Trying something new for 2024! I’ve been putting together monthly Playlists since 2011 (here on the blog and Spotify). This year, I’m going to give myself a little more time in between to gather more tracks, and round them up by the seasons in quarterly posts. That’s the goal, anyway! These playlists may be longer than before, maybe even some double tracks from the same artist. At the time of writing this (Leap Day) there is still snow on the ground, and winter’s not over yet. It has been a strong start to the year in the local scene. Without further ado… Winter 2024 ❄️
(And don’t forget to send me your new music – I’m always looking for new local music to play on my weekly radio show on 93.3 CFMU!)
Duckai – “Soothe” [Listen]
After one of my favourite local releases of 2023, Future Vision, Duckai is back with a smooth new jam.
Buddah Abusah – “Granted” [Listen]
Following the rad Nostalgia EP at the end of last year, the modern day hippie kicks off the year strong with a new track and music video.
NAIIM x 4Korners – “MALI STAR” [Listen]
The fourth SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards recently took place, which are created to recognize and celebrate the artistic merit demonstrated by Black music creators of any genre. 2023’s winners included Montreal-born, Hamilton-based artist, writer, and producer, NAIIM.
Camie – “BEST WOMAN” [Listen]
Camie – “HOUNDSTOOTH” [Listen]
Alternative folk rock singer-songwriter, Camie, has a new album, POEMS IN THE ASHES, out March 29. Both singles so far give a dynamic introduction to this next era for the songstress, known for her powerful queer feminist croonings, rich vocal tones, and lush poetic imagination.
ellis – “what i know now” [Listen]
ellis – “obliterate” [Listen]
Speaking of new eras, ellis makes and exciting return! The artist celebrates the release of her independent second full-length album, no place that feels like, with a hometown show on April 25 at The Casbah.
Basement Revolver – “Red Light” [Listen]
With their first new release since their great 2022 album, Embody, Basement Revolver is back.
Lost Faculty – “Drifter” [Listen]
Released in September 2023, I missed Lost Faculty’s EP, Drifter, in last fall’s playlists, so we gotta include it here! It has been rad to hear how the project has evolved since first coming onto my radar a year ago with the single “Muddy My Mind.”
Fern Sully – “Pour Over Me” [Listen]
Another release that slipped by me last fall – Hamilton/Toronto band Fern Sully’s rad debut EP Better Luck Next Time. Also check out local DIY music hub, Melted Media.
Ellis In Transit – “Alright?” [Listen]
Another solid and catchy installment from indie rockers Ellis In Transit. Catch the band March 9 at Mills Hardware.
Zuto – “Sluice” [Listen]
This most recent track from rock’n’rollers Zuto was released in 2022. They’re a recent discovery for me and I look forward to hearing more.
Dark Mean – “Working Hard” [Listen]
It has been far too long since Dark Mean has appeared on one of these Playlists! A band that has been part of I Heart Hamilton’s soundtrack since 2011, they return with a new single, their first since 2016’s “Settle Down.”
Hannah Sloots – “Crying In My Car” [Listen]
The local songwriters’ collective Shaky Knees Club brought me to discover Hannah Sloots, who co-founded the club with Elise Arsenault. This is the first new single since her debut self-titled EP.
Emma Whale – “Literally” [Listen]
You may know Emma Whale from her work as an engineer and producer at local recording studio, Catherine North. Emma has also been releasing her own music over the past few years. New EP, love u more, just dropped at the end of last year.
Emma Elena Grace – “Medicine” [Listen]
Last fall, country/folk singer-songwriter Emma Elena Grace returned with new music, leading the way for her sophomore album, Whole Years, due out this year.
Sarah Bellstedt – “company” [Listen]
Also an alum of Shaky Knees Club, singer-songwriter Sarah Bellstedt started off the year by sharing two debut singles.
Scott Orr – “Can it Be?” feat. Emma Geiger [Listen]
Another artist who has soundtracked I Heart Hamilton from the start, the prolific Scott Orr, just shared that he has a new album on the way this year.
Miteh – “Monarch” [Listen]
Miteh has lots of new material in the works. New track “Monarch” is collaboration with Shadow Fleet. Stay tuned for a new ambient/experimental project on the way next.
