"American Idol" alum Taylor Hicks opened up about the years-long break he took before dropping a new song.
After a long wait, Hicks gifted his fans a new song, titled "Porch Swing." He has since shared the track on his YouTube channel.
Following the release, he sat for an interview with People and opened up about the struggles he faced as he contemplated whether he truly wanted to be in the music industry.
Per the 46-year-old singer, he was fortunate to become part of "American Idol" season 5. He won the show, but it did not guarantee him a clear vision of whom he wanted himself to be.
Hicks took a break from music, and the time off allowed him to come back with a brand new genre and style that are similar to what Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton have.
"It's those guys that have paved the way for me to release music that's popular and retain this moment," he said. "Over the last 10 years, I've been collecting, writing, performing and testing music. I mean, I had a bunch of stuff finished."
He reportedly finished an album but chose to wait for "the right time."
Instead of dropping new songs every "six weeks," Hicks highlighted how he desired to release quality over quantity instead.
How Taylor Hicks Decided on Creating, Releasing "Porch Swing"
Elsewhere in the interview, Hicks revealed that hearing the quality of "Porch Swing" made him release the single. Due to its "southern country soul" vibe, recording it at Zac Brown's Southern Ground studio in Nashville made everything more memorable.
"My grandparents always had a porch swing," he said. "It was the centerpiece of the household. The porch swing is kind of iconic. It's a centerpiece of people's lives all across the country. It's a timeless, American thing."
READ ALSO: Cybill Shepherd Illness: Singer-Actress Sparks Concerns After Looking Frailer in Rare Outing
As he officially came back to the music industry, Hicks expressed his gratitude to fans who have stuck with him and waited for him. For the singer, seeing how they still have interest is a blessing for him.
In the past years, Hicks has already released nine singles and three studio albums. Among his other hit songs include "Do I Make You Proud," "Takin' It To The Streets," "Just to Feel That Way," "Heaven Knows," "What Right Is Right," "Save My Body, Save My Soul," "Silent Night," and "Six Strings and Diamond Rings."
READ MORE: Def Leppard's Joe Elliot Faces Health Scare; Hospitalized Ahead of Columbia Show
