The Tugboat – Doing the Work that needs to be done

Iriamu is the multi-disciplined art project of Will Hamilton. In his music, Iriamu uses found sounds, everyday noises, synths, percussion, guitars and of course, the bass. He melds the “noises” creating sonic soundscapes to express emotions, and tell his story. A modern day Grio.

Born in Yokosuka, Japan into a military family, Iriamu moved living locations a lot as a child until his family settled in Slidell, Louisiana. Iriamu calls Louisiana, specifically Slidell and New Orleans, home. Later in life, Iriamu made more moves and is currently in Metro Atlanta.

Iriamu had the opportunity to spend time with his grandfather at a young, impressionable age. It was the Elder that showed Iriamu the love and joy that music can gift. In an interview conducted by bass legend Mike Watt on his radio show titled, The Watt from Pedro Show, Iriamu stated, “My Grandpa would have his jazz records on. He’d close his eyes and you could tell he was really feeling it. Each note, the rhythm. His legs would be crossed and one leg would be bouncing in time. He’d hum his favorite parts, the melody, he was in a trance.” Between his grandfather and his parents always having music in the home, Iriamu was destined to have the need for sound.

When Iriamu went off to college, he found more people like him. In the 80’s, there were a lot of bands on popular TV and radio that seemed bigger than life, but Iriamu met other people in school who were doing interesting things on stage, and he was ready to create alongside them. Iriamu joined three other friends to start his first band. Pfrogdog was a post punk band that was heavily influenced by artists like the Pixies, and the Cure. Next, was a short-lived stint as the bass player for Lean. Iriamu then had the opportunity to perform with another great friend, helping express his ideas. After a 10 year hiatus, Iriamu returned with another project with him on guitar. Noise for My Muse was formed because of the need to create again. This band was the first time Iriamu was a main contributor to the writing process.

Another musical hiatus occurred as Iriamu was searching to free the ideas in his head. Time went by and with the difficulty of dedicating time in a band structure, Iriamu decided to try to work his ideas out himself. As Iriamu studied different types of music, he fell for free improvisation and experimental artists. The freedom they expressed was inspiring to him. “They are telling their story in such a different way. It’s spiritual, tribal in a way.” Iriamu has expressed his ideas on numerous EPs that are free form and not structured, along with three full-length albums, Toulon, a Travel Journal, The Shape of Iriamu to Come, and Reflections: Pieces of a Man. The latter being his self-proclaimed, middle-aged man record, dealing with his shift in life, where he is today, and what he is grateful for. Asking himself many questions, but does he have the answers?

If you are interested to learn more, reach out to Iriamu below. Stay tuned for live events and future releases.