Arkells
The 9x JUNO winners are gearing up for a massive 2026, announcing a new album, a European tour, and a hometown performance at the JUNO Awards.
Arkells have never been a band to shy away from the big questions, but their latest single finds them tackling the most “universally complicated relationship” of all: the almighty dollar. Released via Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Group, “Money” features the psychedelic-pop fingerprints of Portugal. The Man, resulting in a shimmering, synth-infused track that balances a high-energy groove with a wary look at late-stage capitalism.
Frontman Max Kerman is candid about the track’s inspiration, noting that the pull of wealth is often tangled up in vanity, competition, and ego. He describes the pursuit of money as a “godless place to live,” explaining that while it is one of many invisible forces guiding modern life, the band is actively trying to keep it from sitting too high on their list of priorities. The collaboration with Portugal. The Man felt like a natural fit for this rebellious sentiment; Kerman notes that the band felt the song was nearly finished when they realized John Gourley’s distinct, soulful voice was exactly what was needed to “bring it home.”
“Money” serves as the second taste of the group’s forthcoming studio album, expected in 2026, following the October release of the driving single “What Good?” which arrived alongside a cinematic music video. The new track arrives amidst a flurry of activity for the nine-time JUNO Award winners. The Hamilton, Ontario, natives recently shocked fans at the Jonas Brothers’ sold-out stop at the TD Coliseum, jumping on stage for a high-octane rendition of their classic hit “Leather Jacket,” proving their status as “Hamilton Heroes” remains undisputed.
That hometown connection will remain a primary theme through the coming year. Arkells have been announced as among the first performers for the 2026 JUNO Awards, which will be held in Hamilton this March. It’s a full-circle moment for the record holders of the “Group of the Year” category, returning to the city that fostered their anthemic alt-rock sound.
Before that homecoming, the band is set to head across the pond for a string of intimate, “up close and personal” live dates across Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. With several of the UK dates—including Manchester and London—already sold out, the run offers fans a rare chance to hear previews of the new album in a club setting. It’s a deliberate move for a band that has spent the last decade commanding stadium stages; by returning to the sweaty, crowded rooms where they started, Arkells are reinforcing their commitment to the “unbridled energy” of their early days.
Whether they’re rocking massive festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo or gathering around a campfire, the mission of Arkells remains the same: acting as the house band for the greatest nights of your life. As they prepare for a busy 2026, “Money” proves that even as they reach new heights of commercial success, they haven’t lost the “streak of rebellion” that keeps their sound fresh and their message grounded.
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