If there’s one thing we know about Max Kerman—frontman of Arkells, champion of community spirit, and eternal optimist—it’s that he tries. Like, really tries. And he succeeds. And starting April 22, 2025, he’s inviting the rest of us to do the same with his debut book, TRY HARD, published by Penguin Random House Canada.
Funny, candid, and packed with lessons for anyone who’s ever wanted to start—a song, a side hustle, a new chapter—TRY HARD isn’t a rockstar memoir. It’s a creative guide from the guy who’s turned effort into an art form.
“I’m going to try stuff. So please come try stuff with me,” Max says of his release week events—and he means it. From a high school auditorium in Toronto to a neighbourhood bar in Hamilton, Max is turning traditional book launches into full-on communal experiments in curiosity and creativity. Each stop is a little different, but one thing’s certain: this isn’t your average Q&A. It’s a celebration of effort, energy, and the beauty of showing up.
TRY HARD Release Week Appearances
April 22 – Toronto, ON – Max’s High School Auditorium
April 24 – Calgary, AB – Calgary Word Fest, Central Library
April 25 – Winnipeg, MB – McNally Robinson Booksellers
April 27 – Hamilton, ON – ODDS Bar – Book Club Sessions
Max is giving us a look behind the curtain, and he’s pulling up a chair and saying, “Ask me anything.” From songwriting to show-prepping to building a band that lasts, TRY HARD is a conversation with your most enthusiastic friend. The one who reminds you it’s OK not to have all the answers, as long as you care enough to ask the questions.
The best part? None of it’s about talent. It’s about effort. Effort that builds careers, songs, relationships, and communities.
So if you’ve ever stared at a blank page, a guitar string, or a new idea and thought, “Can I really do this?”—Max Kerman has an answer for you: try hard.
Pre-order TRY HARD now at penguinrandomhouse.ca, and check out maxkerman.com for event tickets and info.
Because trying hard? That might just be the coolest thing you can do.
