Big Dirty Boots Band

Emotional vocal harmonies, original songs. Country, bluegrass, folk and rock

Music

Big Dirty Boots brings together the best of Country, bluegrass, folk & rock. Our music is a mix of original songs and fun-filled tunes, It's sure to get your toes tapping and your heart singing!

Band Members

Big Dirty Boots is comprised of three talented musicians: Tad Ruszel on mandolin, guitar & vocals. Kaj Falch-Nielsen on acoustic guitar & vocals. Dave Peters on cello & standup bass. Together, they create a unique sound that is sure to move you.

Tour Dates

November 15th- Album Release Show! 7pm @ Guilt & Co, Vancouver BC

November 17th- 11:30am @ 2nd Floor Gastown (upstairs at Water st cafe), Vancouver BC

About us

The seeds of the band first came together back in 2011 when Kaj, Tad & Dave hosted and performed weekly in Vancouver as part of The West Coast Acoustic Showcase at a long lost venue on Davie St. where Jimi Hendrix once played.

Tad, the intrepid adventurer that he is, left vancouver for greener pastures, and brighter skies shortly thereafter.

Their love of music, that ever persistent muse, wouldn't let their efforts be for nought though, and in 2013 Big Dirty Boots officially formed with Kaj Falch-Nielsen and Dave Peters at the helm. They released their debut album, Long Way Home in 2014. Many of the tracks have been featured in Indie Films and TV shows, such as Vampire Sorority Babes and Ties that Bind.

The success of the album kept the band going for many years. In 2018 Tad decided to show his face again, hoping they might take him back. Much to his surprise they did, and a new sound began to emerge.

Tad on the vocals, electric guitar and mandolin, brought a fresh bluegrass influenced feel to the Big Dirty Boots classic acoustic rock sound.

With regular shows in Vancouver, the band's repertoire expanded to the point where a new album was inevitable and in 2020 the album began to take shape. They quickly realized it had to be a double album as 20 songs had made the cut. They are excited to begin their new release in October of 2024!

Kaj Falch-Nielsen had classical training growing up and went on to become a multi-instrumentalist. Kaj has played in many bands over the years with both Dave and Tad. He always had a passion for producing and recording though, and founded the incredibly successful Blue Light Studio in Vancouver with 2 friends in 2010. He has had the pleasure of working with some of Vancouvers finest bands, including Dear Rouge and Said the Whale, as well as international artists like Anderson Paak, Boyce Avenue, and Night Dreamer.

Tad Ruszel, a second generation musician has been touring and recording his own music for the last 15 years. He officially (re)joined the band in 2017 to reunite these Vancouver Island childhood friends. You can find his solo music anywhere music isn't sold, or hear him with The Sweet Lowdown, on their Folk Music Awards nominated album Low Clouds in the Morning. He has toured Europe, the U.S. and Western Canada with some of Canada's finest including Juno winning Ivonne Hernandez and alt-folk ensemble West My Friend.

Dave has been playing music since grade 4 when he was forced to play cello by his loving and benevolent parents. Luckily for him, he loved it, and found his voice in the diverse and complex tones of the instrument. He became very active in cello competitions during his formative years, Playing in Youth Symphony Orchestras, and Touring Europe with the Bremen Youth Symphony Orchestra. When they had escaped the confines of High School, Dave and Kaj Headed out on Tour with their Dungeon & Dragons heavy metal group: The Void. Using the expressive tones of his cello in unconventional and unique ways, he learned to navigate different genres, including Punk, Rock, Metal, Electronica, and folk. Cursed with a love of large instruments, he was eventually gifted a stand up bass by his Luthier Father, and found a love and passion for expressing the deeper tones in life.