Arkells use Hamilton for the set of People’s Champ
If things look a little familiar in the Arkells’ new video “People’s Champ,” it’s because it was filmed entirely in Hamilton.
You’ll find the Hamilton rock band dancing on the tables of Grandad’s Donuts at the corner of Burlington and James streets, prancing down the lanes of Martin’s Bowling Alley on King Street East, throwing a party on an HSR bus and paying a visit to the HMCS Haida.
The three-minute video, released last week, was filmed to showcase the band’s latest single during two days of shooting in April by the band, a cast of dancers and director Matt Barnes.
Understandably, Grandad’s Donuts was the favourite location. The spot was chosen by guitarist Mike DeAngelis, a regular at the popular North End
eatery.
“Mike was insistent. Mike loves Grandad Donuts,” Arkells lead singer Max Kerman said in an interview. “We shot in Grandad’s from 4 to 10 p.m. They let us do whatever we wanted there. We could even stand on the counters.
“And they left probably 200 freshly baked doughnuts and coffee. It was a free-for-all. Everybody ate on average four doughnuts each.”
The video was also shot in the Elko industrial property on Aberdeen near Longwood. From there, the band took a yellowand-black bus for a drive, chauffeured by a veteran HSR driver, partying with all those aboard.
Although the song has an upbeat rhythm, the lyrics to the “People’s Champ” are an indictment of populist politicians like President Donald Trump.
“The song is an overtly political song, but we wanted to do something more joyful,” explained Kerman when asked about the video’s party atmosphere.
“I find, in the midst of the struggle, I operate better when I have a little joy in my heart, other than frustration and anger which is the natural reaction.”
The Juno-winning band is preparing for the biggest headlining concert in its 12-year career, a daylong showcase called “The Rally” on June 23 at Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field. The concert, also featuring Cold War Kids, Bishop Briggs and Ellevator, has sold more than 20,000 tickets with a capacity of about 26,000.