Tim Hicks: A Deep Dive Into One Of Canada’s Biggest Stars

Tim Hicks (born August 22, 1979) is a Canadian country music singer-songwriter from St. Catharines, Ontario.

Since releasing his debut single “Get By” in 2012, Hicks has become a prominent figure in the Canadian country music scene with eighteen top ten hits on the Canada Country chart.

His albums include Throw Down, 5:01, Shake These Walls, New Tattoo, and Talk to Time.

Let’s take a look at some of the many highlights in Tim’s career so far …

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Tim Hicks was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario.

At the age of six, he began taking music lessons at the Ontario Conservatory of Music in Niagara Falls. He developed a passion for music early on, influenced by a range of genres including classic rock and country.

During his time at the University of Waterloo, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Hicks honed his skills by performing at open mic nights across the Waterloo Region.

He built a dedicated fan base in his hometown by playing at local pubs and wineries, eventually catching the attention of Open Road Recordings, with whom he signed a record deal in 2011.

Tim Hicks Told Us All About His Experience Playing In Pubs and His Early Career

Musical Style and Influences

Hicks’ music is characterized by a blend of country and rock, with energetic performances and relatable storytelling.

He draws inspiration from rock legends like Tom Petty, which is evident in his songwriting and stage presence. His ability to combine traditional country themes with a modern, rock-infused sound has garnered him widespread appeal.

Discography

Studio Albums and EPs

1. Throw Down (2013)

Throw Down is Tim Hicks’ debut studio album, which featured his breakout single “Get By”.

The album quickly gained traction, with “Get By” becoming a Platinum-certified hit and remaining the #1 selling Canadian Country single for over 17 weeks.

The album also includes the fan-favourite “Stronger Beer”, a humorous cultural comparison between Canada and the United States.

In 2023 Tim Hicks re-released a tenth anniversary edition of Throw Down which included some new music which was intended to be on the original album. He also released a vinyl album for Record Store Day in 2023.

2. 5:01 (2014)

Released on August 5, 2014, 5:01 is Hicks’ sophomore album, featuring hit singles like “Here Comes the Thunder” and “She Don’t Drink Whiskey Anymore”.

The success of this album led to an extended version titled 5:01+ released in 2015, which included additional tracks like “Young, Alive and in Love”, a Top 10 hit in both Canada and Australia.

3. Shake These Walls (2016)

Shake These Walls was released on September 9, 2016, and was produced by Grammy-nominated Corey Crowder.

The album includes popular singles such as “Stompin’ Ground”, “Slow Burn”, “Slide Over”, and “Forever Rebels”.

This album further solidified Hicks’ reputation in the country music industry.

4. New Tattoo (2018)

Hicks’ fourth studio album, New Tattoo, was released in June 2018.

The album features the single “LOUD”, which was licensed by the NHL and used in sports promotions across North America. Another single, “What A Song Should Do”, became Hicks’ first number one hit on Canadian country radio and topped the CMC Chart in Australia.

5. Talk to Time (2022)

Released on September 2, 2022, Talk to Time is Hicks’ fifth studio album, featuring singles such as “The Good, the Bad and the Pretty”, “Whiskey Does”, and the title track “Talk to Time”.

This album continues Hicks’ tradition of blending heartfelt storytelling with dynamic production.

6. Campfire Troubadour Series (2021)

The Campfire Troubadour series, released in 2021, is a departure from Hicks’ usual high-energy style, offering a more intimate and acoustic experience.

These EPs include reimagined versions of his hits alongside new tracks, reflecting the simplicity of a campfire setting.

Notable Singles

1. “I Miss Tom Petty” (2024)

“I Miss Tom Petty” is a 2024 single that pays tribute to the late rock icon Tom Petty.

Co-written with Clayton Bellamy and Dan Davidson, the song has been praised for its heartfelt lyrics and classic rock influences.

2. “If The Beat’s Alright” (2020)

“If The Beat’s Alright” is a standout single from Hicks, showcasing his ability to craft infectious, radio-friendly hits.

The track blends country and pop elements, making it a favourite among fans. The story behind the song is a pretty fun one too …

3. “No Truck Song” (2020)

Featured on the Wreck EP, “No Truck Song” became Hicks’ second number one single at Canadian country radio.

The song, co-written with Jeff Coplan and Bruce Wallace, showcases Hicks’ signature blend of humour and country-rock energy.

4. “What A Song Should Do” (2018)

This single from New Tattoo became Hicks’ first number one hit on Canadian country radio, marking a significant milestone in his career.

The song also reached the top spot on Australia’s CMC Chart.

Tim Hicks performs “What A Song Should Do” at the 2021 CCMA Awards with Madeline Merlo and Tebey.

Tours and Live Performances

Tim Hicks is renowned for his high-energy live performances and extensive touring. His tours have taken him across Canada and internationally, where he has headlined major festivals and concerts.

1. Get Loud Tour (2018)

The Get Loud Tour supported his album New Tattoo and featured Tebey, Madeline Merlo, and Andrew Hyatt as opening acts.

A portion of the proceeds from the tour was donated to the Unison Fund.

2. Shake These Walls Tour (2017)

This tour followed the release of his album Shake These Walls and was documented in a special titled “Tim Hicks Sudbury Sunday Night,” which aired on CMT TV and earned CCMA nominations.

3. Campfire Troubadour Tour (2021-2022)

Supporting the Campfire Troubadour EPs, this tour offered a more intimate and acoustic setting, aligning with the themes of the EPs.

This tour took place at the tail end of the pandemic when people could just start getting back to live music.

Awards and Nominations

Tim Hicks performing on the stage at the 2021 CCMA Awards

Tim Hicks has received four nominations for the JUNO Awards, won a Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Award, and earned the first Nielsen Compass Award at the Country Music Association of Ontario Awards.

His work has been recognized for its commercial success, including two Platinum-selling singles, seven Gold singles, one Gold album, and two number one singles on Canadian country radio.

Personal Life

Tim Hicks is married to Amanda Hicks, and they have two children. Despite his busy career, Hicks splits his time between Nashville and his hometown in Ontario, maintaining a strong connection to his roots.

He remains passionate about his music and continues to tour and perform regularly.

Tim Hicks has made a significant impact on the Canadian country music scene. With a career that spans over a decade, he has continued to evolve his sound while staying true to his country-rock roots. Hicks remains a beloved figure in the industry, known for his powerful performances, relatable lyrics, and dedication to his craft.

For more information on Tim Hicks, explore the detailed articles linked throughout this entry or visit his official website.

Front Porch

In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.