9X JUNO Award winners Arkells release hypnotic new single “What’s On Your Mind” (feat. Poolside) via Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Group. Marking the fifth single released, showing the breadth of sounds from their new album Between Us (out now), the disco-esque track is a synth-heavy, indie pop-rock gem from Arkells, enhanced even further with the distinct sound of San Francisco’s chill-wave kings Poolside.
On the new release, frontman Max Kerman notes: “We wanted a song that felt hypnotic—where the chords don’t move much, and the rhythm and melody do all the heavy lifting. It’s my favourite thing about seeing dance music live: how it can loop and loop and loop, and the longer it goes, the better it feels. We went deep into synth-world on this one.” He continues, “we toured with Poolside and saw the power of repetition. What restraint can offer to the crowd. The patience of building a song with the groove dictating everything. The song was just about finished when we asked Poolside to add some shine to it all. Our music has ended up in all kinds of places, and we hope this ends up on some dance floors.”
We’d love to hear “What’s On Your Mind” (feat. Poolside)over at Spinex Music: https://arkells.lnk.to/WhatsOnYourMind
Arkells’ new album Between Us is produced by LA based John Congleton (St. Vincent, Death Cab for Cutie, Wallows). It follows the latest summertime-feeling single “Ride” (feat. GROUPLOVE), and the instantly hummable, “Next Summer”. In addition to the previously released radio favourite “Money” (featuring Portugal. The Man) and the punchy tune “What Good?,” which rounds out the first slate of new music from this Between Us era.
Arkells recently brought their latest single “RIDE” to the stage with special guest GROUPLOVE at the 2026 JUNO Awards in the group’s hometown of Hamiton, ON on March 29 at the TD Coliseum. The band performed the upbeat track amidst a hyper-realistic viewer engaged set that integrated greenery and Truman-esque break in the fourth wall bike riding.
Between Us is available now for pre-order on vinyl, and CD, including a signed edition on grass-green vinyl. The cover was shot by Boston-based artist and photographer Pelle Cass, who photographed the vibrant image of Arkells atop Hamilton’s Jackson Square rooftop – a nod to their roots.
