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.

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