Taking inspiration from their surroundings, Canadian indie rock five piece began the Arkells journey in 2006. Signing with independent label Dine Alone Records later that year, the band re-released their first EP ‘Deadlines’ in 2008 providing them with enough material to showcase in their hometown of Ontario, which was just the beginning of their relentless touring schedule. In 2008 they released their highly anticipated debut album ‘Jackson Square’ full of energy and soul, featuring the singles ‘Oh, the Boss Is Coming’ and ‘Ballad of Hugo Chavez’ and earned them a Juno Award for ‘New Band of the Year’.
The band secured a support slot for popular Canadian rock band Matt Mays & EL Torpedo tour which opened many doors for them including playing the half time show at their hometown football championship and better still being hand selected by rock super group Them Crooked Vultures, an honour in itself. In 2011, Arkells signed to major label Universal Music Canada and released their second album ‘Michigan Left’ which was nominated for the Juno Award for album of the year.
With their extensive touring schedule and having played with bands such as: The Maine, Billy Talent, The Postelles and Britsh Sea Power has assisted them in accumulating a vast array of fans. Having reached the level of success that they have, the Arkells are very much a band who thrive on the small intimate shows where they can play to their dedicated fan base and sell out secret shows within a matter of minutes. Playing a good mix of old and new tracks, the crowd sing and dance along emphatically as the band play with all their heart and soul apparent in the glow on each of their faces. With keyboard solos and covers thrown in, the band pull out all the stops.
Arkells have an infectious live energy and musical ingenuity which is mesmerising, there’s no doubt that you’ll fall in love with this band within the first ten seconds of them appearing on stage.
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