Former “American Idol” champion Taylor Hicks has aligned with artist services company Artist to Market for the release of his next album, due Feb. 10. The as-yet-untitled set, which Hicks is working on with producer Simon Climie, will carry the artists Modern Whomp Records imprint.
“In this digital age, when artists can connect more directly with audiences, this is a partnership that makes a lot of sense,” says Hicks.
Hicks released a lone album, a 2006 self-titled effort, via Arista following his “Idol” win. The album has sold 703,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
After splitting with Arista early this year, Hicks launched Modern Whomp with the compilation “Early Works,” drawn from his two, pre-“Idol” indie albums. Also in the works is “Whomp at the Warfield,” a live DVD taped at the San Francisco venue.
Meanwhile, Hicks will reprise his role as the Teen Angel in “Grease” as part of a national tour beginning Dec. 1.
