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.
Bloodlines
Arkells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feeling all this weight and keeps losing some.
She's thinking about making appointments,
And I'm hoping that she'll just snap out of it.
I sleep over at her apartment,
After I finish my evening shift.
She wants to leave the escarpment,
But when we hear each other, she tells me "it's alright".
Carve your name in the family tree, show me the roots of your bloodline.
I walk lightly when I'm around her,
counting months left on the lease.
I know she' got precious feathers,
So I tip-toe to keep the peace.
But when we hear each other, she tells me "it's alright".
Carve your name in the family tree, show me the roots of your bloodline.
We hit the road for a couple weeks,
And it happened again.
You're a poster from the 1950s,
But you lost another ten.
She hates being alone but you know,
I might not be here in a couple of years.
But when we hear each other, she tells me "it's alright".
Carve your name in the family tree, show me the roots of your bloodline.
Our love was like no other,
She turned me inside out.
Carve your name in the family tree, show me the roots of your bloodline.
The song "Bloodlines" by Arkells is a poignant representation of the complexities of a relationship. The lyrics talk about the struggles of a woman who is dealing with some kind of weight, both literally and metaphorically. She wants to seek professional help, but she can't seem to get herself to make an appointment. The singer hopes that she will overcome her troubles and get better.
The song also touches upon the singer's relationship with the woman. He is staying over at her apartment, and he wants to help her leave her troubles behind. They understand each other and support one another, but the singer seems to be walking on eggshells. He is mindful of not upsetting her, and tip-toes around the apartment to avoid disturbing her. Despite these challenges, the couple's bond is strong, and they make a promise to each other to carve their name in the family tree and show the roots of their bloodline.
The song tells a story about love, trust, and the challenges that come with being in a relationship. The complex emotions of the characters are artfully conveyed through the lyrics, making it one of the most compelling songs by Arkells.
Line by Line Meaning
When a switch turns on she just can't stop it.
She experiences uncontrollable feelings that she cannot turn off.
Feeling all this weight and keeps losing some.
She is carrying a heavy emotional burden and struggles to let go of it.
She's thinking about making appointments,
She is considering seeking professional help or guidance.
And I'm hoping that she'll just snap out of it.
He wishes that she could quickly overcome her emotional struggles.
I sleep over at her apartment,
He stays overnight at her place.
After I finish my evening shift.
He spends the night after working late.
She wants to leave the escarpment,
She desires to escape her emotional struggles or her current situation.
And she's hoping I can take a hint.
She wants him to understand what she is going through and help her.
But when we hear each other, she tells me "it's alright".
Despite their struggles, they reassure and support each other.
Carve your name in the family tree, show me the roots of your bloodline.
She wants him to prove his lineage and family history, possibly as a way to connect deeper and know him better.
I walk lightly when I'm around her,
He is cautious and mindful of her feelings and current state.
counting months left on the lease.
He is aware of their limited time together before their lease ends.
I know she's got precious feathers,
He recognizes that she is delicate and needs to be handled with care.
So I tip-toe to keep the peace.
He tries to avoid conflicts and disagreements to maintain a peaceful environment between them.
We hit the road for a couple weeks,
They go on a trip together for a few weeks.
And it happened again.
Some emotional issue or struggle resurfaces during their trip.
You're a poster from the 1950s, but you lost another ten.
She is a vintage beauty who possesses an element of charm that fades as she bears the weight of her emotional struggles, aging her prematurely.
She hates being alone but you know,
She has difficulty being alone and relies on him for company and support.
I might not be here in a couple of years.
He cannot guarantee how long he will be with her or that he will always be there for her.
Our love was like no other,
Their love was unique and incomparable to any other relationships.
She turned me inside out.
She had a profound impact on him, both emotionally and mentally.
Carve your name in the family tree, show me the roots of your bloodline.
She wants to know him deeply and intimately, including knowledge of his family history and background.
Contributed by Colton M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Mrdudelg
I love the journey the key changes take you on when you listen to this song. Its amazing.
@coco13243546576879
Love the song!!!
@porshtstudios
cant wait till june 16 2012 they are playing at a concert in bellville already got my ticket a month ago
@hiqwertyhi
came for the arkells, stayed for the hip
@mamms1436
You better be listening to the Hip!
@canuk88
You better be listening to Arcade Fire, The Rural Alberta Advantage,Plants and Animals,Broken Social Scene, Wintersleep & Tokyo Police Club....who said Canadian musicians are the best???they're smart
@BergKarlErik
@Mrdudelg Did you know that they stayed in the same key the whole song?