Ari Hest has music in his blood.

His dad is a music professor; his mom is a professional singer. But the singer-songwriter’s parents didn’t push the business on him. Instead, Hest says, “I just sort of fell into it.”

He picked up the guitar when he was 16, and started writing songs when he entered college at New York University in Manhattan. By the time Hest graduated, he had become a popular act at universities, and bars and clubs in college towns, so much so that he has been touring full-time ever since.

Although touring is stressful at times, Hest says that it’s the only way to get the exposure he needs.

“I’m on tour constantly,” Hest says. “I’m on the road 10 months out of the year. I don’t have any songs on the radio, so the only way to get my music out there is to play a lot, mostly at colleges and in college towns.”

Hest’s cross-country musical treks have brought him to Iowa and the Midwest numerous times, and he even played a solo show at the Maintenance Shop last November.

His current tour will bring him back to Ames on Thursday night, but this time he’ll be crooning at People’s Bar & Grill, opening for seasoned rockers Sister Hazel. Hest says he’s excited for the show and the chance to play with Sister Hazel.

“I think Sister Hazel chose to have an opener, and they chose to have me, which was really nice of them,” Hest says. “I do like their music and I’m looking forward to opening for them.”

This time around in Ames, Hest will have a full band backing him, which will include a drummer, bass player and lead electric guitarist. Hest admits he’s not the best lead guitar player, and he likes the element a full band adds to his music. Nonetheless, he’s still the star of the show.

“My vocals and my guitar are what I think people remember the most, even if I’m playing with a band,” Hest says.

Hest’s singing and guitar playing are influenced mostly by records he heard growing up in his parent’s house, including the Beatles, Paul Simon, and James Taylor. However, he also attributes some of his style to more recent artists such as Dave Matthews and Jeff Buckley.

Thematically, Hest says, his songs deal with very personal and emotional issues.

“I play rock music, but it’s largely acoustic and guitar-driven,” Hest says.

“I would say my music talks a lot about relationships, a little bit about depression, a little bit about insecurity and a bit about trying to put the past behind you. I come from a worrisome family, so it’s kind of easier when you can find a way to move on.”

Hest has released three albums of his acoustic ballads independently and says he has always believed in building a strong fan base without the aid of a record label.

Although he has succeeded in spreading his music on his own, Hest recently decided to take his career to the next level and signed with Columbia Records.

His fourth LP and first with the record label is titled “Someone To Tell” and is due out in stores Aug. 10.

Hest hopes that being with Columbia will help his music reach a larger audience.

“One of my dreams is to be able to have a song on the radio,” Hest says.

“That’s where I think the record label will really help out.”

Hest isn’t too concerned about making it big, though.

“I try not to think about big, lofty goals,” Hest says.

“I’m just trying to take it day by day and enjoy being a musician.”