Barber Shop Podcast

You don't get much for free in these parts, and Robin Benedict has earned a spot in the finals. Black Irish soul, Hamilton sass and sensibilities, Robin Benedict makes every step in the right direction. Karaoke singer come rock Queen, she figured it out as she went along, all the time earning respect and followers on her journey. Born from the fires of this very town, her original music, voice and style proved too much for even the most jaded in this tune soaked town. Add to bye fact that she brought the likes of Brennan Burns and Duane Rutter on to flesh out her stories but demonstrates the taste that us evident in every nite. Truly blessed to have such a stunning beauty, such a charming woman, such a beautiful soul in Robin Benedict on this epic episode of Barber Shop Podcast

In September there's nothing better than some kid coming off the bench to hit the walk-off winning run, pulling victory from the jaws of defeat. Last minute call up Michael A. Myszkowski has been holding fort as Link Andrews, bass player with Hamilton indie heavyweights 40 Sons for near half a decade and has started his journey as a songwriter, frontman and cryptic faker as a solo artist. Bringing his long time friend and co-writer Brendan Whelan along, Michael.A.M. gives court to five originals that are as new as the morning dew. Beautifully crafted and bravely performed, each offing has it's own perfect place in today. Add to that five Easter eggs that is Exile On King Street, Mike's bass playing is front and center on a sample from our July Hamilton music showcase. Tunes from Luke Bentham, JB Reed, Ginger St.James, Christa Bradbury and Duane Rutter will make you get a feel for just what we got going on here

John Kirby was born in Burlington, but we forgive him for that. Musical and inquisitive from an early age, Kirby was playing and writing original music, building and blowing up a series of projects before going solo in 2006. Writing and recording with First Time Fallen prepared him to rely on beauties like Vince Sciara, Graham Peaceful and Joey Balducci to learn the business of music from top to bottom. Boasting a strong sweet tenor, sharp soprano and rich overtones, Kirby possesses a voice for the ages, tender and expressive, dripping with the kind of honesty that belies his word play and sharp lyrics. It's a rainy Wednesday in September, the bedroom folk rock of Kirby is the tonic, his stories and songs providing a perfect backdrop for the first night of a new era at BOXO Studio with a sound like you've never heard before. There's lots to love about Kirby, and there's lots to love about Barber Shop Podcast. kirby.bandcamp.com

We got up to some Shennanigans at Barber Shop Podcast with a new sponsor and a couple of old friends. Tim Gibbons has been on before, back in the pre- video days, and tonight he stopped by with long time bassist and cohort Mike Williams. Joining together to form The Trouble Boys with the great Ray Farrugia in the earliest 80's, Gibbons has been around since the good old days, music man, actor, resonance man about town, his Irish eyes are smiling on this episode for sure. A little crooked, a little messy, and a lot of fun, this snapshot of Tim and Mike having a party with the gruesome crewsome, is one that will make you laugh till you cry, cry till you laugh, and forgive a little bit harder. Sometimes it ain't pretty, but it's always beautiful at Barber Shop Podcast

Growing up in the Southwestern Ontario tri-city area, Brendan Stephens was a quick study who had stubborn streak, and a knack for anything musical. Picking up the guitar at 12, gigging around town at 14, there was no lack of moxy in this kid. Upon informing his mother he was quitting school, his mom in turn informed him he was now paying rent. When he took his strengths to market, the result was a nice busking payday of $80, and the world welcomed another professional musician to the fold. Finding his sound somewhere between the roaring twenties and the White Stripes, an honest-to-goodness perfect hybrid was born in the guise of The Vaudevillian. Like a desert bowl dream, this sepia-toned music draws from the very roots of roots, the jump and hop of a bygone era meshing wonderfully with today's own stark realities. Recording RAGGED with a lusty vengeance, the debut album has all the hallmarks of a great fly on the wall recording. Serving as a revenue source and calling card, it soon led to more stops along a

