advertisement
FYI

Prism Prize Video: Arkells - People's Champ

Tonight (May 13), the biggest prize for Canadian music videos will be handed out in Toronto. We are profiling some of the Top 20 nominees before the big night, including this clip from the pride of Hamilton. Slaight Music is Patron Sponsor for the Prism Prize.

Prism Prize Video: Arkells - People's Champ

By External Source

Tonight (May 13), the biggest prize for Canadian music videos will be handed out in Toronto. We are profiling some of the Top 20 nominees before the big night, including this clip from the pride of Hamilton. Slaight Music is Patron Sponsor for the Prism Prize.


Arkells - People’s Champ

The video for People’s Champ proved to be somewhat therapeutic for Arkells. The band was naturally disturbed and disappointed by the recent political landscape in the US, and the song, while energetic and lively, acts as an indictment of politicians such as Donald Trump. While the lyrics are rooted in anger and frustration, the band felt it necessary to counter that natural reaction with a bit of levity for the music video.

advertisement

Cue in: Hamilton, Ontario - their hometown, which serves as the perfect background for the song’s visual. The band teamed up with renowned director Matt Barnes to revel in celebratory nostalgia while exploring the old haunts - including Grandad’s Donuts and Martin’s Bowling Alley - where they spent their time growing up and also features familiar Hamiltonian faces. And just what was the purpose behind the video? Celebrate the joy in everyday, mundane things. What the band offers up is a full-on town-wide party, meant to help dance the blues away - mission accomplished.


Credits:

Director: Matt Barnes

Producer: Natalie D'Urbano

DOP: John Ker

 

 

 
advertisement
Aaron Rowe performs at Spark Arena on Dec. 2, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand.
Dave Simpson/WireImage
Aaron Rowe performs at Spark Arena on Dec. 2, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand.
Music News

Aaron Rowe Calls Ed Sheeran Controversy a 'Circus' During Toronto Concert

The Irish singer played a headline show at the Drake Underground yesterday (Sept. 22) after dropping out of Ed Sheeran's Loop tour following Macklemore's removal as an opener for his "Free Palestine" comments. He also affrirmed his own support for Palestine.

Aaron Rowe has shared more thoughts on the Ed Sheeran situation.

The Irish singer-songwriter played a sold-out headline show at Toronto's Drake Underground yesterday (Sept. 22) as part of his North American headline tour and took a moment to address the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran's Loop tour, from which he dropped out last week, along with all of his fellow supporting acts.

keep readingShow less
advertisement