Grammy-nominated roots-rock sister duo Larkin Poe have caught the attention from millions of listeners for some time now.

You might be familiar with their outstanding stripped-back viral covers shared across the globe on social media, or you could recognize them from their #1 Billboard Blues Albums chart success ‘Self Made Man’. Either way, this unique duo featuring distinctive slide guitar, and amazing vocal harmonies prove a class act.

With a new live album due this September, I caught up with sisters Rebecca Lovell and Megan Lovell.

You've already released a couple of tracks from your upcoming album collaboration with hybrid orchestra Nu Deco Ensemble called Paint the Roses - Live In Concert. What brought you and them together, and how has the feedback from fans etc been so far?

RL: As touring musicians, one silver lining of 2020’s extensive shutdown was the opportunity to creatively engage with the limitations of not being able to tour. 

Our collaboration with Nu Deco Ensemble was originally slated as a one-night-only livestream performance, but the music struck like a lightning bolt of creative energy when we needed it most, and we felt compelled to expand the scope of the collaboration; thus, our first-ever live album was born.

Are you planning any further live shows with Nu Deco Ensemble? 

ML: As of yet, we have no dates on the books, but touring with Nu Deco Ensemble is the stuff of dreams! We look forward to someday hopefully taking the music of ‘Paint The Roses’ out on the road.

Apart from the live collaboration album due in September, are you working on any new material?

RL: We’re always working on new material. Larkin Poe is touring nonstop for the next couple of months, but we do have some weeks set aside this winter to get back into the recording studio.

You’ve done some amazing covers of popular classic rock and blues songs, delivered with your own twist and use of slide guitar. These often go viral and go down great with the public, who I can imagine might not normally listen to your style of music. Do you think these often win over new fans to your own music you have written?

ML: Amazingly, we have been able to connect with millions of music lovers on social media through the conduit of our cover series. We originally started learning cover songs as a way to stay “fresh” while off the road, but over the years, it has morphed into something very special. We released ‘Kindred Spirits’, our acoustic covers album, in 2020 as a nod to all the good-hearted folks who continue to come along with us on our musical journey.

The use of the lap steel always brings a great sound, and I can imagine offers an element of interest to those not so familiar with the instrument. Going off personal experience, there's very few online tutorials, tabs or resources to learn and play it (especially in the UK). I know the fundamentals are relatable to the guitar but have you got any advice for beginners wanting to play?

ML: I know it can be overwhelming to start with the lapsteel considering there aren’t a whole lot of learning materials out there, but it’s worth it! I would suggest learning by ear; I listened to pretty much everything Jerry Douglas ever played and picked it out bit by bit. It requires a lot of patience and persistence, but find a player you’re inspired by, slow down their work, and pick it out note by note. 

I believe you're based in Nashville. What do you think of the whole Nashville music scene there?

RL: The sheer volume of musical talent in Nashville will blow your socks off; we absolutely love living in a city where songs are the coin of the realm.

If you could choose one person to collaborate with (dead or alive) who would this be?

RL: Chris Whitley. In my estimation, he remains one of the world’s most underrated songwriters and musicians; a prolific bluesman from Houston, TX. If you don’t know him, check him out.

Who is your favorite new and modern group or singer?

ML: Blackberry Smoke. They are the baddest southern rock band you could ever want to hear — they’ll put a little soul in your soul.

Being sisters, do you ever have any big arguments or does everything run quite smoothly?

RL: Time and time again: we commit and recommit to strengthening our bond as sisters. Sometimes it can be challenging, but we choose to celebrate the fact that we are different people and we each bring different creative strengths to the table.

Any plans to return back to the UK?

ML: Hallelujah, we’ve got a big old European and UK tour booked for spring of 2022 — we cannot wait to get back across the pond and see all our nearest and dearest! We have been missing y’all.

Have you got a message for your fans and followers?

RL: Stay healthy and keep the faith! The magic of live music is slowly rekindling; before you know it, we’ll all be rocking together.

Thanks Larkin Poe - all the best for the future!

You can read our 2018 London gig review of Larkin Poe here.