Arkells
Arkells is a Canadian alternative rock band formed in Hamilton, Ontario, in 2004.[1] The group consists of Max Kerman on lead vocals and guitar, Mike DeAngelis on lead guitar and backing vocals, Nick Dika on bass and keyboards, Anthony Carone on keyboards and backing vocals, and Tim Oxford on drums.[1] Renowned for their high-energy live performances and anthemic songwriting that fuses rock, indie, soul, and modern R&B influences, Arkells have established themselves as a staple of Canadian music with extensive touring across North America and appearances at major festivals such as Coachella and Bonnaroo.[2] Since releasing their debut album Jackson Square in 2008, Arkells have issued seven studio albums, achieving multiple number-one debuts on the Canadian charts, four gold-certified records, and two gold-certified singles.[1][3] The band has earned nine Juno Awards in total, including wins for Rock Album of the Year for High Noon (2015) and Rally Cry (2022), and holds the all-time record with six victories in the Group of the Year category (2012, 2015, 2019, 2021–2023).[4][5] Their music, often drawing from personal and communal experiences in working-class Hamilton, resonates through radio play and has expanded their fanbase internationally, though they remain particularly dominant in Canada.[2][6]Musical style and influences
Core musical elements
Arkells' core musical style fuses alternative rock with elements of soul, indie, and R&B, emphasizing anthemic power and emotional intensity.[2] This blend draws from the driving energy of alt-rock, the passionate delivery of vintage soul, and the melodic intimacy of singer-songwriter traditions, resulting in songs that feature robust guitar riffs, layered keyboards, and rhythmic grooves often evoking working-class resilience.[2] [7] The band's standard instrumentation consists of lead vocals by Max Kerman, guitar by Mike DeAngelis, keyboards by Anthony Carone, bass by Nick Dika, and drums by Tim Oxford, providing a solid rock foundation augmented by occasional horns, choral backing, and gospel-inflected harmonies.[8] [9] Their sound is characterized by upbeat, propulsive rhythms and hook-driven choruses that prioritize accessibility and live performance dynamism, as seen in tracks blending indie rock urgency with soulful undertones.[10] [11] Melodically, Arkells favor memorable, verse-chorus structures with Kerman's versatile baritone vocals shifting from introspective verses to soaring, stadium-ready refrains, often incorporating 1980s pop-soul influences like Hall & Oates for added polish and emotional depth.[2] [11] This approach yields a cohesive yet evolving palette, where core rock elements underpin explorations into Motown-inspired grooves and modern indie edges without abandoning high-energy, riff-based propulsion.[12][13]Key influences and evolution
The Arkells' sound is rooted in indie rock and soul traditions, with prominent influences from Canadian acts such as the Constantines, whose raw energy shaped early tracks like "The Boss Is Coming," and Joel Plaskett, exemplifying effective national rock songcraft.[14][15] Frontman Max Kerman has highlighted familial exposure to classic rock, including his father's collection of Beatles vinyl records from the late 1960s, which instilled a foundation in melodic songwriting and pop structures.[16] Broader inspirations encompass Motown's rhythmic drive, Bruce Springsteen's narrative-driven anthems, and the singer-songwriter ethos emphasizing personal storytelling, as Kerman has described the core of their catalog deriving from this tradition.[17][18] Over their career, the band's style has evolved from garage-infused indie rock toward a more polished fusion of alt-rock, soul, R&B, and pop elements, reflecting progressive experimentation while retaining high-energy live performance as a constant.[2] Their 2011 album Michigan Left featured upbeat, jangly guitar-driven pop-rock, drawing directly from recent pop listens cited by Kerman, marking a shift from rawer university-era demos toward accessible, radio-friendly hooks.[15] By High Noon (2014), produced by Tony Hoffer, they incorporated brighter soul inflections and broader indie appeal, aligning with their growing festival presence.[19] Subsequent releases further diversified their palette: Morning Report (2016) leaned into soulful, horn-accented grooves, while Rally Cry (2018) amplified anthemic, socially conscious rock with fringed, performative flair signaling maturation in presentation.[20] The 2021 album Blink Once explicitly integrated hip-hop production techniques and pop references, including nods to Kanye West's structural innovations and Adele's emotional dynamics, demonstrating a willingness to transcend rock boundaries amid lineup stability and touring demands.[7][21] This progression underscores a causal trajectory from Hamilton's local indie scene—where members met as McMaster University freshmen in 2006—to arena-scale adaptability, prioritizing lyrical resilience and communal uplift without diluting their core rhythmic propulsion.[22]History