A musical city the likes of Hamilton is heavy with singer songwriters, great players and talented recording engineers. Danny Medakovic happens to be all those things, having cut his teeth early and often from the earliest days in a very cohesive family environment. Not happy to grind out the same covers in the same beer joints, Medakovic set about writing and recording often, playing frequently and building his book. Developing into a triple threat over time, you can catch him in local alt-country/roots outfit Frytruck, or as a solo performer whose socially conscious lyrics marry effortlessly with the feel of a top shelf musician. Danny's a smart guy, he's got a lot to say, and we're always happy to have him. Thrilled he could stop in with the pre-release of his new album JOLLEY CUT on a sticky summers night, we get to listen to six fresh tracks and a couple live numbers from the heart. Danny Medakovic in the flesh... on Barber Shop Podcast jolleycut.com

Great original music from the Steel City is what we do here and there is all kinds to be found. Brewed and crewed right here, singer/songwriter George Panagoulos saw the chops and presence of guitarist Marcus Starr and bassist Ryan Davie in another outfit and knew they were tailor made for his latest project that would become Radio Free Universe. When the crack of Ashton Normans whip is added to the mix, the end result is superlative groove rock that is fiercely original yet hearkens to so many of the legends in style and substance. Radio Free Universe has carver out a worldwide following by always being front runners in the shifting sands of digital promotion and distribution. Displaying a determination to succeed, the band continues to record and tour, preparing for the release of their yet unnamed upcoming album. Live, in studio, we have all the guys on hand to debut a few brand new numbers that you're sure to love. Always bringing the good stuff, Radio Free Universe kicks back and tells us their stories i

The Smoke Wagon Blues Band are perhaps one of the great secrets of an otherwise wide-open musical city Together with guitarist mike Stubbs, singer/front-man Corey Lueck (Luke) have played smoldering, sexy, cocksure blues since the late 90s. Hamilton TH&B thru and thru, the addition of premier players like sax man Gordon Aeichele, drummer Tibor Lukacs, and Jason Colavecchia the die was cast. Speaking of the the human condition through the blues, Smoke Wagon Blues Band are high and tight, and without a doubt have perfected their sound to the point of sublime perfection. Check out a great slice of Hamilton music history, still bearing the bitter sweet fruit of the blues. Original music from Hamilton, real and real good... Here on Barber Shop Podcast

Country swamp sock hop rock n' roll isn't a genre you will find easily but when you get a taste you will be hooked for sure. When Hamilton guitar King Craig Koshul was looking for a tasty side project aside from his founding duties in Burnin' Eyhyl, he tapped "Busker" Al Barubek to write some wry, rye soaked tunes that could fill a dance floor and the tavern cash register. Common interests and productive writing sessions have produced a unique brand of music that defies easy description while at the same time being readily accessible and user friendly. Marty Robbins and Robert Gordon meet up at a rodeo and drink a little with Blue Rodeo begins to set the stage for this band of miscreants as the rhythm section of bassist Jim Blair and drummer Deryke Spriggs provide the slap and groove to get the party started. Fresh from the studio, Sloppy Jalopy bring some cuts from their debut album Side Of The Road to Barber Shop Podcast along with their unique sense of purpose, humour and fashion. You can't make this stuf

Some of the greatest finds come from looking a little harder for that certain thing. Mimi Shaw was always wrapped in music, deep Scottish roots providing the familial sustenance and the unfolding Canadian musical scene serving to frame the style and sensibilities of an important contributor. Toronto born and bread, Mimi Shaw came to Hamilton in 1990 to live with her sister Sandy and her rock star husband Tom Wilson. A clear and present insight into this musical wonderland was front and centre as the desire to write and record grew along with her personal journey. From the rock n billy sounds of Rat Bastard to the sublime partnerships with Wilson and Colin Cripps, her sweet songs of timeless emotion, the heart of a poet shines through in the most musical of ways. Gathering her wit and wisdom in a hauntingly beautiful fashion, Mimi Shaw has brought her music and her magic to BOXO Studio and Barber Shop Podcast for a great night of music and a great time had by all.

