Director Jack Harrison transforms Hamilton City Centre into an eerie digital landscape for the band’s latest music video.
Nine-time JUNO Award winners Arkells have unveiled the official music video for “Handshake Thugs,” turning a familiar Hamilton landmark into the setting for an ambitious visual production.
Directed by Jack Harrison, the video was filmed inside and atop Hamilton City Centre, a former downtown shopping mall that has been closed since 2022. Its deserted corridors and abandoned surroundings provide an atmospheric backdrop for a visually striking exploration of technology, influence, and the power to disconnect.
The new video follows the November 3 release of “Handshake Thugs” through Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Group.
Arkells Handshake Thugs Music Video Filmed at Hamilton City Centre
For their latest visual project, Arkells returned to their hometown of Hamilton, choosing a location that many residents will recognize.
Once a busy downtown shopping destination, Hamilton City Centre now serves as the eerie setting for a video featuring mysterious, faceless figures representing the forces people encounter through digital platforms.
The contrast between the abandoned physical space and the video’s digitally manipulated imagery creates an unsettling atmosphere, encouraging viewers to consider their relationship with the online world.
The location also gives the production a distinctly Hamilton identity, connecting the band’s hometown roots with an inventive new creative direction.
Behind the Arkells Handshake Thugs Music Video with Jack Harrison
Behind the camera is director and visual effects artist Jack Harrison, whose signature “Digital Joy” style combines the warmth of analog video equipment with the precision of modern digital technology.
Harrison’s credits include collaborations with J. Cole, Vulfpeck, Kings of Leon, and Chappell Roan. He also recently contributed to the “expectations” music video featuring Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan.
The project marks a reunion between Harrison and Arkells, who previously worked together on the visual effects for the band’s “Dance With You” video more than four years ago.
For Harrison, returning to the Arkells team offered an opportunity to push his creative techniques even further.
“It’s really exciting to be working with the Arkells team again,” says Harrison. “I’ve learned a lot and feel way more confident in my abilities and techniques. The VFX were insanely difficult, but I’m proud to be pushing myself to deliver something that embodies the themes of the track.”
His combination of analog textures, digital effects, and unconventional imagery gives “Handshake Thugs” a distinctive visual identity.
Watch the Arkells Handshake Thugs Music Video
From the empty spaces of Hamilton City Centre to its elaborate digital effects, the official “Handshake Thugs” video offers a different perspective on the band’s latest release.
Arkells Continue Their Between Us City Takeover Tour
Alongside the new video, Arkells are continuing their Between Us City Takeover performances, which bring the band to three different venues in each participating city.
Following sold-out takeovers in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, the band continues its Canadian run with performances in Winnipeg and Ottawa before closing out the year with its holiday Sleigh the Night shows.
Remaining 2026 Tour Dates
Between Us City Takeover
- November 10 – Winnipeg, MB – Side Stage (Sold Out)
- November 11 – Winnipeg, MB – The Park Theatre (Sold Out)
- November 12 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre
- November 25 – Ottawa, ON – The 27 Club (Sold Out)
- November 26 – Ottawa, ON – The Bronson Centre (Sold Out)
- November 27 – Ottawa, ON – HISTORY Ottawa (Sold Out)
Sleigh the Night Holiday Shows
- December 17 – Niagara Falls, ON – OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
- December 18 – St. John’s, NL – JAG Soundhouse (Sold Out)
- December 19 – St. John’s, NL – JAG Soundhouse (Sold Out)
With a new music video showcasing both their hometown and an inventive creative partnership, Arkells continue finding fresh ways to connect their music with the world around them.
For more on the song’s inspiration and the band’s latest activities, revisit Canadian Beats’ original coverage of “Handshake Thugs.”
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