Arkells

Whether they’re rocking stadiums, making a beeline for the discotheque, or gathering around the campfire, the implicit message of Arkells is always the same: everyone is welcome here. Since the beginning, Arkells have never wavered in their mission to be the house band that soundtracks the greatest nights of your life and provides emotional support in your darkest hours. And that communal spirit is reflected in an ever-evolving sound that hits all the perennial pleasure points—fusing the anthemic power of alt-rock, the pulpit-shaking passion of vintage soul, the off-the-cuff intimacy of singer-songwriter music, the urbane edge of 21st-century indie, and the futurist aesthetics of modern R&B. Thanks to that eclectic ethos, Arkells has continued to evolve, while making everyone feel right at home. As one of the most heavily rotated acts on radio, and all-time record holders of the JUNO Award for “Group of the Year, Arkells have extended their reach beyond borders by infiltrating all corners of pop culture; from global sports telecasts and top-tier video games to the stages of Coachella and Bonnaroo. But the band’s longevity is ultimately a function of their commitment to never coasting on past glories and to always live completely in the moment. Even though their impressive history together, Arkells still approach every gig as an opportunity to prove themselves to the unconverted; as they’re fond of saying, each time they take the stage, “we understand the assignment.” The first rule of rock ‘n’ roll is to play every show like it’s your last—but as Arkells prove night after night, it’s just as important to hold onto the unbridled energy and enthusiasm of your first.