On any given night in Hamilton you can find incredible original music. Native son Tomi Seick has been playing out since his youth and the sepia tinged images he delivers with sonic integrity made him someone to watch from that early age. Developing quickly into his own vision of a modern day troubadour, Swick has managed to curry the favor of record labels and coffee houses at the same time. Growing his repertoire and reputation over the years made for a strong and gentle soul that is not afraid to stand up and be counted. Andy Griffiths is another singer songwriter who hails from Burlington but delves deeply into the Hamilton scene. Hooking up at an open mic, the brotherhood bore fruit as Griffiths was able to blossom with the help of a tight knit musical community, no one more prominent in the transformation than Tomi, and the genuine affection and appreciation is evident as both men move towards their next albums. Never doubt the ability of Barber a Shop Podcast to bring you the very best of real music f

Hamilton draws from a wide swath of real estate in Southern Ontario and Dunnville. Nate Waldes packed up his guitar, girlfriend and talent and took his music to the Steel City in 2012 looking for a band of brothers. Dead End Sessions was a hard rocking band wrapped around drummer Adam Plasko and bassist Troy Mosley and guitarist Benning steeped in the waters of Tool, Rage Against The Machine and classic rock like Zeppelin. The addition of Waldes brought with it a myriad of influences, not the least was the fold, funk and most importantly, reggae. Suddenly the sound of freedom had a definite made-in-Hamilton sensibility to it and it's really good. Dropping by to share the music, the love and a few beers, the boys are in fine form with some great live performances and a few choice cuts from their new CD, SLAM PHUNK. Happy to hang five on a gorgeous July night, the Deaf End Session boys bring it hard and sweet, an intoxicating combination. Sit back and groove to the sounds of Dead End Sessions on episode #85 of

BOXO Studio is the place where broadcast from each and every week. We do good things here, really good things with music as an agent of change. Music should be powerful and evocative, teaching and healing. Music tells a story of yesterday, today and tomorrow, always a perfect snapshot. There is an album by the most famous rock and roll band ever that stands one as a testament to the overlooked greatness of 1972. Sprawling and dangerous, EXILE ON MAIN STREET was never meant to be anything other than a snapshot of time, heroin soaked and resplendent in it's messy glory. Eighteen songs in total and clocking in at an hour and a half, EXILE ON MAIN STREET is considered among the greatest rock albums of all time - and nobody has ever heard of it!!! Precious little exists in a vacuum, but this album has kept legitimate and credible for all these years, and it was the perfect vehicle for BOXO Studio to put into an incredible live music performance featuring over 20 of our past and future guests from the musical hotb

It's the story of another hardscrabble band out of the Hammer, nothing special there, for there are many. Flamingo Bay is a pretty damn hard rocking three piece, belying the rather tame sounding name. Comprised of Dillon Henningson, Kris Gies and Vince Rankin, the long traveled evolution of the band has settled on the formula for making their own brand of northern swamp rock. Having recorded their debut album at Porcelain Records in Hamilton, the 9 song LOCO PONY is full bore and full value. Always ready to play and be heard, the sound of earnest blue collar rock n roll will always find an audience, certainly in a place like Hamilton. Stopping by on a summers night, the guys in Flamingo Bay play acoustic, spin a few tunes and ride the buzz at Barber Shop Podcast

Right around that magic age of 12 or 13, Troy Harmer fell hard for the sound of the electric guitar and the creation of music. Living, breathing music that sprung from fingers and mouths, not from the television or radio was the music environment that quickly saw the love of rock guitar lead to the honest strut of the great bluesmen in our past and present world. Writing original music and stretching his wings, Harmer melded the polished chops of a legitimate guitar slinger with a myriad of personal musical influences on 1999's Troy Harmer and Infinity. Focusing today more on the strong polish of a front running blues outfit, the combination of Harmer and bassist Alyssa DuPuis and Steve Tomalty bring the confident groove of Freddie King, Robert Cray and Buddy Guy to bear on some of the most appealing original blues to ever come out of the Hammer. Wrapping up production on their new CD - Born to Sing the Blues, Troy Harmer and the Persuaders drop by Barber Shop Podcast with an early copy to play as well as r