Formation and early releases (2006–2010)
The Arkells, a Canadian rock band, originated in Hamilton, Ontario, where core members met as freshmen at McMaster University in 2006.[23] Lead vocalist and songwriter Max Kerman connected with guitarist Mike DeAngelis on the first day of classes, prompting them to recruit bassist Nick Dika shortly thereafter; the lineup was completed by drummer Tim Oxford and keyboardist Anthony Carone, all of whom attended McMaster.[23] [3] Initially performing under the name Charlemagne, the group drew inspiration from the industrial neighborhood of Jackson Square in Hamilton, which later influenced their debut album title.[24] The band self-released their debut extended play, Deadlines, in 2007, featuring tracks that showcased their energetic indie rock sound rooted in influences like Bruce Springsteen and The Hold Steady.[25] This EP was reissued the following year by the independent label Dine Alone Records, marking their entry into professional distribution.[25] In 2008, Arkells released their first full-length studio album, Jackson Square, also via Dine Alone, which included singles like "Johnston's Taxi" and received positive reception for its raw, horn-infused anthems reflecting working-class themes.[1] From 2006 to 2010, the band focused on local gigs in Hamilton and Ontario, honing their live performance style amid university life, with Kerman balancing studies in political science.[3] These early efforts built a grassroots following through consistent touring in small venues, laying the foundation for broader Canadian recognition without major label backing.[26]Breakthrough period (2011–2015)
The Arkells achieved wider recognition with their second studio album, Michigan Left, released on October 18, 2011, via Universal Music Canada.[27] The album featured singles such as "Whistleblower" and the title track "Michigan Left," which helped establish their presence on Canadian radio and live circuits.[28] This release propelled the band to win the Group of the Year award at the 2012 Juno Awards, reflecting growing domestic popularity.[29] During this period, the band expanded their touring footprint, including performances across Canada and into the United States, such as a show in Buffalo, New York, in 2013. They shared stages with established acts like The Tragically Hip and Metric, honing their energetic live reputation that became a hallmark of their appeal.[30] The culmination of this breakthrough came with their third album, High Noon, released in August 2014. It debuted at number 3 on the Canadian Nielsen SoundScan chart and number 1 on iTunes Canada, later achieving gold certification.[31] At the 2015 Juno Awards held in Hamilton, Ontario, the band secured wins for Rock Album of the Year and Group of the Year for High Noon.[32] These accolades and commercial milestones solidified the Arkells' status as a leading Canadian rock act by 2015.[31]Consolidation and experimentation (2016–2020)
The Arkells released their fourth studio album, Morning Report, on August 5, 2016, through Universal Music Canada.[33] The record debuted at number three on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart and included singles such as "Private School," "Knocking at the Door," and "My Heart's Always Yours."[34] [35] Critics noted a shift toward a lighter, more tuneful pop rock style compared to the band's earlier, grittier output, emphasizing accessible melodies and emotional introspection.[36] [37] This album consolidated the group's commercial momentum following their breakthrough era, with extensive touring across Canada that reinforced their reputation for high-energy arena performances.[1] Building on this foundation, the band explored new sonic territories with their fifth album, Rally Cry, released on October 19, 2018, via indie label Last Gang Records.[1] The album entered the Billboard Canadian Albums chart at number 12 and featured singles including "People's Champ" and "Only for a Moment," blending piano-driven grooves with soul and R&B influences alongside signature rock anthems.