The band is currently made up of: Max Kerman (vocals, guitar), Mike DeAngelis (vocals, guitar), Nick Dika (bass), Tim Oxford (drums), and Anthony Carone (vocals, keyboard, guitar)
Originally called Charlemagne, the band changed their name when another band of the same name threatened to sue them. The band is named after Arkell Street in the Westdale neighbourhood of Hamilton, ON, near McMaster University, where they lived and would practice their music. All five original band members attended McMaster where lead singer Max Kerman graduated with an honours BA in Political Science. Kerman met guitarist Mike DeAngelis at a McMaster Welcome Week event where the two discovered they had an identical taste in music.
In 2006, they signed with Dine Alone Records, and have since signed with Universal Records Canada and Last Gang Records.
Arkells' debut album Jackson Square was released 28 October 2008 on Dine Alone Records. In late 2008, Arkells toured Canada as opening act for Matt Mays & El Torpedo.
In April 2010, Arkells won the Juno Award for New Group of the Year, and on May 15, 2010, were picked to open for Them Crooked Vultures at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. They 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.
In 2011, the band wrote and recorded their second album Michigan Left, which was released on October 18 of that year. On 6 October 2011 it was announced that Dan Griffin would be leaving the band to go back to school. He was replaced by Anthony Carone.
In 2012, Arkells won the 2012 Juno Award for Group of the Year.
On May 13, 2014, the band released the 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. The band would go on to with the Juno Award for Group of the Year and the Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year at the 2015 Juno Awards. High Noon was also long listed for the Polaris prize in 2015.
On October 23, 2015, the band released a new EP, "Study Music", which they self-produced and released on Universal Music Canada/Dine Alone Records.
Arkells began teasing new material from their forthcoming album on tour in the spring of 2016. The fourth album, Morning Report, was released on August 5, 2016.
At the Juno Awards of 2017, Arkells were nominated for Juno Award for Group of the Year and the Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year. They performed their viral hit "Drake's Dad" live on the television broadcast
The Arkells released their fifth studio album, Rally Cry, on October 19, 2018, accompanied by a Canadian tour featuring Lord Huron as the opening act. The tour featured the Arkells' largest arena show at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on February 16, 2019.
On February 25, 2020 the band released the new single and video "Years in the Making". Later that year, on July 30, they released the single "Quitting You", and announced the release of Campfire Chords, a full-length album featuring acoustic versions of earlier songs, on August 20. Each member recorded his part at home during the COVID-19 quarantine and sent it to Carone, who then edited, mixed and produced the pieces into complete songs.
On March 25, 2021 the band released the new single and video "You Can Get It", featuring guest vocals by K.Flay.
Ballad of Hugo Chavez
Arkells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey hey hey!
It was a bad idea to give me this kind of time
When they said, "You're gonna be in solitary confinement"
And while the other inmates are outside lifting barbells
I'm in an eight by ten prison cell
The night of the sun (Hey hey hey!)
The night of the sun (Hey hey hey!)
The night of the sun
New state officials are outside running around
And they're telling the public that I need to be put down
And Washington's saying emphatically
That I wasn't doing things democratically
But in the night of the sun (Hey hey hey!)
The night of the sun (Hey hey hey!)
The night of the sun (Hey hey hey!)
The night of the sun
The sun
It was a bad idea (It was a bad idea!)
To give me this kind of time (To give me this kind of time!)
It was a bad idea.
The Arkells' "Ballad of Hugo Chavez" is a song that tells the story of Venezuelan leader, Hugo Chavez, during his time in prison. The lyrics describe how Chavez was isolated from the rest of the prison inmates, living in an eight by ten cell while the other inmates lifted barbells outside. It was during these tough conditions that Chavez was able to reflect on his past and his present situation. The chorus, "in the night of the sun," represents a glimmer of hope for Chavez, who finds solace and strength in the darkness of his cell. His ability to find light in a seemingly hopeless situation showcases his perseverance and determination.
Outside of his confinement, new state officials are running around and telling the public that Chavez needs to be put down. The United States government is also asserting that Chavez was not behaving democratically. However, the repetition of the chorus, "night of the sun," suggests that there is a way out of the darkness, and Chavez's resilience in the face of adversity could be the key to his survival. The song ultimately offers a message of hope and strength in the face of difficulty, as Chavez's unwavering spirit shines through even during his toughest days in prison.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey hey hey!
Expressing excitement and energy
It was a bad idea to give me this kind of time
Being alone in confinement was not a good idea for me
When they said, "You're gonna be in solitary confinement"
I was informed that I will be isolated from others in a small cell
And while the other inmates are outside lifting barbells
Other prisoners are exercising outside the cell
I'm in an eight by ten prison cell
I am confined in a small prison cell
But in the night of the sun (Hey hey hey!)
Despite my confinement, I find solace in the night sky
The night of the sun (Hey hey hey!)
I draw comfort from the nighttime and its beauty
New state officials are outside running around
New government officials are busy working outside
And they're telling the public that I need to be put down
They are publicly calling for me to be punished severely
And Washington's saying emphatically
The government in Washington is making a strong statement
That I wasn't doing things democratically
They accuse me of not behaving according to democratic principles
The sun
A source of light and hope, even in difficult times
It was a bad idea (It was a bad idea!)
Reiterating that being isolated was not a wise decision
To give me this kind of time (To give me this kind of time!)
Emphasizing that being secluded in a cell was not good for me
It was a bad idea.
Stating again that isolation was not beneficial
Contributed by Thomas M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
NodFasha
I saw them play a set the day I heard of them and they fucking killed it.
VoenDomar
Really good live performers. Very energetic, even though they were playing a free show!
trunksbrief1
Saw these guys open for The Joy Formidable twice!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE going to shows and getting the chance to watch bands you've never heard be just as awesome as the one headlining :)
Audrey Williams
Love this song<3
SkMaRtIsT
Heard this walkin home drunk one night at a bar a few weeks ago,and just found it today,I Love it.Arkells are awesome!!!!!!!!!*~
Draconix
Excellent sound quality. Good song. Thanks for the upload!
Zoe A
DUDES! I had never heard of this band until today, and I think im in-love! xD
jBr00ks
great song, I think i heard this on a commercial for some show on OLN a few months back and had no clue what it was called, and just heard it on the radio today, once again, great tune.
stuff12345678901234
one of the best songs of the summer yet they dont give it any air time!
nour_ishing
saw them live yesterday with Freelance Whales + TPC! They give a dirty good performance, love them.