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FYI

Arkells Launch Rally Cry, Announce Major Canadian Tour

A well-executed publicity blitz by the Hamilton rock favourites augurs well for the success of their new album, while the arena settings of an upcoming cross-country headlining trek confirm how far they have come.

Arkells Launch Rally Cry, Announce Major Canadian Tour

By FYI Staff

Hamilton rockers Arkells took Toronto by storm on Friday with a well-executed publicity blitz on the release day of their fifth album, Rally Cry (Last Gang/UMC). They were interviewed on major local TV and radio outlets and threw a pop-up party at Union Station. Judging by this clip from CBC, the pop-up blew up real good. 


In a label press release, the band describe Rally Cry as "very much an outward-looking recording. The songs, in one way or another, are asking questions about how we lean on each other, how to love one another, and sometimes - how to best channel your frustration and disappointment and turn it into something productive."

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A headlining Canadian tour set for February has been announced. Beginning on Feb. 2 at Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum, it features 11 arena shows, closing out at MTelus in Montreal on Feb. 19. Lord Huron opens.

Arkells began a 14-date US tour with St. Lucia on the weekend, and on Nov. 16 they begin a 10-show tour of Europe and the UK. A full tour itinerary here.

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Begonia
Courtesy Photo

Begonia

FYI

Music News Digest: Begonia, William Prince Amongst Inaugural Nominees for the New Meridian Prize

Also this week: Lineups are announced for Harvest Music Festival, Dawson City Music Festival and other new and established summer events, Agneya wins a breakthrough jazz artist award, plus a benefit concert for Venezuelan earthquake victims.

The brand-new Meridian Prize terms itself ''an annual, stand alone award recognizing an album of exceptional artistic achievement from Western and Northern Canada.'' Its inaugural 10 nominees were announced on July 7, and the list includes now-established regional stars alongside new and emerging artists. The 2026 recipient will be awarded on Oct. 3 at BreakOut West in Victoria, B.C., receiving a $5,000 honourarium.

2026 Meridian Prize Nominees

Begonia – Fantasy Life
Cassia Hardy – In Relation
Emma Goldman – all you are is we
Fontine – Good Buddy
Foxwarren – 2
Home Front – Watch It Die
Jack J – Desert Blue
Jairus Sharif – Basis of Unity
Living Hour – Internal Drone Infinity
William Prince – Further From The Country

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