Adam Hicks – Room to Wiggle

Q.  What are some of the recent projects that you’ve been working on?

A.  I have been working on my series “Zeke and Luther” which has kept me pretty busy at the moment.  I did fly to New York and appears on “Good Morning America,” which was amazing, and we were able to perform our songs “Determinate” and “Breakthru.”  It has been very busy!

Q.  What can you tell us about the premise for your upcoming film Lemonade Mouth and about your character?

A.  Lemonade Mouth is really about achieving ones goal no matter how insecure you feel or are made to feel.  It is about holding on to your dream and going after it.  I play Wen and he is a rather shy, subdued character but once he is given the chance and the encouragement he is able to break through and show the world what he has to offer!

Q.  What is it about the role that made you want to be a part of this project?

A.  I was very excited when I read the script.  I felt I could really identify with Wen and also loved the whole premise of the story.  I felt it had a great message for all of the many kids out there that sit at the back of the classroom keeping quiet, afraid to show their talents.  Also for the kids that are in detention and who have such talent that they are not able to show it to the world.  I felt really strongly about this role!!  Funny enough I have played the drums for eight years and so I was also asked to audition for the role of Charlie, which was a great role as well but I had really fallen for Wen’s character and I wanted to show I could play a serious character apart from my Luther comedy role.

Q.  Where did you draw from for your portrayal of Wen Gifford?

A.  I  think all kids can relate at some point to the Wen role.  coming from Vegas I know a lot of my friends have come from divorced parents, and also I know of extremely talented kids that sit quietly in the back and some that have been constantly in detention but you turn on music and they can dance like they are super stars!  I felt this movie could get the message out that we actually get to sing in the movie and that is “be heard” and “be strong.”  I was just really happy that Disney was letting us get the message out to the every day kid.

Q.  Is there anything about the role that you found challenging?

A.  Well, we did a lot of rehearsals for this movie which were very energetic.  I certainly have a lot of respect for artists that do concerts with dancing and singing at the same time, it’s a real work out!

Q.  Was there instant cast chemistry or did it take some time to develop?

A.  I met Bridget in LA at the studio and when I heard her singing I told my mom that I had just heard an angel singing.  By the time we arrived in New Mexico I had met Naomi and she is friendly and has the deep range of an amazing singer.  Blake is a real joker and very friendly and we had an instant friendship.  I remember when Hailey showed up, all of us had been there for quite a few days.  We were rehearsing the song and dancing and Hailey came in and picked up her guitar and started playing and singing.  She walked over to me and we started jamming together and it was instant chemistry.  We all have an amazing friendship.

Q.  Wen is a talented keyboard player and you have three songs on the soundtrack.  Has music always been something that has been an interest to you and where did it spark from?

A.  Yes, I was always writing, even in fourth grade I would have be pretending to write notes but would be composing a song.  Finally in Brookman Elementary, I rewrote the words to Eminem’s song and performed the song “Adam’s Back” and even the principal came up and congratulated me.  I started playing piano and then begged my mom to sign me up for drums and then of course I would rap constantly.

Q.  How was working with director Patricia Riggen?

A.  Patricia is a very sensitive and creative director.  She allowed us to expand on our roles and has a very gentle manner in which she conveys her needs from you.

Q.  Why do you think viewers should take the time to check out the movie?

A.  I think this movie has a great “feel good” and emotional heart tugging feelings.  All of the characters have a story and I know that all of the kids watching, and even the adults, will connect on some level.  I know the music will have people of all ages tapping their feet!

Q.  Is there a place online where those interested can go to learn more about you?

A. Yes, I have my own website which is adam-hicks.com.