Artist of the Day | ARCANA KINGS
ARTIST OF THE DAY
04.08.2021
ARCANA KINGS
LOCATION
Nelson, BC / Regina, SK / Saskatoon, SK
Canada
GENRE
Rock/ Punk Pop/ Stadium Rock
CURRENT MEMBERS
John McCuaig - lead vocals, bagpipes and guitar. Kevin Kyle - bass
James Picton - lead guitar
Allan Morrison - vocals, guitar
Martin Zinger drums
With the current pandemic, the state of the music and touring industry has dramatically changed. Where were you when everything was brought to a halt?
We just finished an amazing Saskatchewan tour and were headed to Las Vegas for St Paddy's day shows. We had a last minute decision to either board the plane and take our chances or not go. We decided to not get on the plane. The very next day was the day they announced that they were going to close the borders and that people were being recalled back to Canada. I guess we dodged a bullet there.
How has that affected your plans for the coming year? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?
The timing could not have been worse for us. We had tours booked in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. There was a lot of momentum for us. We had a signed invite to play at the Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan. The T.V. viewership for that alone would have been in the millions.
What have you been doing to fill/make the most of your new-found free time at home? How are you supporting your mental health through all of this?
We have been writing a lot and making plans for the future. Thoughts on branding and marketing and really focusing on a direction for the band. We have explored different markets for the band and added to our team as well. Brandy Records and Eric Alper have been a huge additions to our team. They opportunities they have provided to us have been amazing. Networking has always been key. We try to not get caught up on all the negatives of the pandemic and put important things into focus. Reflections on who we are, why we play and how to move forward have been key in our mental health. It has not been easy for anyone, and we look forward to getting back out there when we can.
As things are reopening & restrictions are lifting have you booked any new gigs? Tours? Etc? If your region is still under restriction, how are dealing with the Covid third wave?
We are starting to book new shows everyday!. As things open up we have been reaching out to venues we have played in the past and re connecting with them to see how they are doing. We are also reaching out to international contacts and monitoring their situations as well. Arcana Kings are spread out over 3 western provinces so it makes it interesting for us to coordinate tours and shows.
Favourite Starlite Room Moment?
We are new to Starlite. But I have been checking out other artists and love where this is headed. So humbled and honored to be apart of this and to be posted with all of these other amazing artists. Huge thanks to Eric Alper for once again introducing us to new potential friends and music!
Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?
Yes! We all know that the world has just gone through something that none of us could have ever imagined. Things will and are getting better. Stay gold. And when you are able now more than ever will be the time to get out there and see some live music. Let the good times roll!!
If you would like to be our next ARTIST OF THE DAY please email us at:
JEN@CONCERTWORKS.CA
