Humber graduate and famed Canadian musician, Anthony Carone, along with his bandmates in the Arkells, won big this year at the 2023 Juno Awards.
Carone, who studied in Humber College’s Music program, is the keyboardist for the Hamilton-based alternative rock band.
This year’s Junos were held in Edmonton, Alta., on March 11, hosted by Marvel movie star Simu Liu for the second year in a row.
At the 52nd annual awards, Arkells earned the title of Group of the Year, which marks its sixth time receiving this honour, a record-breaking win for them, as they now hold the title of having most wins in this Juno Awards category. Blue Rodeo, the Canadian country rock band, were the former leaders in this category, with five wins.
Humber alumna Caity Gyorgy won the Vocal Jazz Album of the Year, the same category she won last year.
Carone and Gyorgy were among 12 nominations that included Humber music grads or faculty.
Max Kerman, frontman for Arkells and Hamilton native, told Humber News that wins like these are what motivates them to continue producing creative, meaningful music.
“When you’re an artist and you work in a creative field, you look for little wins along the way that might put wind in your sails,” he said. “Being recognized by our peers and the industry is an honour, and it only makes us that much more excited to make our next record and to play the next show.”
In a tweet released by the verified Arkells Twitter account on the day of the ceremony, the musicians confirmed not all band members were able to be in Edmonton to receive the award.
They had performed in St John’s, N.L., the night before and due to flight cancellations, only three of the five made it to the awards.
Allan Reid, president and CEO of the Juno Awards, said the Arkells have always been dedicated to paying homage to their Canadian roots.
“This year’s win for Group of the Year makes Arkells the most decorated artists in the category, cementing their status as one of Canada’s most beloved bands,” he said. “From their inaugural performance on the Junos stage in their hometown of Hamilton in 2015 to opening the show for us last year at Budweiser Stage in Toronto, the band has always championed their fans here at home.”
Performers at the show included host Liu, who sang a medley of Avril Lavigne’s greatest hits, Tate McRae, and AP Dhillon, among others.
Other artists recognized at this year’s celebration were Alexisonfire, who took home Album of the Year, and The Weeknd, who earned the title of Artist of the Year.
It was also a special ceremony for rock band Nickelback, who were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Arkells are currently on tour promoting their newest album, Blink Twice.