pulled by the money, caught in the groove — arkells & portugal the man team up on money

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URadUPiumZk

Arkells have always known how to turn big questions into even bigger singalongs, and “Money” — their collaboration with Portugal. The Man — feels like that instinct sharpened into a groove-heavy reality check. With Portugal. The Man fresh in fans’ memories after playing last year’s Arkells Rally, this pairing feels natural: two bands that thrive on feel-good sound while quietly challenging the systems behind it. “Money” doesn’t shout its message — it slides it into your head while your body’s already moving.

From the jump, “Money” settles into a smooth, infectious rhythm that feels built for swaying crowds and late-night drives. It’s a groove song in the truest sense — relaxed but purposeful — and that contrast works perfectly with its subject matter. While the beat keeps things light, the lyrics wrestle with heavier ideas: financial pressure, personal values, and the constant push and pull between freedom, responsibility, and control.

Rather than pointing fingers outright, the song lives in the grey area. It asks uncomfortable questions about what we chase, what we save, and what it actually takes to feel secure. There’s a sense of honesty baked into it — the acknowledgment that wanting stability doesn’t make you shallow, and wanting change doesn’t make you naïve. That balance is something Arkells have always done well, and Portugal. The Man’s presence adds a slightly surreal, almost dreamlike edge that keeps the track from feeling preachy.

Lyrically, “Money” circles ideas of renewal and expiration — what we outgrow, what we cling to, and what keeps repeating no matter how much we try to escape it. There’s frustration here, but also self-awareness. It recognizes the desire for leadership, for someone to blame when things fall apart, while still questioning whether that instinct helps or hurts in the long run. It’s introspective without being heavy-handed, which makes the message hit even harder.

Sonically, the collaboration works because neither band overshadows the other. Arkells’ knack for anthemic hooks blends seamlessly with Portugal. The Man’s laid-back, psychedelic polish. The result is a track that feels effortless — one that sneaks its meaning in between head nods and foot taps.

Looking Ahead for 2026

Money also arrives at an exciting moment for Arkells fans . With a new album officially on the way , a UK tour lined up for 2026 , and a hometown performance at the JUNO awards in Hamilton . the band is clearly gearing up for a busy stretch.

Max shared in a short Instagram Live today on the release of money that Canadian tour dates will be announced early in the new year — and teased that it’ll be a very different style of tour than they we’re used to So If “Money” is any indication, Arkells are leaning into evolution without losing their core.

so In a world where everything seems to come with a price tag, “Money” doesn’t pretend to have the answers — but it knows the right questions to ask. And sometimes, set to the right groove, that’s exactly what we need.