Larkin Poe Interview
How would you describe your music? RL: We call our music "Roots Rock N Roll" – which is an intentionally broad description as we are inspired by a broad variety of music genres. We draw from the stylings of traditional American music: the blues, bluegrass, gospel, soul; and want to be able to channel all those influences into a unique sound that's all authentically Larkin Poe. Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music? ML: We want to spread joy and share a human-to-human connection with our music. Music brings people together unlike anything else and we hope people find friendship and a safe harbor in our community. Do you prefer performing live or recording? RL: There are unique challenges and beauty in both the live space and recording studio. We self-produce our albums, so I do find the record making process to be a very fulfilling puzzle to put together. It can be maddening and crazy-making, but when you come out of the other side with a record you love it's all worth it. Which is your favourite song to perform live and why? ML: I love to perform 'Bad Spell'; it's a fuzzed out, badass moment in our set and feels good to let loose with some hard driving riffs. What should we expect from your upcoming tour? RL: You can expect a high-energy, driving, cathartic evening at a Larkin Poe show! We love to connect with people in a real way and always leave everything we have on the stage from night to night. If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be? ML: I would love to have Stephen King come to one of our shows… I'm such a fan of his writing and it would be amazing to have him in the audience. What motivates you most when writing music? RL: We take a lot of songwriting inspiration from touring the world; I keep a songwriting journal and I'm always noting down moments that felt particularly special on stage or bits of conversation that spark my fancy. When it's time to write for the next album we end up pulling from that cache of gleaned inspiration. Which music/artists are you currently listening to? RL: We're gonna attend a Shania Twain show next month, so we've been crushing some Shania to get ready. Also Joan Jett & Bryan Adams. If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be? ML: It would be so out of this world to collaborate with Bonnie Raitt. She's done so much for women instrumentalists in roots music and, especially as a female slide player, I'd love to pick her brain. What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success? RL: Honestly just sticking with it. It takes a lot of gumption to stay the path when you're a left-of-center band in the industry. It's been a slow-burn and the work of many years. What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist? RL: It's a gift to travel the world and experience different cultures, but our favorite part of becoming music artists is getting to play a small role in so many people's lives. It's really meaningful to be able to have an impact. What advice do you have for aspiring songwriters or artists? RL: Don't wait for anyone to do it for you. Step up and figure out who you are, what you stand for, and where you're going and then don't let anyone dissuade you from your vision. Can you share your socials? (links please) https://www.facebook.com/larkinpoe instagram.com/larkinpoe https://www.tiktok.com/@larkinpoe https://twitter.com/larkinpoe Marking their second visit down under, roots rock sister act Larkin Poe have return to Australia this April, bringing their Blood Harmony tour to Sydney and Melbourne, alongside an appearance at the mecca of all things blues and roots: Byron Bay Bluesfest. With two performances at Bluesfest's 2023 edition on Thursday 6 April and Friday 7 April lined up, as well as Bluesfest sideshows at Sydney's Metro Theatre on Sunday 9 April and a sold out show in Melbourne at Croxton Bandroom on Monday 10 April, the pair have also added an extra date for the city of laneways, bringing a bonus night of their energetic Southern sonic flavours to Melbourne's iconic Corner Hotel on Tuesday 11 April. Inspired by music of the 60s and 70s, including the likes of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and The Allman Brothers Band, Larkin Poe, comprised of sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, also pay homage to some of the greatest turn-of-the-century blues artists, with Son House, Skip James and Muddy Waters amongst the heady mix that collide into Larkin Poe's trademark sound. Bringing scintillating modernity with a Southern-fried twist to their roots'n'roll sonic leanings, the pair's upcoming performances will offer Australian fans a chance to catch these multi-instrumental mavericks live in action once again, after the Lovell sisters wowed crowds back in 2019 for their debut Bluesfest appearance. "It's been a long time in the making, y'all - we are super excited to be coming back to Bluesfest this year and to be bringing our Blood Harmony tour Down Under!" the band share of their impending return to Aus. "Our last time in Australia was our first time ever; this time we know what fun we're in for - Aussies really know how to rock out to some good music! That's what we live for." Armed with their recent album Blood Harmony for these upcoming Aussie appearances, fans will also be able to witness some new Larkin Poe material live for the very first time. Co-produced alongside Texas-bred musician, and husband of Rebecca, Tyler Bryant, Blood Harmony is a vivid and captivating jolt of fresh air, equally snapshotting the group's trademark sonic identity in Southern rock territory, while also harnessing sharpened storytelling, heightened vigour and permeating female empowerment. And as if it wasn't already a thrill to have Larkin Poe back in town next month, audiences in Australia are in for a bonus treat, with the pair set to perform plenty of new songs, as well as some reimagined versions of some older fan faves, as the pair reveal, "We're gonna be playing songs from our album Blood Harmony along with newly reworked old favourites. Fans can expect a super energetic, raw and real show. We love to connect with people and ride a wavelength together through music. We hope folks will show up with open hearts and singing voices ready!" Boasting a horde of high-profile admirers for their unforgettable live performances, including Bob Seger and Russell Crowe, Larkin Poe have also previously toured as backing artists for an array of industry icons, including Elvis Costello and Keith Urban. Continuing to thrive under their Larkin Poe project moniker as the world has emerged out of the pandemic lockdown years, the duo closed out 2020 with two albums, Self Made Man and Kindred Spirits, before diving into creating the painstakingly crafted Blood Harmony. Now poised and stacking up a massive year ahead, Larkin Poe may boast big Spotify and YouTube numbers, but the talented pair effortlessly retain their spellbinding and authentic Southern charm and hospitality - and a Larkin Poe live show is definitely not one to be missed.
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