As my high school economics teacher used to say, of the things he’d see in the wee hours of the morning on his two-hour walk from downtown Ottawa to our suburban high school, “There’s a whole world out there I know nothing about.” I feel the exact same way when I discover a new music scene. Closer to home, I understand that Moncton has a particularly vibrant scene – I’ll have to pay closer attention to that.

But Hobart! I never would’ve guessed that the capital of Tasmania would have such a vibrant music scene (which says more about me than them). Anyway, Rough Skies Records is here to put me straight with Community 4 – A Compilation of Hobart Music, a consistently excellent collection of songs from Hobart-based bands, from the punk rock stylings of Powernap to the odd pop of Filthy Little Star, and much else besides. Including, of course, late-of-Hobart and ATR favourite Heart Beach, who naturally do not disappoint. 

How vibrant is Hobart’s music scene right now? Well, you have someone like EWAH (of EWAH & the Vision of Paradise, another standout on this compilation) who’s relocated from Melbourne. Not sure if she did it for the music, but it’s definitely not a step down.

Check it out, drop them a few pennies. Viva local music!

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=776792491/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/

Listen/purchase: Community 4 – a compilation of Hobart music by Various Artists