Hailing from the Armagh-Monaghan border, Dani Larkin is an emerging singer-songwriter and folk musician with a reputation as one of Ireland’s brightest new folk talents. Taking inspiration from the folktales she was raised with and fusing elements of traditional melodies and rhythms from around the world in a seamless and timeless tradition, she was awarded the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Artist in Residence in 2019.

Previously she was known as DANI, before adopting Larkin – her great grandmother’s maiden name – last year. And now, having supported the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Lisa O’Neill and Joshua Burnside, Larkin’s stock is rising and she is scheduled to appear at Folk Alliance International – billed as a five-day virtual event for the entire international folk community – later this month. Her debut album entitled Notes For A Maiden Warrior, from which Love Part Three is taken, has been confirmed for release later this year.

In a post on her official Facebook page on Valentine’s Day, Larkin wrote: “I could say that Love Part Three was all about that romantic rush but then I'd be a fibber. Here's to celebrating the many different kinds of love and relationships today!”

The song itself is a beautifully simple affair, delicate acoustic guitar mixed with Larkin’s powerful and evocative voice, as she tells a tale of togetherness. Larkin wrote the track while she was taking part in an artist residency programme in Indonesia, after two months of heavy touring. 

Larkin also used her official Facebook page to thank some of those involved in promoting her new single, writing: “Huge thanks to everyone who listened, shared and liked Love Part Three, and made it's release so special! I really felt the love from far and near – shout out especially to BBC Radio Ulster, RTÉ Radio 1, The Journal of Music, Kate Brennan Harding, Eve Blair, Hot Press Magazine, The Last Mixed Tape, The Thin Air, Ruth Smith, Marie-Louise Muir, Philly Folk Scene in Philadelphia and so many more!

“Another sliver of my debut album has been revealed.”

Dani Larkin’s Love Part Three is available now on Spotify.

Follow Dani Larkin on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.