Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, there appeared to be two distinct music scenes in Hamilton. One, the ‘alternative’ scene, centred around Contact 89FM at the University of Waikato. The other, more mainstream scene, was centred on the clubs in town. The ‘Waikato Rockers Reunion’ at the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival takes place on the Rhododendron Lawn on 28 February, organised by Phil Walsh of Doublebass Promotions, and focuses on this latter scene. Bands and musicians appearing on the night had their heydays in the times of The Lady Hamilton (later Shakes) on Alexandra St and Zaks in Te Rapa. We talked to Phil about who he has organised to play, how he has managed to get them back together, and the limited re-release of Hamiltune – Rockin’ the Tron.

Read the interview -> HERE <-

Arpie caught up with brilliant Hamilton-based indie-folk duo Lhasa ahead of their show with Manchester's Good Habits at Nivara Lounge next Wednesday, January 22nd. Read the interview -> HERE <-