Arkells frontman Max Kerman once told us that a newspaper is a key component of his perfect Sunday, and he and his bandmates are now urging listeners to support this beleaguered industry in exchange for some limited-edition merch.
The Hamilton outfit are asking fans to stop "running from that paywall" and support local newspapers and daily publications by purchasing a year-long subscription to the outlet of their choice, which they can then show the band in exchange for a custom T-shirt.
"Good reporting not only keeps us in the loop, but also makes sure our big wigs are held accountable — to ensure there is no sneaky biz," the band wrote on their website.
"Somewhere along the way, we took this for granted," they continued. "We forgot that we have to pay for this vital service, and that reporting the news isn't free. In our own city we've seen our local newspaper continue to shrink, and we worry about its future and the future of other local newspapers."
Since launching the initiative earlier today, the band have seen an "amazing" response, with "hundreds of subscriptions rolling in" for outlets including the Hamilton Spectator, Toronto Star, sports site The Athletic and more.
You can find out how to get in on Arkells' subscription-for-swag offer here.
Exclaim! recently named the band's "Leather Jacket" one of the 50 Best Canadian Songs of the 2010s.
The Hamilton outfit are asking fans to stop "running from that paywall" and support local newspapers and daily publications by purchasing a year-long subscription to the outlet of their choice, which they can then show the band in exchange for a custom T-shirt.
"Good reporting not only keeps us in the loop, but also makes sure our big wigs are held accountable — to ensure there is no sneaky biz," the band wrote on their website.
"Somewhere along the way, we took this for granted," they continued. "We forgot that we have to pay for this vital service, and that reporting the news isn't free. In our own city we've seen our local newspaper continue to shrink, and we worry about its future and the future of other local newspapers."
Since launching the initiative earlier today, the band have seen an "amazing" response, with "hundreds of subscriptions rolling in" for outlets including the Hamilton Spectator, Toronto Star, sports site The Athletic and more.
You can find out how to get in on Arkells' subscription-for-swag offer here.
Exclaim! recently named the band's "Leather Jacket" one of the 50 Best Canadian Songs of the 2010s.
