Today, Noah Hicks releases his major-label debut Small Town Does. In celebration of the drop with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, we sat down with the Carrollton, GA native to discuss the sound and stories behind the eight-song collection.
The rising star has built a reputation for his gritty vocals, hard-hitting country-rock sound that makes up stories that are just as authentic as the life he’s lived. From the autobiographical title track to the anthemic “Country Tonight” and the fan-favorite “Get Enough,” the project captures everything that makes Hicks stand out, especially his appreciation for where he comes from.
Although he’s just getting started, Hicks has already racked up several independent hits resulting in more than 100 million streams and shared stages with acts like HARDY, Parker McCollum, and Justin Moore. But with this project, he’s taking things to the next level.
Keep reading this exclusive Q&A to learn more about Noah Hicks new project, how his upbringing influenced his newest collection of stories and his headlining Small Town Does Tour, a 16-date run that launches tonight in Nashville
The title track feels very autobiographical to your real-life. What does this song mean to you and why use it as the name of the project?
“Small Town Does” feels so integral to who I am as a person, and it only feels right for it to be the title track of the project. I’ve lived everything mentioned in the song’s lyrics, from having my granddaddy’s knife to drinking beer in a back forty that somebody’s older brother bought. Growing up, it was so special to me to hear songs that felt like they were written for me and about me, and with this project, I’m excited to try and make other people feel the same way.
How did your upbringing in Carrollton, GA, influence the sound and stories on this project?
Being from a country town and growing up on a farm, I listened to a lot of contemporary Country music and related to the country lyrics and lifestyle sung about in songs from artists like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett. In addition to that though, my brother and my friends were listening to other genres of music that greatly influenced me, from rock bands to rappers. I think you can hear a bit of all those influences displayed across the eight tracks of Small Town Does.
You co-wrote all eight tracks—was there a particular song that was the most personal or challenging to write?
The idea for “Get Enough” came to me when I was sitting on my balcony a while back. I was watching the leaves blow by, and I jotted down the first line of the song – “the leaves change, and they get gone.” I ended up writing the song with John Pierce and Lindsay Rimes, and we all knew that it was the start of something special. I’m not sure if I would say that it was challenging to write, but we really wanted to make sure we got it right, so we took our time with it.
“Country Tonight” is the latest release from the collection. Take us into the writing room and share the story behind this song.
I wrote “Country Tonight” with Zach Abend and Troy Cartwright a few years ago. I remember going into the writing room feeling fed up with the city life and wanting to spend some time back home in Georgia. Zach came to the write with the title “Country Tonight,” and everything fell into place. It was one of those special times that the song kind of wrote itself. It’s all about getting out of the city and back to your roots when you’re feeling a little lost in the neon and the noise.
How does it feel to be releasing this project through your new partnership with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment?
It’s such a blessing any time that I get to put out new music. It’s really exciting and a little nerve wracking to release these songs that mean so much to me, but I’ve been so happy with the response from fans so far. All in all, I’m just excited to be putting out this collection of songs and ready to get to work on the next one!
How would you describe the sonic direction of Small Town Does compared to your previous releases?
We’re definitely heading into some new territory with Small Town Does. We have some more upbeat tempos, driving guitars and heavier drums throughout. I like to joke that I’m in my “punk rock era” with a handful of these new tracks. I’m definitely still staying true to my country roots and talking about real lived-in experiences, but I’m also tipping my hat to some of my other musical influences with sounds that I haven’t explored before.
Which track on the album resonates with you the most right now, and why?
With everything happening in the world right now, the lyrics of “More People Don’t” are hitting especially hard. I feel really grateful for my small town upbringing and the values that were instilled in me very young, and I sometimes wonder why more people don’t do the things or live the same lifestyle that the song describes.
The Small Town Does Tour kicks off on October 10—What can fans expect from this run?
Fans can expect a new set and night full of fun and connection. It’s really important to me that there’s no separation between me and the people who come to my shows and that we’re all just having a great time together. I really want to soak in every city and leave people feeling like their cup has been filled over those 90 minutes.
Having toured with some huge names in the business, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned on the road?
One of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned on the road is that it’s not about you even though your name might be on the marquee. It’s about the fans, and that’s the whole point. I’ve learned that it’s super important to be present in the city you’re in, know where your feet are at, and make the most out of each night.
The post Noah Hicks Talks The Stories And Authenticity Behind Major Label Debut, ‘Small Town Does’ [Exclusive] appeared first on Country Now.
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