Coachella Q&A: Arkells
If Canadian rock band Arkells offers to threaten you with a good time, do not challenge it. Instead, accept, and don't ask any questions. Commit. Trust me, they have the answers. Coachella festival-goers are in for a treat this weekend (and next) with their electric live show. Their music is politically charged, with heart on your sleeve lyrics combined with adventurously modern and throwback production stylings.
Leading to Arkells's performance this Saturday afternoon we had the opportunity to talk with Max Kerman of the band to cover everything from what's in his desert survival bag, to which fellow performer he's most excited to see and more! Check it out:
When the Coachella lineup was announced, what's the best reaction you received from a fan, friend, or family member?
I got a bunch of texts like “budddddddyyyyyyyy”
Are you a Coachella newbie? If so, what are you most excited or most nervous about?
First time for us! I’m most excited to see who I meet at Catering. I wonder if Gaga is a vegetarian, ya know?
What's in your Coachella survival bag and does that bag include any extra special add-ons for your set that we can look forward to?
Probably sunscreen is the trick. Will try to track down a smoothie. Something green. A lot of beating the heat is psychological, so you gotta.
Describe how you envision the day of your performance to go:
9AM: Coffee
11AM: Breaky
1PM: Hanging pre-set
3PM: Finished Set
5PM: Afternoon beers
7PM: Trying to memorize lyrics
9PM: Super fucking nervous
11PM: Hit the stage with Gaga to perform Born This Way
If you could have any celebrity front row during your show who would it be?
Kendrick
Out of all of your fellow Coachella artists performing, whose show are you most looking forward to watching?
Probably Kendrick
What was the last song you listened to on repeat?
We just put out a new single, and shot a video for it, so we’ve heard that song many times!
If you could partner with any brand, who would it be and why?
Something practical - like a sunglasses company. I lose mine all the time and would not like to be stressed about it always!
Post-Coachella, anything exciting on the horizon we should know about and share with the universe?
Just a lot of festivals this summer. Also playing on our co-ed softball team.
Describe yourself with three emojis.
😎💃😇