Arkells perform in The Current studio
November 20, 2016
On their latest album, Morning Report, Arkells explore the point in our lives where youth intersects with adulthood. "When you're in your mid- to late-20s, there's a part of you that still wants to be a kid and not have any responsibilities," says Arkells frontman Max Kerman. "And then there's the reality of the situation, which is 'OK, I've been with my girlfriend for five years, and now I actually have a real nine-to-five job.' A lot of the record was written in that period of my life; and I'm still in that period in my life."
Right now, Arkells — Kerman, Anthony Carone on piano, Nick Dika on bass, Tim Oxford on drums and Michael DeAngelis on electric guitar — are on a North American tour in support of Morning Report. While in town to play a show at the Turf Club, Arkells stopped at The Current studio for a session hosted by Sean McPherson.
Hailing from Hamilton, Ont., Arkells feel pretty at home in the Twin Cities. "There's a Minnesota nice vibe going on here," Kerman says. "There's an openness to the arts, and we're very close to Canada right now. There's a little bit of Hamilton in Minneapolis-St. Paul."
When it comes to inspiration, Kerman says he has found it in another Canadian musician, the late Leonard Cohen. "He's got an edge to him, which I think some people, as they age, lose," Kerman says. "What I'm thinking about as I get older, I'm thinking about guys like Leonard Cohen who have just as much bite in their lyrics as when they were 23 — or even more."
Use the audio player above to hear the complete session with Arkells, which includes an explanation about the song "Private School" and how it's about much more than a party.
Songs Performed
"And Then Some"
"My Heart's Always Yours"
"Private School"
All songs from Arkells' 2016 album, Morning Report, released by Universal Music Canada.
Hosted by Sean McPherson
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Michael DeMark
Visuals by Leah Garaas
Web feature by Luke Taylor
Resources
Arkells - official site