Just when you think all your regulars are too bald to come by much anymore, and the young guns just don't care - the door opens and in walks the future. Born from the fertile ground of Sauce Rocket, Porcelain Youth, Sebastian Paige and The Virginia Wolves and Gentlemen Spectres, the trio of Pete Moss, Scott Marsh and Adam Cannon were playing real gigs in real bands before they could drive. Bloodlines from The Florida Razors, tutelage from the Jennings, and many shows served to make them great players and now make Lee Baby Sims a legitimate Hamilton supergroup. Funny, smart, and hot on the heels of their recording at Rattlebox North, the boys stop in for a late show and deliver six live performances in addition to world debuting their first single - Stick in the Mud - just for is here at Barber Shop Podcast. These guys still have they new band smell, and boy-oh-boy, does it ever smell good. Awesome goodness with Lee Baby Sims - at Barber Shop Podcast

Way, way back in the early days of the show - before the time of video, we had a couple names Bradbury and a bass player named Orange come in and tell us their typical story. Girl meets depressed ex-pat Aussie at Canadian house party and sparks ensue along with deportation and redemption. Busking to eat, doing odd jobs, the music was always there, when times were tough they were always together and the dream never died. Songs that had soul and purpose grew into three demos and the attention of a few in the know, including producer Jordan Abraham. Both Abraham and drummer Dave Guild began turning a powerful folk duo into a rock band with texture and edge.Long hours and much passion went in, and what came out is electric. Pure, honest and so very real, Chris and Christa Bradbury have made a great record. Titled INNOMINATE, from the Latin word for no name, this 10 song effort does indeed speak for itself. Full of sweeping guitars and Christa's signature vocals, INNOMINATE is Hamilton Gold.

Sometimes guys get a but shaggy between visits to Barber Shop Podcast but TOMMYGUNN has been keeping things tight since his first visit 66 weeks ago. Tommy Grasley knew he had built something really good with the release of 2013's Unleash The Hounds. Recorded by Georgie Fab and mastered by Nick Blagona, the record served as an effective lure to snag some great Hamilton hounds. Legendary axe god Ludger Bourassa and the tasty Bob Barnes handle the guitars while Al Thompson grooves to the beat of Chris Mills, making the sound come alive in a big, big way. Never one to shy away from important issues, Tommy writes about important things but makes it funny, naughty, an easy, honest, positive message that's good to hear. On the first summery night of the year, after a long, cold winter we're all fired up and ready to go on Barber Shop Podcast

For a band that's only been around for a couple of years, The Human Orchestra has turned a few heads in and around the musical hotbed that is Hamilton. Diverse in nature and large in number, the off hand mixing and meetings of like minded souls gave birth to a unique musical collective in 2011. Voxy siren J.B. Reed and bassist Luke Michaels saw every free flow of incarnations eventually settle on the shoulders of guitarist and vocalist Dean Labute, keyboardist Paul Cino the saxy Ms. Emma Borsellino , trumpeter Denis Spellen Ty Howie on guitar and Shawn Kerr keeping time with panache. A big band with a big sound. Never sure of their place in a pre fab world of music, these 20 somethings have managed the perfect crime - being true to themselves, totally original, and widely appealing. Dropping by on a sweet Wednesday spring night, 6 of the 8 members push us to the limit, roll some stories and share a few songs in the key of real. No shame in sounding good and looking good, and no shame here at Barber Shop P

London Ontario has always been a hub of great original music in Canada and when Paul Wootton's Crawlin' Kingsnakes blew up in the 80's it was a mercurial existence, rife with the promise of fame and the pitfalls of reality. When a chance meeting with Steve Foster at Hamilton's Corktown Tavern led to talking, writing and playing, Crawlin' Kingsnakes took on a whole new look and feel. The four members including Greg Plant on bass and drummer Michael Stuart set to making the band front and center in the blurred era of great rock n roll that was happening in the early 90's Time passes, and the things that made the music the only thing that mattered remained as The boys continued to make the music work in - and sustain, their lives. Dropping by on a rainy May evening, Paul and Steve talk of the early days, the highs and lows, and the magic that was - and is Crawlin' Kingsnakes with an in studio performance and some special pre release tracks from their new album due out this summer. Another fine evening with frien