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
Goldie Boutilier
Courtesy Photo

Goldie Boutilier

Awards

Goldie Boutilier Leads List of Nominees For 2026 East Coast Music Awards: Full List

Other leading contenders are Daniel James McFadyen, Mallory Johnson and Cassie and Maggie. This year's event follows a year shrouded in controversy.

The East Coast Music Awards are back after a year of controversy.

The 2025 edition of the East Coast Music Awards was surrounded by controversy over the firing of the previous East Coast Music Association CEO Blanche Israël. Several artists boycotted the association's awards show and conference and called for transparency about governance and the nomination processes. In March 2025, the trade org published a six-point action plan, and later appointed former Great Big Sea member Bob Hallett as the new Executive Director.

keep readingShow less
advertisement