, June 2005, according this site, it’s at the bottom of the page.

http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/results.jsp?domain=modernwhomprecords.com

The IP is listed, I guess it’s OK to post…if not, please delete if need be, mj!

Btw, mj, I would be interested to know your take on this — when ya get time of course.

Thanks lg but the link doesn’t work. I will take your word for it. Curiouser and curiouser.

MN Sue, I fixed that link. I must be doing something wrong using the fancy link thingy. :)

Better. My mind is still befuddled. Legal gobbledegoop. I think I’ll take a walk.

June 18, 2008, is when the domain name Modern Whomp Records dot com was purchased. It expires June 18, 2009. The domain was purchased from an LLC that was formed in 2005.

No one can impersonate GC. Just not possible.

No one can impersonate GC. Just not possible.

SirReal keeping it real.

thanks for the info SirReal. I don’t think it was GC either…just don’t understand why someone would eff around like that. Too much time on his/her hands? Ah, who knows. Prolly not worth the effort to figure it out…doesn’t matter anyway in the grand scheme of things.

But, lg, since no one can impersonate GC, me thinks it was/is GC. I assume, knowing the pitfalls of assuming, that GC secured it for Taylor before someone else started to use it. But what do I know? Just a thought.

SirReal, you may be right on. It sounds plausible to me….maybe it was GC, who is known for his cryptic posts that make one really think. Well hell, I just hope the new album kicks some ass…I would be curious to know just who will produce the album due in the fall. I think that Modern Whomp Records is a good start for Taylor, since he wasn’t picked up by another major. He’s got to be crafty and build his enterprise from the ground up, so to speak. So, good luck TH, my fave AI’er ever. It’s been a wild ride, with many disillusioned fans in the wake….it’s time for the BS to end. It saddens me that a once unified Hicks fanbase has become so fragmented. It would help a whole hell of a lot, if Taylor would keep us more informed; I think he’s been pretty deficient in that area so far…like I said, just jot a short but sweet blog on myspace every now and then. The audio blogs are kinda lame, imo.

The audio blogs are definitely lame and unless he does a tour before my membership expires there may not be a reason to join HQ again. I joined becauseI’m interested in the early ticket releases for HQ members and news I might not be privy to otherwise. After listening to those audioblogs I want my time back even if I don’t get my money back.

As I stated up thread I too think it would be very hard for someone to pretend to be Gray- he has a very unique sense of humor, not easily duplicated.

Mj, please take a break from Blake and come tell us what you think about all this.

Mj, please take a break from Blake and come tell us what you think about all this.

All what? You mean the website? I don’t think it’s GC.

The website is one thing, the EW cd versus a new album so quick afterwards, Who is responsible for Taylor’s PR (besides him, of course)
So you just think it is someone pretending to be GC

So you just think it is someone pretending to be GC

I don’t know if they are pretending to be GC or not…I just don’t think it’s him. You never know, though, I guess.

Modernwhomprecords.com now re-directs to Taylor’s myspace. Interesting. SirReal, your assumption that GC was the purchaser of the domain on June 18, 2008 may be right on.

Overnite 3 different websites with Taylor Myspace links..

http://www.modernwhomprecords.com redirects to Taylor’s Myspace

http://www.modernwhomp.com redirect to Taylor’s Myspace

http://www.modernwhompmusic.com has 2 players on it….IYT & UTR and says “Early Works” CD by Taylor Hicks to be released SOON! and redirects to Taylor’s Myspace

And music tip sheet http://www.newmusictipsheet.com/page.php?id=crystal changed Vanguard to Modern Whomp..

I’m still wondering why he has stuck with that awful Modern Whomp crap? It was a total failure last time. Why on earth would he stick with something that failed the first time? The name does not make me want to sample the music or even buy it. Very disappointing.

I’m not much into the Modern Whomp name either but hopefully since it is just the name of his record company it will not be that important to music buyers. I would never look at the names of record companies prior to making a music buying decision. Titles of the cd perhaps.

I wish Taylor a lot of success, and I really do hope he puts out some music that I’ll enjoy listening to. But, I just don’t think the name of the company producing the record will make or break it’s sales.

Modern Whomp sounds like another gimmick. I wish I could shake Taylor and tell him “STOP WITH THE GIMMICKS AND LET THE MUSIC SELL YOU”.