WHO ARE HAMILTON HOUND?

Hamilton Hound is the creative partnership of spoken-word artist Ian Hamilton and multi-instrumentalist James Mason. Known for their deeply personal and emotionally rich approach to music, the duo crafts soul-stirring soundscapes that blend spoken-word storytelling with raw honesty and immersive production. Their work transforms life’s struggles into gripping narratives, resonating deeply with listeners.

Tracks like “The Distance”, “Graves” , “You Don’t Have To Hide” and most recently “White Noise” have earned acclaim from BBC Introducing for their powerful delivery and evocative lyrics. Hamilton Hound’s sound is equal parts poetic and musical, offering a unique listening experience that stays with you long after the final note.

Black and white portrait of a man wearing a flat cap and a coat against a brick wall background.

Ian Hamilton grew up in Gravesend, a working-class town by the river, where life was raw and real. He underachieved at school during a time when education felt more like a process than a path to achievement. But even then, one thing shone through — his love of music.
From an early age, Ian was captivated by the sounds of Two Tone bands like The Specials, Madness, and The Jam, later gravitating toward the introspective stylings of Paul Weller. He was equally drawn to the rhythms of Reggae, which echoed the struggles and soul of everyday life.
In the early ’80s, his ears turned toward the rising sound of Hip Hop — artists like Afrika Bambaataa, Ice-T, Stetsasonic, and Big Daddy Kane opened up new worlds of lyrical expression and beat-driven storytelling. Later in his teens, Ian found himself in the heart of the UK’s Acid House revolution — sitting in service stations, waiting for the whispered location of the next underground rave.
Music has always been more than a soundtrack for Ian — it’s been therapy, identity, and resistance. While ambition, creativity, and drive have taken him far in life outside of music, his artistry remains grounded in raw honesty and emotional truth.
Now, through Hamilton Hound, he channels decades of lived experience into a powerful fusion of spoken word, soul, and storytelling, transforming life’s struggles into something deeply resonant and real.

Musician playing bass guitar with DJ equipment

James Mason was born in Ashford, Middlesex, in 1977. His grandpa was a jazz musician and bought him his first instrument—a bass guitar—when he was 12. James always had a love of music and collaboration.
He finished school and began an apprenticeship at a local printing company, later spending two years at the London School of Printing in Elephant and Castle, London. After 10 years in the print trade, running a five-colour Heidelberg printing press, he left the industry to become a full-time jobbing bass player, playing with and managing function bands around London.
During this time, James found a passion for recording and producing. Much like mixing colour on a printing press, he began to use sound in the same way. He wrote and recorded original music for a ska band named The Launchers, who supported Madness, and he also worked with legendary producer Dave Bascombe.
In 2014, James became a proud stay-at-home dad and raised his daughters while continuing his music and performing on weekends. In 2020, when the world temporarily went indoors, James began working on his own original music, with a growing interest in ambient and experimental sounds.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how music stays in your memory and shapes who we are.”
In 2023, James was commissioned to build a ceramic instrument with architect Simon Astridge for the UK company Solus Ceramics. This experience sparked an interest in the built environment and the human condition.
This is where James met Ian.
“I heard Ian just gently talking poetry over the mic one night. I liked how direct and honest he could deliver the words.”
Sharing a love of soul music, the duo began crafting a sound.

The Distance ft. Liz Arcane
Graves
Teardrops ft Liz Arcane
You don't have to hide ft Liz Arcane
One Door Opens
White Noise

View Discography

Media

“A blend of raw honesty with a fresh narrative style”
- Baby Step Magazine

“[You Don’t Have To Hide] by Hamilton Hound is an inspiring track that blends contemporary R&B and hip-hop to craft an emotional landscape that looks at grief and resilience.”
- Rising Artists

“[Graves] sees Hamilton Hound engage in charming, evocative spoken word”
-Mesmerised

“You Don’t Have To Hide” by Hamilton Hound draws listeners in from the first second with its clear production quality and rich vocals that stick in your head. It is as if the song is inviting you into its world without overwhelming you and making you hum and sing.
-Beach House mag