[38] [39] Produced by Eric Ratz, Rally Cry earned the band the Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2019, while Ratz received the Jack Richardson Producer of the Year award for his contributions.[1] This period reflected experimentation in production and genre fusion, as the Arkells incorporated more humble, reflective lyrical themes and rhythmic experimentation, diverging slightly from pure rock toward hybrid pop-soul arrangements.[40] Throughout 2016–2020, the Arkells maintained rigorous touring schedules, headlining arenas and festivals in Canada and expanding into the U.S. market, which supported steady fanbase growth despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic curtailing live shows by late 2020.[1] [6] Their consistent chart performance and award wins during this span affirmed their status as a leading Canadian rock act, with Rally Cry's U.S. Billboard debut marking a key step in international consolidation.[6]Recent developments (2021–present)
In September 2021, Arkells released their sixth studio album, Blink Once, via Universal Music Canada, featuring tracks such as "You Can Get It" with K.Flay and "All Roads," the latter earning a Juno Award for Rock Single of the Year.[41][42] The album, initially recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasized themes of resilience and connection. That June, the band secured their fourth Juno Award for Group of the Year, highlighting their sustained commercial and critical standing in Canadian rock.[42] The following year saw the release of Blink Twice in 2022, positioned as a guest-heavy companion to Blink Once with additional collaborations.[43] In 2023, Arkells issued Laundry Pile on September 21, an intimate album exploring personal introspection and life's "messy parts," including the title track released earlier that May.[44][45] By 2024, the band released Disco Loadout (Volume 1) on May 17, a covers album reflecting their influences, alongside the EP Nobody Gets Me Like You Do (Love Songs Collection).[46] Touring resumed vigorously post-pandemic, with the BIG FEELINGS tour supporting recent material and festival appearances.[47] As of that year, Arkells had accumulated nine Juno Awards overall. Looking ahead, they scheduled "The Rally" stadium event for June 21, 2025, at Hamilton Stadium and their inaugural holiday concert, "Sleigh The Night," on December 18, 2025, at OLG Stage in Niagara Falls.[48][49]Band members
Current members
The current members of Arkells are Max Kerman (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, since 2006), Mike DeAngelis (lead guitar, backing vocals, since 2006), Nick Dika (bass, since 2006), Tim Oxford (drums, since 2006), and Anthony Carone (keyboards, guitar, since 2011).[1][3] Kerman, DeAngelis, Dika, and Oxford formed the band while students at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.[3] Carone replaced original keyboardist Dan Griffin in 2011.[1] This lineup has remained stable through the band's releases and tours up to 2025.[50]Former and touring members
Dan Griffin served as the band's keyboardist and occasional guitarist from its formation in 2006 until his departure on October 6, 2011, to pursue legal studies at the University of Windsor.[23][1] His exit was announced amid the band's rising success following their debut album Jackson Square, with Griffin temporarily stepping away for education but ultimately not returning to the core lineup; he was permanently replaced by Anthony Carone.[51] No other changes to the core five-member lineup have occurred since.[52] For live performances, particularly since the mid-2010s, Arkells have employed a touring horn section known as the Northern Soul Horns to enhance their brass-heavy arrangements. This group includes Tom Moffett on trumpet and backing vocals, Ernesto Barahona on trombone and backing vocals, Dennis Passley on saxophone and backing vocals, and Yvonne Moir on backing vocals, with credits appearing in live recordings and tour documentation starting around 2017.[53] These members provide additional energy for arena and festival shows but are not part of the studio recording ensemble.[54] The horn section's integration reflects the band's evolution toward fuller live productions, supporting albums like Morning Report without altering the primary songwriting or recording credits.[55]Timeline of lineup changes
