Photos by Orest Dorosh – Hailing from the steel-town grit of Hamilton, Ontario, Arkells have spent the last two decades solidifying their reputation as one of Canada’s most beloved, enduring, and critically acclaimed rock bands. Formed in 2004 while the members were students at McMaster University, the group—fronted by the indefatigably charismatic Max Kerman alongside Mike DeAngelis (guitar), Nick Dika (bass), Tim Oxford (drums), and Anthony Carone (keyboards)—famously named themselves after Arkell Street in Hamilton’s Westdale neighborhood where they used to hang out and practice. Bursting onto the scene with their gold-certified 2008 debut Jackson Square, their seamless blend of vintage soul-infused rock, Springsteen-esque storytelling, and modern indie hooks instantly signaled the arrival of a major musical force, earning them the JUNO Award for New Group of the Year in 2010.
What truly separates Arkells from their peers is their unparalleled reputation as live performers. Often regarded as one of the hardest-working bands in the business, they have turned the traditional rock concert into a communal, high-energy revival. From their massive, recurring “The Rally” stadium shows in their hometown of Hamilton to commanding festival stages across North America, an Arkells set is defined by interactive sing-alongs, dynamic horn sections, and Kerman’s uncanny ability to make an arena feel like an intimate club house party. This relentless dedication to the stage and their audience has translated into massive industry recognition, with the band holding the all-time record for the most wins in the JUNO Awards’ “Group of the Year” category.
Never content to sit on their laurels, the band has consistently evolved their sonic palette over an impressive discography. From the sharp indie-rock of Michigan Left and the soaring pop anthems of High Noon and Morning Report, to the intimate acoustic reflections of Campfire Chords, Arkells use their music to dissect human connection, political frustration, and the joys of everyday life. Their knack for crafting timeless, communal anthems like “Leather Jacket,” “11:11,” and “Knocking at the Door” has kept them a permanent fixture on alternative and rock radio, all while expanding their collaborative boundaries and pushing the envelope of modern Canadian indie-pop.
Celebrating their twentieth anniversary as a band, Arkells have entered a vibrant new era with the release of their 2026 studio album, Between Us. Produced by Grammy-winner John Congleton, the project showcases a brilliant evolution of their danceable, anthemic sound, bolstered by high-profile collaborations with international heavyweights like Portugal. The Man, GROUPLOVE, and Poolside. Propelled by standout tracks like “Next Summer” and “What Good?”, the band is currently on the road for a series of unique “City Takeovers” and festival appearances, bringing their new material up close and personal to the fans who have championed them from local garages to the biggest stages in the country.
