Last night saw Hicks attending the CMC Music Awards, and this weekend he’ll play to sold-out crowds at Willowbank Raceway near Ipswich for CMC Rocks Queensland.

He’s here on his first visit Down Under.

“I’ve always wanted to go, but never thought I’d get to go with a guitar on my back,” he said.

“We play with an Aussie in our band and he’s told us all about it, so we feel like we are coming home.

“Canadians and Aussies seem to have a thing there – every time I’ve met someone from Australia, we’re instant friends.” 

Hick said he didn’t truly know what to expect when he hit the stage, though. 

“With the release of my record, when it happened in Canada, we watched the whole thing happen,” he said.

“But having it released in Australia and being so removed from it, it’s going to be so bizarre if people already know my songs.”

“We’re good friends with Blackjack Billy, and they have been and told us about it.

“They said you get off the plane and you have fans already, so that’s wonderful.” 

The singer-songwriter said he hoped his audience wanted to get rowdy because, having paid his dues playing bars and clubs, that’s how he liked to party.

“I try to get everyone up clapping and stomping, and I think the atmosphere of an outdoor festival is going to lend itself to that,” he said.

Although a whirlwind visit this time, Hicks said he hoped this trip would set up something for him to come and do a tour next time.

“We’re going to make the most of it and I’m really looking forward to meeting the country music fans of Australia,” he said.

“I find it fascinating that there are all these country fans there.

“I’m friends with Morgan Evans, who tells me bits and pieces, but I want to see it with my own two eyes.

“Country music has become international – it’s not just an American-based movement anymore, so it’s exciting to be part of that thing.” 

Following his performance in Australia, Hicks will be hitting the festival scene in Canada’s summer and is working on a new album that he hopes to release in Australia.

“I just feel so fortunate that I get to do what I do,” he said.

“The only difference between now and five years ago is that I get to do it in front of bigger crowds.”