In a captivating episode of The Jay Franze Show, host Jay Franze sat down with rising country music artist Dalton Hicks from South Carolina for an intimate conversation about music, inspiration, and perseverance. Throughout the interview, Dalton shares his journey from humble beginnings to emerging country star, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the life of an artist on the rise.
Dalton’s musical journey began with his great-grandmother Olga, who played a pivotal role in his early life and musical development. As he explains, “She passed away and she was always big into the piano, into church and everything. That’s really what inspired me to get into music.” This touching tribute reveals how family connections often form the foundation for artistic pursuits. Dalton started with piano lessons under his grandmother’s guidance before transitioning to guitar at age 17, though he admits he didn’t seriously begin performing until he was about 19 years old.
The songwriting process is a deeply personal one for Dalton, who shares that he writes all his songs by himself. Unlike many Nashville artists who collaborate with professional songwriters, Dalton prefers working alone, stating, “When I start writing a song, when I get an idea, I just go with it and I see where it takes me.” His approach typically begins with developing a song title or chorus, then building the music around those lyrics. This unique process allows his authentic voice to shine through in his music, contributing to his growing fanbase.
A significant breakthrough in Dalton’s career came when he recorded at the iconic Omni studio in Nashville before it was demolished. Working with producer Bill McDermott and session musicians who had played for some of country music’s biggest stars was a transformative experience. “The musicians that got hired to play on the track were some of the coolest people that have played on tracks for some of the biggest names,” Dalton recalls. This Nashville recording experience marked a turning point, bridging the gap between his local performances with his band Southerly Proper and the broader country music industry.
The business side of music presented unexpected challenges for Dalton. He recently signed with management at Burning Ground Entertainment after they discovered him on Instagram, a testament to the power of social media in today’s music industry. This partnership has opened his eyes to the business aspects of music he hadn’t previously considered: “Her and team have been putting a lot into my brain that I had no idea existed.” From publishing rights to promotional strategies, Dalton is now navigating the complex world of music business while staying true to his artistic vision.
Throughout the interview, Dalton emphasizes his desire to inspire others through his music. His latest song “I’m Still Here” speaks to perseverance through difficult times, a theme that resonates throughout his work. “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. This mission reveals the heart behind his music – not just to entertain, but to uplift and encourage his listeners through authentic storytelling and relatable experiences.
As Dalton continues to build his career, he remains grounded in his values and commitment to authenticity. When asked about his desired legacy, he responds, “I’m trying to be the best man I can be. We can’t live perfect lives, but I just want to let people know that and just try and motivate as best I can.” This perspective showcases his maturity as both an artist and individual, suggesting that Dalton Hicks is not just a musician to watch, but a voice that will continue to resonate with listeners seeking both entertainment and inspiration.