Sharing a love of the raw, soulful “Springsteenesque” rock that inspires a teen to pick up a guitar and start a band, The Arkells will be bringing catchy melodies, unbridled energy and boundless passion to the stage at the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival Aug. 19 to 21. Known for their masterful blending of traditional blues hooks mixed with modern rock-laden riffs, with just a touch of classic Motown-era rhythms, this Juno award-winning band is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Arkells garnered critical acclaim with NOW Magazine describing the band as having “an awesome muscular quality that sets it apart from the output of so many of their sad-sack indie rock peers…”
In 2010, The Arkells took home a Juno for New Group of the Year.
Released Oct. 28, 2008 on Dine Alone, The Arkells’ first full-length album titled Jackson Square features undeniably catchy tracks like No Champagne Socialist, Ballad of Hugo Chavez, and Oh, The Boss is Coming! which hit Top 10 on the BDS Rock Radio charts.
Jackson Square captures the essence of the band’s hard-hitting live show and their boundless passion for making meaty, rootsy rock that any listener can relate to.
Hailing From Hamilton, Ont., The Arkells have been together since 2006 and released their debut EP Deadlines in 2007.
Since then, the band has travelled across Canada, sharing stages with Tokyo Police Club, Matt Mays & El Torpedo, Danko Jones, Ladyhawk, Alexisonfire, and City and Colour.
More recent performances include a stint opening for legendary rockers The Black Crowes, as well as on MTV Live and V-Fest.
With live shows fueling the buzz created by the EP, the band quickly caught the ear of Dine Alone Records (home to City and Colour, Bedouin Soundclash, Attack in Black and Black Lungs) who re-released Deadlines digitally in March 2008.
The Arkells will join Afenginn, Afrikan Blues Project, Alice Russell, Annie Lou, Apadoorai, Ashlea Jonesmith, Ben Waters, Bob Wiseman, Colin Grant Band, Cris Derksen, Current Swell, Don Amero, Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, Eekwol, Felix Zenger, Five Alarm Funk, Ganga Giri, Gillian Boucher, Guerrista, Harrison Kennedy, JJ Grey & Mofro, Jon Bone with the Karuna Movement, Jonny Lang, Justin Rutledge, Luisa Maita, Mark Hummel & Blues Survivors, Mighty Popo, MonkeyJunk, Namgar, Rachel Davis and Buddy MacDonald, Samuel James, Sergent Garcia, Sharon & Bram, Street Drum Corps Present BANG!, Taimane Gardner, Taj Mahal and Teeny Tucker.
The 19th annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival will take place Aug. 19 to 21 at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds. Tickets are available online at www.rootsandblues.ca, by phone at 250-833-4096 or at the office located at 490 Fifth Ave. SW.
