SOCAN Awards to honour Hamilton’s Arkells

Hamilton’s Arkells are one of seven musical Canadian Icons who will be honoured at the 34th SOCAN Awards in Toronto on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

The Canadian rock band along with musical performers Drake, K’naan, Tobias Jesso Jr., Keith Power, Lauren Spence Smith and Caleb and Brian Chan will be presented 2024 SOCAN Special Achievement Awards.

The annual event is held in both Toronto and Montreal and celebrates the songwriting, composing and music publishing achievements of Canada’s Anglophone and Francophone members alike.

The Arkells, who have captivated audiences with their infectious energy, and socially conscious lyrics will be presented a SOCAN National Achievement Award.

The band’s members currently consist of Max Kerman (vocals, guitar), Mike DeAngelis (vocals, guitar), Nick Dika (bass), Tim Oxford (drums), and Anthony Carone (vocals, keyboard, guitar).

“Their commitment to crafting music that resonates with listeners has earned them a place in the hearts of fans around the world,” read the 2024 SOCAN release. “In recognition of their outstanding impact on the Canadian music landscape, Arkells will be celebrated with the SOCAN National Achievement Award.”

Toronto Singer Drake will be presented with the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year – Performer Award.

Also at the 34 SOCAN awards, Spencer Smith will be given the Breakout Songwriter Award the Year, the Chan brothers will get the Breakout Composer Award, Keith Power is receiving the Screen Composer of the Year, Jessio Jr. will be presented the International Achievement Award, and K’naan the Cultural Impact Award.

The SOCAN Awards kick-off the return of Song & Score Week in Toronto – a week-long program of celebration and education for emerging and established music creators and publishers.

“Canada has become renowned for our breadth of talent and diverse musical landscape, and the SOCAN Awards are a special opportunity to recognize the songwriters, composers and music publishers behind that work,” said SOCAN CEO Jennifer Brown. “Every day we adapt to an evolving industry and safeguard the rights of music creators in order to ensure Canadian culture, music and storytelling continue to be valued and celebrated.”

This year’s awards will feature live performances by Jade Eagleson, LU KALA, Nemahsis,  Noeline Hofmann, Sebastian Gaskin, Strings From Paris, and special performance of K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag.”