How does it feel to be Canada's "next big thing"? Ask the Arkells. Today, the folks at CBC and Canadian Music Week announced the winners of 2009's Galaxie Rising Stars Award, and these Hamilton rockers came out on top.
According to CMW president Neill Dixon, these guys are really "going places". They were singled out by the music festival's organizers partly because of how they connect with their fans during shows - an ability that's helped them gain some popularity both here and abroad.
Previous winners like the Handsome Furs and Major Maker have gone on to make their mark on the Canadian scene, so this year's winners are hoping to follow in their footsteps.
Since releasing their debut album, Jackson Square, in 2008, the Arkells have been busy boys. So far this year they've been touring and making appearances at events like CMW, SXSW and JunoFest.
We caught up with keyboardist Dan Griffin to ask him a couple questions about their jam-packed datebook and their new "rising star" status.
Alexis Stoymenoff is a UBC jorunalism studient interning with CBC Radio 3. Ed)
