Arkells

Arkells are a Canadian rock band, formed in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2006, they signed with Dine Alone Records,^[1] and have since signed with Universal Records Canada.^[2]

Arkells performing live in Buffalo, New York, during the summer of 2013

Band history

Arkells are an alternative rock band originally from Hamilton, Ontario. Their band is named after the street on which they lived and would practice their music. In late 2008, Arkells toured Canada as opening act for Matt Mays & El Torpedo.^[3] Later that year, on November 22, they performed the halftime show at the Vanier Cup in their hometown.^[4] In early 2009 they toured with Waking Eyes across Canada.^[5] Arkells were featured on Aux.tv's Alt Sessions where they performed their full EP.^[6]

On October 22, 2009, Arkells won a favourite new artist CASBY Award (short for Canadian Artists Selected by You) from Toronto radio station 102.1 The Edge at a ceremony and concert at Toronto's Kool Haus.^[7] The band also performed at the event.^[7]

The band has continued raising their profile and experiencing success in 2010. On April 18, 2010, Arkells won the Juno Award for New Group of the Year,^[8] and on May 15, 2010, were hand-picked to open for Them Crooked Vultures at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

They also made headlines while playing a set at Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto after the 2010 Much Music Video Awards, when rapper Shad and pop singer Kesha joined them onstage to freestyle and sing along during a cover of Ms. Jackson by Outkast.^[9] "Whistleblower" has also been used as the Intro Music to the 2011-2012 Calgary Hitmen hockey team and featured in EA Sports NHL 13 video game.

In 2011 the band wrote and recorded their second album Michigan Left, which was released on October 18 of that year. The first single, "Whistleblower", was released to iTunes on July 5, 2011. The band also released a second song, "Kiss Cam", on July 12.^[10] "Whistleblower" will be released as a 7" single, and "Kiss Cam" will serve as the single's B-side.^[11]

Arkells performing at the Burlington Sound of Music Festival, June 2010

On 6 October 2011 it was announced that Dan Griffin would be leaving the band to go back to school.^[12] He was replaced by Anthony Carone ^[12]

In 2012 Arkells won the 2012 Juno Award for Group of the Year.^[13] The band has become known for performing spontaneous Motown cover sets, most recently at an Osheaga after party in Montreal, and while stranded in St. John's Newfoundland. In September 2012, the band played Jian Ghomeshi's "1982" book launch in Toronto. The band has also started a tradition of sending fans signed postcards and free downloads at Christmas.^[14]

On April 7, 2014, Arkells released the first track, "Never Thought That This Would Happen" from their upcoming third album, which was produced by Tony Hoffer (Beck,The Kooks, M83). One month later, on May 13, the band released the album's first single "Come to Light", and confirmed the title of the record would be "High Noon". The record was released on Dine Alone/Universal Records, August 5, 2014.^[15]

Arkells have become known for their extensive touring schedule. This has included American touring with Lights, Tokyo Police Club, The Postelles, X Ambassadors, and Lydia; European touring with Billy Talent, Augustines, British Sea Power, and Anti-Flag as well as Canadian touring with Metric, the Tragically Hip, Hollerado, Sam Roberts and numerous other Canadian bands.

At the Juno Awards of 2015, Arkells won the Juno Award for Group of the Year and the Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year.

Band members

• Max Kerman – vocals, guitar (2006–present)
• Mike DeAngelis – vocals, guitar (2006–present)
• Nick Dika – bass (2006–present)
• Tim Oxford – drums, percussion (2006–present)
• Anthony Carone – vocals, keyboard, guitar (2011–present)

Past members

• Dan Griffin – vocals, keyboard, guitar (2006–2011)

Discography

Albums

Singles

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Arkells (band).

• Arkells on Myspace
• Arkells Website Official Band Website
• Alt Sessions Arkells on Aux.tv