From the small stage of a downtown Toronto bar to making dreams come true in front of thousands of country music fans on the Budweiser Stage, Tim Hicks has been on a hell of a ride.
Canadian country music fans know Tim Hicks as the singer of top 10 hits, fan anthems, and major tour appearances with some of the genre's biggest names. But before all of that success, Hicks fronted the house band at Grace O'Malley's, singing covers of country favourites and drunken rock and roll standards like Pour Some Sugar On Me.
We caught up with Tim Hicks backstage before his Budweiser Stage show with fellow Canadian star Dean Brody to talk about the highlights, family, his live record, CCMA weekend and more.
It was clear that Tim was excited for the amphitheatre show. Even if he hadn't told us about the excitement specifically (he did), it was plastered all over his face. He called it a bucket list event, a highlight that he'll not only look back on as a big moment, but that he could appreciate as it was happening.
That feeling of excitement flows over into everything that is happening in Tim Hicks' career. He's still very happy to be writing, recording and performing his music. But as much as he enjoys making a living doing what he loves, he fully admits that it isn't always easy. "It doesn't come with a manual", he told us when we talked about the process of creating music, being on the road and juggling that with his responsibilities as a husband and a father. He told us that when he's home he makes a conscious effort to put his phone away and just be dad. Whether that means colouring, crafts, puzzles or playing outside, that time is important to him and his young family.
While there may not be a manual, there has been help along the way. In 2014, at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto we talked to Tim and he told us that Dierks Bentley had become an amazing resource of advice and information as they prepared for their tour dates together. And as the years add up in his own career, Hicks feels like he's ready to start sharing his insights and advice to the next wave of Canadian artists coming through the pipeline.
Note: As we talked on a balcony backstage, a group of Tim Hicks fans lined up for their meet and greet with him below us. When they saw him, they called his name, waving and trying to get his attention. We stopped for a second as he turned and smiled and waved at them. And when he turned back around he looked at us with a look of awe and told us that he was a little speechless. It was real and endearing and one of the small moments that still hasn't gotten old for the homegrown star.
While we had Tim we asked him about his live record, Tim Hicks Live, that dropped in May. Hicks told is that the 6 song release was a happy accident. He had been recording his shows live from the board and listening back to them to see where things could get tighter, better, and more exciting at the next stop - and then it happened. When Tim listened back to the Sudbury show he loved it. The sound was strong, his vocals were on point, and it got the wheels turning. After sharing it with his label, the tracks were sent to Nashville for a little cleanup and mastering, and from there all that was left as the release. Hicks told us that he's especially proud of the fact that his vocals weren't tuned or touched in the production of the record. And he also told us that he'd love to see more Canadian country artists follow his lead with their own live releases. He didn't go so far as to challenge anyone by name, but as a fan himself, we're sure there are some live releases he'd love to hear.
We also talked to Tim about the upcoming CCMA awards and weekend in Saskatoon. He told us what so many other artists have, that he's looking forward to seeing all of the industry friends that he so rarely gets to hangout with. Tour stops like the Toronto show offer quick chances to say hi to local radio hosts and fellow artists, but Canadian Country Music Week will offer the chance for some real catch up time, and maybe a drink or two. Tim is also up for two awards on Sunday, September 10 - Male Artist and Interactive Artist of the Year - and taking home either of those trophies would most certainly be another highlight to add to Tim Hicks' growing list.
On stage in Toronto, Tim Hicks and his band let it all hang out. With fire shooting into the sky, guitars ringing, and the fans singing along, it was a special night for the folks in the back row all the way to the man standing at the microphone. And don't for a second think that he'll forget it.
