Webster Falls - HamiltonHamilton, for those who don’t know, lies between the biggest city in Canada (Toronto), and one of the worlds most popular tourist destination (Niagara Falls). It is neither part of the Greater Toronto Area (the suburban sprawl of the big city) nor is it connected to anything to do with wine country or casinos or horseshoe shaped falls. Canada's ninth biggest city is well known for its industrial background (nicknamed The Steel City from its blue collar roots), but not widely regarded as a cultural centre-point, or a nature retreat. Even though such thoughts exist, they may not be entirely true. Hamilton does boast to having more than 100 waterfalls within its city limits (as well as over 500,000 inhabitants) and, as these compilations contest, a thriving music scene. Now, I’ve visited Hamilton on many occasions (and even lived there for three months whilst editing the documentary Glocal Scene) and I can honestly say I’ve never seen a single waterfall. The staggering notion that there can exist so many waterfalls tucked away from my prying eyes is something that endears me to the city sitting in the shadows of two world renowned neighbours. The inherent modesty of Hamilton means that if you scratch just beneath it's gruff exterior you will find a bounty of beauty - as the compilations compiled by McMaster University and Mohawk College pay tribute to.

The local musicians, like the elusive waterfalls, are hidden gems. The range of styles and sounds that exist on volume 6 of the Hamilton compilation (and indeed the previous 5 releases) is a testament to the thriving work of the radio stations in the area (permitting an outlet to show off local talents). My favourite tracks on volume 6 include busy beats of Shing Shing Regime's We Strive and the catchy The Cure-esque crooning of Kori Pop (on Nowhere Near My Heart). Have a download and a listen (disc 2 is a more punk/rawk/experimental mix than disc 1). Enjoy!