Arkells Question Modern Life in New Track "What Good?"

Listen in here!

Nine-time JUNO Award winners Arkells release their infectious new track, “What Good?” out today via Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Group. Full of conviction and drive, “What Good?” marks the introduction to Arkells’ forthcoming new album, due in 2026. The song immediately sets the tone for what listeners can expect from the band’s next chapter: energetic, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the shared human experience.

Following two weeks of social teasers and MLB World Series bumpers, Arkells premiered the song live for a select group of fans in a local Toronto garage rehearsal space just 48 hours before release. The intimacy of the event mirrored the spirit of the song itself, which longs for personal connection in an age dominated by noise and distraction. Fans in attendance experienced the track in its rawest form, feeling the immediacy and warmth that comes from witnessing a band perform in close quarters rather than in the vast distance of stadiums or screens.

“What Good?” asks blunt questions about modern life. It confronts the distractions and performative chaos of the digital era: what good is the comment section? What good is rage bait disguised as debate? What good is hustle culture if it only rewards grifters and conmen? The song confronts these realities without offering tidy solutions. Instead, it points listeners toward what is meaningful and lasting.

“The song doesn’t pretend to have neat answers—but it points toward where meaning might still be found,” says frontman Max Kerman. “The sun, the moon, the neon glow of your neighborhood bar. Things we can share, things that feel real.” That focus on tangible, shared experiences is central to Arkells’ ethos. Their music has always emphasized connection, both in the physical presence of fans at shows and in the emotional resonance of their songs. “What Good?” continues that tradition by inviting listeners to pause, reflect, and locate moments of authenticity in their everyday lives.

Whether they are rocking stadiums, heading for the discotheque, or gathering around a campfire, Arkells’ implicit message remains consistent: everyone is welcome. Since the beginning, the band has pursued the goal of being a house band for life’s most memorable moments. They provide a soundtrack for celebration while offering a source of comfort and understanding in times of difficulty. This communal spirit translates into an ever-evolving sound, blending alt-rock’s anthemic power, the emotional weight of vintage soul, the intimacy of singer-songwriter music, the urban polish of contemporary indie, and the forward-looking textures of modern R&B. This eclectic approach allows the band to connect with a wide array of listeners, bridging genres while retaining a distinctive voice.

Arkells’ impact extends far beyond Canadian borders. As one of the most heavily rotated acts on radio and all-time record holders of the JUNO Award for “Group of the Year,” the band has infiltrated global pop culture. Their music has appeared in top-tier video games, sports telecasts, and on festival stages from Coachella to Bonnaroo. Yet the band’s longevity is not rooted in accolades or exposure. It is the result of a consistent commitment to presence, energy, and authenticity. They never coast on past success but approach each performance as an opportunity to connect, impress, and engage.

Even after years of performing together, Arkells approach every gig with the enthusiasm and intensity of their early days. As the band often says, “we understand the assignment.” Each show is treated as a chance to reaffirm their connection with audiences and to prove themselves anew to the unconverted. The rule of rock and roll may be to play each performance like it is your last, but Arkells complement that principle by maintaining the passion, excitement, and joy of their first show. This combination of professionalism and exuberance ensures that each performance resonates with long-time fans and newcomers alike.

“What Good?” captures this ethos perfectly. It is a song that challenges, reflects, and celebrates in equal measure. It asks questions without judgment, embraces connection without pretense, and demonstrates Arkells’ enduring capacity to make music that matters.