Larkin Poe: A Bond Between Sisters

Larkin Poe ooze charisma, it’s easy to see why Georgia-bred, Nashville-based sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell are adored by millions, and consistently booking sold-out tours across the globe. Credited with helping to shape the identity of Southern rock n’ roll, multiple critically albums, and a Grammy nomination – Larkin Poe show no signs of slowing down with the release of their sixth studio album ‘Blood Harmony.’ Staying true to their Southern roots, ‘Blood Harmony’ is an irresistible blend of Americana roots rock, incorporating country and blues, complimented by powerful riffs and earth-toned soulful vocals. The new self-produced album illustrates the close connection between the sisters, seeing them at their most authentic yet with themes of family bonds, empowerment, and southern hospitality throughout.

Building a strong legacy, with their biggest ever North American tour a few months away, and armed with a brand new collection of songs, 2023 is set to be an incredible year for Larkin Poe. Celebrating the release of ‘Blood Harmony,’ we caught up with Rebecca and Megan to discuss their top live performances, favourite songs from the album, style inspirations and more.

Where does the band name Larkin Poe come from?

ML: “Larkin Poe” was the name of our great, great, great grandfather; he was a distant cousin of Edgar Allan Poe.

You’ve been in the music industry for almost 20 years, could you share how the landscape of music has changed for you during that time?

RL: It’s been encouraging to see attentions more and more equally focused upon women and women of color in the music industry; specifically within the rock, blues, Americana space. Rolling up to festivals and seeing more diversity on the roster, bumping into more female energy out on the road — it’s refreshing, much needed, and something we feel passionate about championing.

You’ve had some epic tour runs this year, with a big North American tour around the corner. But what do you like to do between tours in your down time?

ML: Both my sister and I are voracious readers, so we hoover up books in our off time; I’m also a big DIY home-project-fiend — I love woodworking and landscaping. Typical tour-life requires us to be indoors most days, so we do try to balance it out by soaking up a lot of outdoor, nature-time while we’re home.

What’s been your favorite memory from all of your live shows this year?

RL: We headlined a tour across Europe & the UK this spring: 7-weeks of shows, a gargantuan effort — and pretty much all but a handful of the shows were sold out. We shed a lot of tears of gratitude (and exhaustion) on that tour. It was incredibly rewarding.

How would you say your sound has developed on ‘Blood Harmony’ from your previous album?

ML: Of all the albums we’ve ever recorded, my sister and I collaborated most closely with one another on ‘Blood Harmony’; we took some big leaps forward together on this project, both creatively and spiritually. We always endeavor to be more and more vulnerable with each album we record, and I think that our vulnerability as sisters can be heard on ‘Blood Harmony’; we really stripped ourselves back to the roots of who we are.

What’s your personal favourite song from the album? Is it the same song for you both?

RL: Currently my favorite song off the album is “Southern Comfort” — and I know Megan’s is “Deep Stays Down”!
We really love your retro styling, especially in the video for ‘Strike Gold’ video, who are your biggest style influences from the 60s and 70s?

ML: To the best of our abilities, we try to steer clear of fast fashion — I style my sister and myself with a lot of secondhand clothing from vintage and thrift shops. I have always loved the styling of Fleetwood Mac; Tom Petty is a big style icon for us— as well as the Allman Brothers.

‘Bad Spell’ is such a powerful track with a cool cinematic quality, have you ever thought about working on film soundtracks?

RL: Like so many folks, I get a lot of inspiration from movie and TV soundtracks; I think it would be so much fun to work on music in the context of visual material!

Have you been listening to many new rock and blues artists? Could you give us some recommendations?

ML: Ida Mae, The Bones of J.R. Jones, (not new, but you gotta listen to him): Seasick Steve.

If you could send a message to your younger selves, what would it be?

RL: It all matters less than you think; it all matters more than you think; choose your battles.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023?

ML: I am super excited to tour in support of ‘Blood Harmony’! We’ve got some really fun songs on this album, songs written for the stage — I can’t wait to carry these songs out onto the road where they belong.