Taylor Hicks, battling to push his fame beyond the 15-minute mark, would seem a likely candidate for the pages of Interview, which Andy Warhol founded in 1969.

Writers, actors, photographers and other pop-culture figures chat about their "projects." Then one of their handlers sends off a recording of the breezy exchange to the magazine for printing.

Early this month, a Hicks representative phoned The Dispatch and handed the receiver to the 2006 American Idol winner to promote his maiden solo tour -- stopping tonight at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion.

The result, in the spirit of Interview:

Q: How's the tour going?

A: It's going great, man -- loving the music.

Q: Are you tired of shouting "Soul Patrol!"?

A: No. Why would I be tired of that?

Q: I thought you might have come up with a new motto by now.

A: I think that slogan will stick always.

Q: What's the best thing that has happened in light of your American Idol win?

A: The music has definitely gotten better. Having an album released on a major label is really cool. I've enjoyed seeing all the fans.

Q: Was it hard to take the judges seriously?

A: Ultimately, it was up to America to decide. I wasn't too worried about it.

Q: Was there ever a time you thought you might do something else?

A: Music has been my key thing always. I've been really focused on trying to make it for a long time. I really didn't have any options other than this.

Q: Why do you think American Idol viewers are so drawn to singers from the South?

A: I definitely think the melting-pot theory of music, being that all forms are heard there, allows us to perform to a broad range of people.

Q: Where do you live when you aren't touring on a bus?

A: I don't have no address. I live on the bus. This is it.

Q: Is that a drag, or is it what you like?

A: It's both.

Q: What will happen after your tour?

A: I have a book coming out in July called Heart Full of Soul.

Q: Oh, yes, your memoirs -- who helped you write that?

A: David Wild. He's been doing a lot of Rolling Stone stuff. He's been great, helping me get the word out about my story in my words.

Q: I can hear in your voice that you've done tons of interviews. What did he do to draw your story out of you?

A: A lot of people ask about the stage performing, the stage philosophy of stage performing.

The journey has been really interesting to go back into and write about. It's definitely let me know where I've come from.

Q: Were you able to pinpoint when you decided what you wanted to do with your life?

A: When I started writing music and performing it -- I think that's when I started putting all the pieces of the puzzle together.

Q: How old were you?

A: About 17.

Q: What music were you listening to?

A: Some Ray Charles, blues and jazz.

Q: Where were you when you first saw a gray hair on your head?

A: In front of the bathroom mirror. I was probably, like, 14 or something.

It definitely stimulated my brain into thinking something was wrong.

Q: Did a lot of minors ask you to buy them beer?

A: My friends tried to recruit me. I took it as an insult, though, so I never did.

Q: All right. I'll let you get on with your day.

A: OK. Thanks, man. See you in Colum --

(Click.)

abeck@dispatch.com

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• Taylor Hicks will perform tonight in the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, 405 Neil Ave. Greyhound will play first; doors will open at 7. Tickets cost $15 to $35 at the pavilion and Ticketmaster outlets (614-431-3600).