The Arkells' lineup has remained largely consistent since its formation in the mid-2000s, with the core rhythm section and lead vocalist intact throughout the band's career.[1] The group originated with Max Kerman on lead vocals and guitar, Mike DeAngelis on guitar, Nick Dika on bass, Tim Oxford on drums, and Dan Griffin on guitar and keyboards.[1][56] In 2011, founding member Dan Griffin departed to complete a law degree at the University of Windsor, with the band announcing the change as temporary but installing a permanent replacement in Anthony Carone, who joined on keyboards and guitar.[1][57][58] Griffin contributed to the band's first two albums but shifted focus to a solo career following his exit.[56] Carone's integration coincided with the release of the 2014 album High Noon, marking his debut recording with the group.[59] No further permanent departures or additions have occurred, maintaining the six-piece configuration of Kerman, DeAngelis, Dika, Oxford, and Carone, supplemented by touring personnel as needed for live performances.[1][2] This stability has supported the band's evolution across multiple studio releases and extensive touring.[1]Discography
Studio albums
The Arkells have released nine studio albums as of 2024, evolving from indie rock roots to broader alternative and pop influences while maintaining a focus on energetic, horn-driven compositions. Their discography reflects consistent output, with early releases on independent labels transitioning to major distribution through Universal Music Canada for subsequent works.| Album title | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Square | October 28, 2008 | Dine Alone Records |
| Michigan Left | October 18, 2011 | Universal Music Canada |
| High Noon | February 4, 2014 | Universal Music Canada |
| Morning Report | July 15, 2016 | Universal Music Canada |
| Rally Cry | February 15, 2019 | Universal Music Canada |
| Blink Once | March 12, 2021 | Universal Music Canada |
| Blink Twice | May 6, 2022 | Universal Music Canada |
| Laundry Pile | September 21, 2023 | Universal Music Canada |
| Disco Loadout Volume 1 | May 17, 2024 | Universal Music Canada |
Extended plays and singles
Arkells released their debut extended play, Deadlines, on April 22, 2008, featuring tracks such as "Oh, the Boss Is Coming!" and "Tragic Flaw," which showcased the band's early raw rock sound prior to their full-length debut.[65] This EP was independently produced and distributed through initial label partnerships.[66] Subsequent EPs included the iTunes-exclusive Live Session EP on June 16, 2009, capturing live renditions intended to build fan engagement during their formative touring phase.[67] [68] In 2012, Good Love (The Pioneer B Sides) emerged as a collection of B-sides and alternate takes, expanding on themes from prior work.[69] The acoustic-focused Study Music EP followed in 2015, reinterpreting five tracks from the album High Noon in stripped-down arrangements to offer fans intimate versions amid a busy touring schedule.[70] [25] The New Age EP arrived in 2016, providing additional material aligned with the experimental edge of Morning Report.[69] More recently, Nobody Gets Me Like You Do (Love Songs Collection) was issued on February 10, 2024, compiling romantic-themed tracks.[63] In 2024, Disco Loadout Volume 1 was released on May 17, featuring live and remixed content from ongoing performances.[64]| Extended Play | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deadlines | April 22, 2008 | Debut EP with original tracks[65] |
| Live Session EP | June 16, 2009 | iTunes live recordings[67] |
| Good Love (The Pioneer B Sides) | 2012 | B-sides collection[69] |
| Study Music | 2015 | Acoustic versions from High Noon[70] |
| The New Age | 2016 | Thematic extension of album era[69] |
| Nobody Gets Me Like You Do (Love Songs Collection) | February 10, 2024 | Curated love songs[63] |
| Disco Loadout Volume 1 | May 17, 2024 | Live/remix selections[64] |
Chart performance and certifications
The Arkells' studio albums have primarily charted on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart, reflecting their strong domestic fanbase in Canada, with peaks generally in the top ten for major releases following their debut.[34][73] No significant charting occurred on the US Billboard 200 for their albums based on available data. Certifications from Music Canada indicate sales exceeding 40,000 units for gold status and 80,000 for platinum, primarily for earlier releases.[74]| Album | Release year | Peak position (Billboard Canadian Albums) | Certification (Music Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson Square | 2008 | Not charted in top sources | Gold |
| Michigan Left | 2011 | 5 | Gold |
| High Noon | 2014 | 3 | Platinum |
| Morning Report | 2016 | 3 | Gold |
| Rally Cry | 2018 | 12 | None reported |