Not many graduates know how to answer the infamous question presented to them at convocation: “What’s next?” But Tim Hicks (BA ’02, Psychology) knew exactly how to answer.
“I remember saying I just released a song and that I would be releasing an album one day,” he says. “I started in music really early, and just never stopped. You wake up one day and realize this is what you are going to do.”
Tim knew as early as seven years old that music was what he wanted to do. He refined his craft throughout his early years by performing at any venue that would have him, even juggling his education at the University of Waterloo while playing at open mic nights across Waterloo Region.
Starting out opening for other bands, Tim was determined to become his own act. He took all he had learned over the years, and co-wrote his first hit, "Get By," which was released in December 2012.
“Get By changed my life,” he says.
It didn’t take long for "Get By" to become the best- selling Canadian country single for more than 17 weeks, reaching gold status in June, 2013. He signed with RGK Entertainment in 2011 and has been on a steady climb ever since. Tim released his first highly anticipated album, “Throw Down,” in August of this year.
“This
album
was
over
18
months
of
writing
and
travelling
back
and
forth
from
home
to
Nashville.
I
can’t
tell
you
what
this
release
means
to
me.”
A
crowd-favourite
live
performer,
Tim
has
built
a
loyal
fan
base
writing
songs
people
want
to
hear.
His
music
connects
to
his
fans
as
it
reflects
both
his
and
his
fan’s
life
experiences.
“To play live and have people connect with my songs is the best,” he says.
“To look out and see them singing the words of my songs.”
Nominated in this year’s Rising Star category by the Canadian Country Music Association, Tim has an incredible year ahead of him, as he continues his ascent in country music.