Arkells

Arkells are a Canadian rock band from Hamilton, Ontario. They form in 2006 and originally use the name Charlemagne before changing it after another band with that name threatens legal action. The band takes its name from Arkell Street in Hamilton’s Westdale neighbourhood, near McMaster University, where the members live and rehearse.

Line-up and early background

The current line-up is Max Kerman on vocals and guitar, Mike DeAngelis on vocals and guitar, Nick Dika on bass, Tim Oxford on drums, and Anthony Carone on vocals, keyboard and guitar. All five original members attend McMaster University. Kerman graduates with an honours BA in Political Science, and he meets DeAngelis at a McMaster Welcome Week event, where they find they share the same musical taste. Dan Griffin later leaves the band and is replaced by Carone.

Recordings and releases

Arkells sign with Dine Alone Records in 2006 and later also have releases through Universal Records Canada and Last Gang Records. Their debut album, Jackson Square, is released on Dine Alone Records in 2008. The second album, Michigan Left, is written and recorded in 2011 and released later that year. The band releases High Noon in 2014 on Dine Alone/Universal Records, followed by the self-produced EP Study Music in 2015 on Universal Music Canada/Dine Alone Records. Their fourth album, Morning Report, follows in 2016, and their fifth studio album, Rally Cry, is released in 2018.

They also release a number of singles, including “Come to Light”, “Drake’s Dad”, “Years in the Making”, “Quitting You”, “What Good?” and “Money” featuring Portugal. The Man. The band also issues Campfire Chords, a full-length album of acoustic versions of earlier songs, with each member recording parts at home during COVID-19 quarantine and Carone editing, mixing and producing the recordings into completed tracks.

Awards, nominations and recognition

Arkells win multiple Juno Awards. They receive the Juno Award for New Group of the Year in 2010, the Juno Award for Group of the Year in 2012, and at the 2015 Juno Awards they win Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year for High Noon. The album is also longlisted for the Polaris Prize in 2015. At the 2017 Juno Awards, the band is nominated again for Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year.

Touring and live appearances

In late 2008, Arkells tour Canada as the opening act for Matt Mays & El Torpedo. In 2010 they are picked to open for Them Crooked Vultures at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. They also attract attention for a set at Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern after the Much Music Video Awards, when Shad and Kesha join them onstage during a cover of Outkast’s “Ms. Jackson”. In 2018 and 2019 they tour with Lord Huron as support, and their largest arena show takes place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.