Big in Canada Billy Hamilton's Big History of Burlington feat. Billy Hamilton (Silverstein)
Nov 11, 2025
Billy Hamilton, the bassist and band archivist for Silverstein, dives into Burlington's vibrant hardcore scene during the 2000s. He shares compelling stories of local bands and their influences, revealing how Silverstein navigated the complexities of Canadian content regulations. Hamilton discusses his archival work, capturing the history of the scene on platforms like TikTok. He also recalls surreal experiences touring with stars like Avril Lavigne, while analyzing Burlington's unique music ecosystem and its legacy in the Canadian music industry.
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Choosing The U.S. Path Shifted Trajectory
- Silverstein prioritized US touring and an American label to reach larger scenes rather than rely on Canadian systems.
- Signing to a U.S. label excluded them from early CanCon supports and changed their career path.
Escape Artists And The Internet Effect
- The hosts define a new category: "Escape Artists" — Canadian acts who find bigger success abroad or online.
- Internet and international touring are core drivers of that escape-artist path.
Grade As Burlington’s Musical Forefather
- Grade and other Burlington bands were Silverstein's local inspirations and launched their ambitions.
- Burlington felt like its own music universe that pushed bands to tour internationally early.
