Big in Iowa

With a name like Big in Iowa, deductive reasoning may lead you to believe the band hails from the Hawkeye Heartland, however such a conclusion would land you a full two states west of where all 4 members call home, the humble town of Hamilton, Ohio.On the map, Hamilton isn’t much, boasting a modest population of just of 60,000 residents over the course of 22 square miles, but as the city that brought band together it means oh so much more. For a town of its size Hamilton has already had a profound impact on American culture, as Big in Iowa is just the latest in a long line of residents to make a splash beyond its borders including, fellow musicians Scott Walker, Greg Dulli, Del Gray and Brady Seals of Little Texas, singer/songwriter Roger Troutman, not to mention plenty of influential natives with no ties to music, such as Charles Richter, of Richter scale fame, MLB player and manager Jim Tracy, and historic author of Make Way For Ducklings, Robert McCloskey.During the 1920′s, Hamilton acquired the nickname “Little Chicago” largely in part to its subculture, a home away from home for big wigs in the Chicago mafia scene. With a thriving district for illicit activities paid for with mob money, Hamilton drew in big names now revered as American outlaws, such as John Dillinger. In fact, the city was declared off-limits to military personnel during World War II due to the numerous gaming establishment and brothels pervading in the area. Soldiers were notorious customers to the town, which served as a major industrial manufacturer to the military, producing tank turrets, submarine engines and many metal parts to supply the troops in times of war.Today’s Hamilton, of course, is a much quieter town full of law abiding citizens, aside from the loud music blaring from garages and honky tonks filled with aspiring acts. Well known for its respect for the arts, and sculpture in particular, there’s no better place to call home for an artist, from the gallery to the recording studio.