“The meaning is deep, it is me being vulnerable and telling a soulful story about living “Day by Day.” — Dalton Hicks
Raised in South Carolina, dirt bike races, muddy adventures, and long nights hustling at the pool table. Where would you take first time visitors to your hometown?
If my first time visitor was looking for a cold beer and a good time, I would definitely take them to my favorite local “hole in the wall” bar called the Bath Poolroom. I have spent many a night in this bar with a pool stick in my hand surrounded by some of the best friends in the world. If this is their kind of fun, I would also have them hop on the side-by-side or four-wheeler and find a dirt road with a mud hole. I would do my best to give them the full experience of being a good ole country boy.
What are some of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced as a musician?
The most rewarding moment of my music career was being able to play at the Greenville Country Music Festival with many well-known country music artists. Also, my latest song “I’m Still Here” going a “little viral” was awesome. The best feeling is when fans come up to me and say they love my music. These few moments in my music career have made me feel like I am inching closer to my dreams.
How has your sound evolved since your 2019 release, “Goodbye Kiss,” to your current music?
My voice has definitely matured a lot since my 2019 release. I have been writing a lot of real-life topics to try and motivate the people that need it most to keep pushing and take it “Day by Day.” Not only has my voice evolved, I have lived more life and have had so many more experiences, good and bad, that influence my writing and sound.
“I’m Still Here” is an anthem about resilience and determination. What message do you hope listeners take away?
I wrote and released “I’m Still Here” for so many reasons. Many people doubted me and doubted my dreams; I wanted to remind those people that I am in fact still here, living life one day at a time, rolling with the punches and always coming out on the other side a better person. I want people to listen to this song and realize they can do the same thing, Live, learn and no matter what life throws at you, make the best of it. I want my listeners to be able to say “I’m Still Here.”
Live with purpose, and a mission to inspire through your music. What themes or topics are you most drawn to exploring?
I’m honestly open to exploring different approaches to music, but right now I am following what I call the “Jelly Roll style” and pushing motivation into people’s lives. I don’t just want to be another country artist singing about girls and trucks (not that I don’t like both!). I want my music to speak to people, to have a positive influence in their lives. I want those who need it to hear my music and strive to be better, live better, think better, let go of the past and be better “Day by Day.” I do.
New release, “Day by Day.” What’s the backstory to the song?
I wrote “Day by Day” as a sort of follow up to “I’m Still Here.” It came from the same place in my soul with a little more of a spiritual focus. I originally started writing it as a rap. I began playing around with it on the guitar and started to love it more as a country song. The meaning is deep, it is me being vulnerable and telling a soulful story about living “Day by Day.”
How do you balance the creative side of the industry with the business one?
The creative side of music comes naturally to me, but navigating the legal side of the business, such as securing music rights, is all new to me. Realizing this, I partnered with a manager whose expertise has been essential in motivating me to perform the tasks necessary to keep me focused on the artistic side while she and her team effectively manage the business side of my career. This balance has been priceless.
What’s on your career vision board for the next year?
My vision for the next year is to hit the road and play as many shows as possible. I’m also excited to release new music — something the whole band can really bring to life, rather than just performing solo with an acoustic guitar.