What happens when raw talent meets determination? Dalton Hicks, a rising country music artist from South Carolina, joins us for a heartfelt conversation that traces his musical journey from his great-grandmother’s piano to Nashville’s recording studios.

Dalton opens up about the profound influence his grandmother Olga had on his musical beginnings, sharing how her passion for piano sparked his own love for music. When she passed away, he channeled that connection into creating songs that would make her proud. This relationship forms the emotional foundation for his authentic approach to songwriting.

We dive deep into Dalton’s creative process, exploring how he crafts songs independently—starting with lyrics and developing melodies that feel true to his experiences. Unlike many Nashville artists, he writes alone, allowing his genuine voice to shine through in every track. His latest release is approaching an impressive 400,000 streams without promotional investment, a testament to the authentic connection he’s building with listeners.

The conversation takes us to Nashville, where Dalton recorded at the now-demolished Omni studio with renowned producer Bill McDermott. Working alongside session musicians who’ve played for country’s biggest names marked a pivotal moment in his career. Now with professional management behind him after being discovered on Instagram, Dalton candidly discusses navigating the business side of music while staying true to his artistic vision.

What stands out most is Dalton’s mission to inspire through music. “I want to be the person to bring the moments out of the gutter. I want to inspire people to get out of the gutter and have a happy life,” he explains with genuine conviction. His desire to be more than “just another country singer” reflects his commitment to creating meaningful art that resonates beyond typical genre conventions.

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com