A Calgarian travelling troubadour, whose songs are routed in the people and places he visits across Canada, is confident in sticking to his roots.
Country singer and guitar player Tim Hus, 34, will bring his unique brand of Canadiana cowboy music to his show at the Bragg Creek Community Centre on April 20.
Recently, Tim Hus and his Travelin’ band toured extensively across Canada, and performed 200 shows in 2012.
Through these travels, Hus, a proud patriot, encountered many people who inspired him to write songs about their Canadian hometowns and histories.
Hus, who has always been drawn to storytelling, writes what he calls Canadiana country roots music.
“I like to keep my finger on the pulse of the land,” he said. “I really enjoy travelling and seeing the whole country, and I take it all in through the eyes of a writer.”
Writing historically accurate music takes more than just inspiration. Hus thoroughly researches his subject matter.
For example, after touring the area Hus was inspired by the romance and era of the Northwest Territories’ gold rush so he did his research before beginning the songwriting process.
“When I wrote about Yukon trails, I read a lot of books on that era and then wrote a song about it,” he said. “I’m a chronicler and am interested in people and places.”
This love of country brought Hus and his music to the attention of Canadian music legend and icon Stompin’ Tom Connors, who passed away last month.
Stompin’ Tom became his friend and mentor when Hus opened for him while they toured across Canada in 2009 and 2010.
Before his death, Connors publicly declared he was passing his Canadiana country music torch to Hus.
While it was an honour to tour with Connors, Hus said he does not necessarily need to follow in his hero’s footsteps, as it is not his goal to one day become a Canadian icon.
Hus compared his current level of success in the music business to owning a small business, and explained not every person who opens a tire shop plans to grow their business to expand into a national franchise.
“You can have a very nice life in this business, by just pursuing your music like a small business.”
There is a misconception in the music business every performer wants to become an international star but Hus said he does not have those Nashville ambitions.
According to Hus, the popular music industry, where people are constantly trying to write hit songs, is not authentic.
“It’s a big business and a lot of people make money,” he said. “When people are trying to write hits they are not writing organic songs.”
Hus’s latest album, Western Star, was just completed and while there is no official release date, he said it will come out soon.
Western Star has Canadiana songs, according to Hus, and tributes to past Canadian county singers, including the father of blue grass Bill Munroe.
Hus will bring his brand of authentic county roots music to the Bragg Creek Community Centre on April 20. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20 each and to purchase call Laura at 403-949-4277 ext. 4 or purchase online at braggcreekca.com.
