Hailing from Quebec, Canada, Tim Brink & The Rising are delivering their own raw and roaring alt-country rock music. Inspired by outlaws of yore like Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings along with the theatrical soundscapes of Quentin Tarantino films, Brink and company make music that he deems "dark country."
The band's new single, "The Boy Was Right," was released on November 8, 2024, showcasing their rich red dirt sound.
Brink first gained notoriety as the singer and drummer of his band Pete Möss in the early 2000s while living in Quebec. The group toured extensively around Canada and Germany, winning various competitions including Envol and Macadam in Canada. In 2005, Brink was crowned "Best Singer" at the Emergenza Festival in Germany. Ten years later, he was a finalist on La Voix IV, Quebec's version of the singing competition show The Voice, and even auditioned to be the replacement lead singer for Stone Temple Pilots.
We got to chat with Brink to learn more about his STP audition, his band's new single, and much more.
How's the year treated you so far? Any notable highlights?
It's been a great year—a new feel to my music, another era of creation in a different setting, and a game-changing album as a hallmark of a new creative outlet for me. I finalized my upcoming album, Dark City, this year. It's an entry into the realm of heavy, dark country and is set to come out in 2025. The first single, "The Boy Was Right," is out now everywhere.
Let's talk about the first single. What's the backstory and influence behind it?
This song is about how we are becoming more individualistic, and forgetting the nature of community. We are letting labels define and separate us rather than unifying for greater goods despite our differences.
What or who most inspires your "dark country" sound and overall lyrical style?
I'm inspired by the gritty artists who let their dark side come out while being transparent and vulnerable, still wanting to do the right thing even after witnessing the total wrongs they have seen.
How does your French-Canadian background affect your music and songwriting?
Growing up as an English Canadian who also speaks French, I've had the opportunity to experience a blend of cultural influences that shape my music and storytelling. French-Canadian culture has a rich tradition of narrative-driven songs, and that storytelling element often finds its way into my lyrics. The duality of being part of both English and French communities has also made me more adaptable and open to different perspectives, which I try to reflect in my music. It's about bridging cultural gaps and creating something that speaks to a diverse audience while staying true to my roots.
How does the time in your former band Pete Möss compare to your solo work?
Pete Möss was an amazing band. It was about putting it all out there, with great hard rock vibes, but what I am doing now is a little deeper.
I also see where you auditioned to be the frontman for Stone Temple Pilots. That's serious stuff. What was that experience like for you, and how did you even get in the running?
Those cats are amazing. I went to the audition expecting to wait in a room with a secretary and go in at my specific time. It wasn't the case. I knocked on the door in East LA at their jam space at the time, and walked right in (they had just ordered their supper and were eating when I arrived). They stopped eating to do the audition. I felt ill at ease as I couldn't ask the STONE TEMPLE PILOTS to stop eating for lil old me. We had a great jam, played their hits, and even some new stuff they hadn't released yet. They expressed that it was the most fun they'd had in the auditions so far—lots of hugs and good handshakes at the end.
Speaking of unique experiences, I see you were also a finalist on Quebec's La Voix IV in 2015. Would you say that was a pinnacle moment in your career to have recognition like that, and what else can you tell us about that experience?
Participating in La Voix IV was a transformative experience and definitely a significant milestone in my career. Before the show, I was quite camera-shy and unsure how to present myself in the public eye. Being on La Voix pushed me far outside of my comfort zone, with cameras following me for up to 16 hours a day, asking deeply personal questions, and capturing every moment of the process. It was intense, but it taught me to embrace the spotlight and just be myself, no matter the pressure.
The exposure from the show introduced me to a much wider audience and gave me a chance to connect with people who resonated with my music and my story. It also helped me understand the power of vulnerability—sharing who you truly are can create a meaningful bond with listeners. While it was challenging, it reinforced my passion for music and solidified my belief in staying authentic, both on and off the stage.
What drives you to create music, and what does success mean to you as an artist?
There's sometimes just a groove that others have to feel; sometimes there is a message. Either way, you share the deepest part of yourself, hoping others feel it too. Success, for me, means being authentic—staying true to who I am and what I believe in. It's about showing the world what I'm proud of and creating music that resonates with others on a personal level. Whether it's one person or a thousand, knowing that my music connects and leaves an impact is what defines true success.
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