On any evening in pretty much any neighborhood in the city there are dozens musicians sitting in bars strumming on acoustic guitars. And while Toronto’s Hamilton Trading Co. does, in fact, revolve around Keith Hamilton and his acoustic guitar, there is one element that makes the experience stand out: surrounding him is a soulful choir belting out harmonies and stomping out the rhythm of the songs.
It makes for a unique atmosphere; something akin to attending an indie-rock gospel church where the preacher is more likely to expound on the merits of medium-gauge guitar strings or seek salvation in delicate vocal melodies rather than revel in any specific doctrine. We got a hold of main songwriter and vocalist Keith Hamilton on the East Coast, where the band is currently on tour.
Hamilton Trading Co. is a pretty unique concept. Can you talk a bit about the inception of the band?
We began as a simple trio with two voices, acoustic guitar and a drummer, but about five years ago we were asked to play a show at Lee’s Palace on very short notice, and seeing as it’s a sizable venue, I wanted to make better and bigger use of the space. There wasn’t really enough time to teach a whole band the imagined instrumentation, but I figured I could grab a good dozen of my singing friends and build a choir. After 12 rehearsals over the next eight days — with never more than four members at a time, and everyone only finally meeting on stage for the show — we had the makings of Hamilton Trading Co. as you know it today!
When I listen to your songs I hear some pretty disparate elements: everything from The Beach Boys to old Sacred Heart gospel singers. What were some of your influences?
Above and beyond those mentioned, I would say CSNY, Hayden, Wilco, Julie Doiron and Guided By Voices would be the most significant influences. I’m also a sucker for oldies AM radio.
How’s the reaction to the band when people see you for the first time?
Almost exclusively positive. As humbly as I can: there are not a lot of groups out there similar to us. As a group, we entertain, and our songs are fresh yet familiar and accessible.
I noticed from all the videos online that you guys like to play some pretty interesting places, including out on the street. Is that preferable to club gig?
It’s a valuable opportunity more so than a preference. Club gigs feel like more of an event. Sometimes I feel like we impose when we play on the street. It’s very situational.
One of my favourite parts about your band is the brevity of some of the songs. Is that a conscious decision to write songs that short, or does it just happen?
I try not to unnecessarily repeat myself. I hear it’s better to leave ‘em wanting more.
There’s also an element of humour in some of the songs. Do you think there are some bands that take themselves too seriously?
Absolutely… I play in those bands, too!
With so many people involved, are there ever any logistical problems getting everyone to be in the same spot at the same time? Does it present any problems when you’re touring?
Does it ever? Always! Outside of myself there’s only one original member left from the first choir. Most members work the nine-to-five life and so scheduling a tour gets real tough to coordinate. But, when a core of us are itching to see another part of the country, we make it happen.
What’s the most people you’ve ever had on stage as Hamilton Trading Co.?
Eighteen members is our highest to date.
I know that a part of the Hamilton Trading Co experience is the minimal instrumentation, but has there ever been any thought to adding additional instruments?
Absolutely. When the time is right that freedom will be explored, but whether I take the route of The Modern Lovers or Pink Floyd is still up for debate.
Have you released any albums? Are there any plans to release anything else soon?
We released an EP last year. No immediate plans to record; that stuff’s expensive to do well and as fun as we might be, we are a tough pitch for record label support.
Any shows coming up, or any other plans for the near future?
We hit Newfoundland this week for the first time. Very excited for that!
Hamilton Trading Co. are:
Keith Hamilton: Guitar, vocals
Mike Duffield, Brad Casey, Luke Higginson, Anna Mernieks, Heather Mazhar, Juni Bimm, Irene Chu, Jess Luckett and Emily Lawrence make up the core of the choir.
