The Sound of Hamilton ON Indie

"The Sound of Hamilton ON Indie" captures the diverse and gritty spirit of the Steel City's independent music scene. From the anthemic rock vibes of Arkells’ “Leather Jacket” and The Dirty Nil’s “Evil Side” to the bluesy swagger of Monster Truck’s “Sweet Mountain River,” the playlist showcases the many shades of Hamilton’s sonic identity. There’s room here for folk-tinged ballads like Terra Lightfoot’s “No Hurry” and more introspective cuts like “Pull Yourself Together” by Basement Revolver, all rooted in a distinctly local energy.

Spanning rock, pop, punk, folk, and experimental textures, the playlist balances raw, DIY aesthetics with polished songwriting. Artists like Jessy Lanza and Ellevator bring a synth-heavy alt-pop influence, while acts like Lee Reed and Mother Tareka add socially charged hip-hop and genre-defying blends. Whether it’s the tongue-in-cheek chaos of BA Johnston, the soulful storytelling of Corin Raymond, or the washed-out dreamscapes of Sianspheric, this mix gives a cross-section of Hamilton's indie music community, past and present.