Larkin Poe are modern rock luminaries. Without basking in nostalgia factor, the band harken back to the hey-day of all guts-and-glory blues-infused rock, melded with the raw-power of modern alt-folk stylings.
With four full-length albums under their belt, the band have cemented their status not only an essential listen for rock fans, but a must-see live act. Larkin Poe have shared the stage with legends like Elvis Costello and Conor Oberst, with Steven Tyler even tapping their talents for a guest spot his debut solo album 2016.
Often reffered to as “the little sisters of the Allman Brothers”, they’re budding rock royalty (even Russell Crow is a massive fan). The two-piece are heading to Australia for the very first time this April for the 30th anniversary Bluesfest edition, as well as a slew of sideshows, where they’ll be bringing fans a taste of their 2018 effort Venom & Faith.
To celebrate their debut visit, we chatted with Larkin Poe about the state of rock music, sharing the stage with their heroes and their inspirations.
What’s your take on the state of rock music in 2019?
From our perspective: rock is alive and well! We feel very enthused by the amount of young rock’n’rollers that are gaining traction in today’s industry – especially those bands that incorporate blues and American roots music.
You’ve toured with legendary acts like Elvis Costello and Conor Oberst – how have those moments shaped you as artists?
We feel so grateful to have found such support and music connection with amazing artists like Elvis Costello, Conor Oberst – and, most recently, Keith Urban! Getting the opportunity to be onstage with artists of this caliber feels like a front-row seat in a master class on how to truly rock an audience to their core. We’ve both learned so much about performance and musical edginess from all three of these greats.
Elvis Costello – Blame It Caine (Detour) ft. Larkin Poe
What have been your favourite moments on tour over time?
A lot of folks don’t realize how much crazy travel is required of an artist while on tour. This past summer, Megan and I were simultaneously on two tours – Larkin Poe’s summer festival tour and also Keith Urban’s US/Canada GraffitiU Tour! We caught so many red-eye flights it’s not even funny… Looking back, though, we find it’s those hard moments that you really remember and appreciate!
As musicians, what drives you to continually create? Where do you look to for inspiration nowadays?
I get so much inspiration from watching other musicians perform. We live in Nashville so there are always so many great shows happening but, because we’re on tour so much, we’re usually gone!
That’s one of the big reasons we look forward to festivals – especially Bluesfest – because festivals are when we’re finally able to float around and get dosed up on inspiration!
You put out a new album, Venom & Faith in 2018 – what’s it like taking that material into your live show?
It’s been so fun working the songs of Venom & Faith into our live show! We’ve gotten so much positive response from our fans for this album and the best part, truly, has been rolling into a city and having the audience sing our lyrics back to us.
I think my favorite song to work in has been ‘Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues’ – people really get moving on that one and scream the chorus at us!
Larkin Poe – Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues
What advice would you give to aspiring blues and rock musicians?
Persistence is key. Always strive to know who you are as an artist and to then stay true to that artistic core. It’s hard to listen to your gut sometimes, but we’ve found that little voice in the back of our heart has always served us right if we can listen to what it’s saying.
You’re coming down to Australia for Bluesfest Byron Bay along with your Melbourne & Sydney shows this April- what are you most looking forward to?
This is going to be our very first time in Australia, so honestly, we’re just looking forward to being googly-eyed tourists! We can’t wait to play our music down under!
Larkin Poe
Bluesfest sideshows
Monday, April 22nd, 2019
Oxford Art Factory, Sydney, NSW
Tickets: MoshTix
Wednesday, April 24th, 2019
Howler, Melbourne, VIC
Tickets: MoshTix
