[FairHamilton]

Since my wife (Hamilton native) and I purchased a house in Hamilton, and are in to process of re-locating from Toronto, I've been immersing myself in learning more about the city.

One thing I was aware of was the growing artist trend in the city. Mostly what I've heard/learned has been pretty generic, i.e. galleries, projects etc., but no names or histories of the actual artists.

I'm really enjoy music and recently I've learned of the following musicians who live in Hamilton (some are recent arrivals).

- Kathleen Edwards
- Tom Wilson (Blackie & the Rodeo Kings & also a non-musical artist)
- Luke Doucet (wrote the theme for CBC Radio's 'Q')
- Melissa McCelland (married to Luke Doucet)

I've also become familiar with the music of Diana Panton who's a local French teacher who has a beautiful voice and sings jazz tunes.

Not really much of a point to this thread, other than to say I'm glad we choose to relocate to Hamilton, and I look forward to seeing and experiencing the Hamilton music scene as it grows and evolves.

[SteelTown]

The indie scence is growing in Hamilton. Check 101.5, it's Mohawk College station that plays a lot of indie music.

[raisethehammer]

some good links:

http://www.stillepost.ca/
http://www.steelcitymusic.ca/
http://pepperjackcafe.com/

[RePinion]

The indie scence is growing in Hamilton. Check 101.5, it's Mohawk College station that plays a lot of indie music.

I definitely second the recommendation of Mohawk radio - they sometimes play some of the most cutting edge stuff out there.

Hamilton has made a pretty serious contribution to the indie scene these last few years - Junior Boys, Caribou, A Northern Chorus, to name just those who have garnered international recognition.

I hope it keeps up ...

[JT Jacobs]

I definitely second the recommendation of Mohawk radio - they sometimes play some of the most cutting edge stuff out there.

Hamilton has made a pretty serious contribution to the indie scene these last few years - Junior Boys, Caribou, A Northern Chorus, to name just those who have garnered international recognition.

I hope it keeps up ...

Love Caribou/Manitoba!

[ihateittoo]

yes the stillepost board is one of your best bets to know what is going on around here. steelcitymusic.ca is starting to get going again but has been dogged for many years byyy stagnation.

the less established but beginning to be noticed bands: (I guess this would be considered the indie side)

slow hand motem
The Arkells
Dan Griffin
Joel Elliott
Circuit Breaker
Electrolumiscent (for fans of caribou/manitoba)
Cursed and Hoosier Poet - for the heavier side.
oh and so many more...

I run a (what is supposed to be bi-monthly) series at Pepperjacks called "Local" which incorporates all the elements of our widely dispersed scene. I also play in a variety of projects and recordings. There are some really amazing bands from here of all types.

Actually I am under the impression that one of the members of Junior Boys is opening an upscale(ish) bar/ venue on James St North - already owns the building and is looking for a fall opening - last time I talked to him.

[RePinion]

Actually I am under the impression that one of the members of Junior Boys is opening an upscale(ish) bar/ venue on James St North - already owns the building and is looking for a fall opening - last time I talked to him.

I heard this rumour myself from someone involved with Mohawk radio. Do you know any more details? I hope this pans out.

[ihateittoo]

I know the location, and that he owns the building, has a local partner for the endeavour, and that it is planned to be two floors and supposedly will carry many upscale drinks (especially imported beers).

Also that they are currently at the stage of zoning and liscensing.

I am not sure if this is hush hush or not but oh well.

[FairHamilton]

I just learned that Lori Yates (alt-country) now lives in Hamilton too.

I expect the cost of housing, with the proximity to Toronto and mid-sized Ontario cities (Guelph, K-W, London, etc) is a big driver for musicians to locate (re-locate) in Hamilton. Most Canadian musicians don't become rich playing music and have anything but a steady predictable income. That means they can't afford to buy a home in Toronto, but many Hamilton neighbourhoods offer very affordable housing.

Now, I hope that many of these musicians play some local places in Hamilton.

After a few weeks of renovations and fixing-up our new 'old' house (no where near finished), we make the final move to Hamilton next weekend. :)

[coalminecanary]

I know the location, and that he owns the building, has a local partner for the endeavour, and that it is planned to be two floors and supposedly will carry many upscale drinks (especially imported beers).

Also that they are currently at the stage of zoning and liscensing.

I am not sure if this is hush hush or not but oh well.

He doesn't own the building (yet). 3rd floor will be a studio, 2nd floor a live music venue and1st floor will be a sit down and drink style place with lots of taps... microbrews maybe? should be awesome and should do well in that spot. i'm looking forward to it

if gallagher's is any indication though, the time it will take to arrange the licensing may put an autumn date out of the running... my fingers are crossed though :-)

[itsbryan]

The local band The Reason made it pretty big. They're an inide pop-punk band that started downtown.

If you ever get a chance to see them at The Underground on King William, definitely take it. They're a great show, very immersive with heavy riffs, and tons of power.

Their older stuff was much heavier, but their latest album "Things Couldn't Be Better" was produced by Gavin Brown (who also produced Billy Talent, and Three Days Grace, who coincidently filmed their video for "Home" in Lister Block).. and was aimed at a much ligther audience.

[FairHamilton]

Colin Cripp - Married to Kathleen Edwards. He was the guitarist in Crash Vegas (a great band) he produces and plays on Kathleen's albums as well as other stuff.

[FairHamilton]

From Dundas, http://www.thespec.com/article/442501 - Fixed broken URL.

Hamilton resident Kathleen Edwards was also nominated.

[FairHamilton]

I haven't seen one mention on the board about the Hamilton Music Awards, and that surprises me.

I just got back from seeing Lee Harvey Osmond at the Corktown. The Corktown was packed, and it was a really, really great show.

[adam]

Used to go to songwriter nights at the Three16 in the summer. Just checking out their website and looks like they are PACKED with local acts every Thurs, Fri, Sat throughout November. Nice to see it growing! The bar has a great atmosphere.

http://www.three16lounge.com/

[raisethehammer]

Pepperjack Cafe is awesome for great music too.

[Millstone]

i am a musician in hamilton

[highwater]

What sort of stuff do you play?

[Millstone]

What sort of stuff do you play?

acoustic and drums, mostly rock-ish

[adam]

the Westown on Locke has a songwriter's night every Tuesday. Great place to see some local talent. Usually a 30+ crowd.

[FairHamilton]

Kicked-*ss at the Hamilton Place Studio last night. The show was packed and they even added seats after it sold out.

It was great to see the hometown (adopted) support for Kathleen. I go to see her again in a heartbeat.

Celebrity citing - Ron MacLean was 3 rows in front of us, sorry no Grapes (lol).

[FairHamilton]

Tom Wilson, Lori Yates and Tom's son's band Harlan Pepper put on a great sold out show at the Downtown Arts Centre (DAC) tonight. By far the best entertainment value $20 can buy anywhere.

Tom rocks like no other.

[highwater]

Seconded. Awesome show.

[astroblaster]

HOLY SMOKES

brand new hamilton hip hop with a great video, featuring a ton of hamilton footage - worth a watch even if you're not a hip hop fan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9JIpCPAhks


also: went to see Harlan Pepper at This Ain't Hollywood last night.. it was awesome --- tons of guests on stage (Tom Wilson, Cam Malcolm, Aaron Goldstein + more)