Tariq Hussain (born December 24, 1968), is a Canadian singer-songwriter and radio personality. Usually credited as Tariq he has released four albums in his musical career, is currently a host for CBC Radio 3, and a member of the eclectic musical ensemble Brasstronaut.
Tariq was born in Cowansville, Quebec. His father, a Pakistani immigrant, was a Muslim who asked that pop music be banned from the household. It was only after his father's death that Tariq began playing guitar, at age 14.[1] At Bishop's University, he studied theatre arts. He started devoting most of his time to a music career upon moving to Calgary, Alberta in 1995.[2]
In 1997, he was signed to EMI Music Canada. His album The Basement Songs won critical acclaim, with music writers citing the maturity of the folk-rock songwriting, as the songs addressed issues of racism and religion.[1] His best-known song, "Chevrolet Way", was a Canadian radio hit in 1997 and garnered him a Juno Award nomination for Best New Artist. His album, however, had sold only 10,000 copies, and he was released from his record contract. His subsequent independent release, While You're Down There included collaborations with Jules Shear and with Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's.[1]
For most of his musical career, Tariq was based in Calgary, but moved to Vancouver when he joined Radio 3.
He is presently a member (guitarist) with the Vancouver-based band Brasstronaut, which formed in 2007.