Justin Larkin is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Springfield, Missouri. He has spent the last 15 years performing across America with various musical groups as well as a one-man band, all while honing in on a distinct & hearty blend of Roots, Soul, and Rock ‘n roll music dubbed “Cosmic Ozarkana”.
Larkin began busking as a teenager, playing on street corners while traveling all across America. Settling back home in the southern Missouri Ozarks, he helped in forming rock ‘n roll band Mood Ring Circus in 2014 as lead singer, guitarist & songwriter. After many shows across the Midwest, the band set off for Cleveland to create their first full-length LP “Limbo Daze” with platinum producer Jim Wirt (Incubus, Fiona Apple, Brian Setzer Orchestra) and the album subsequently became a regional hit.
Larkin began using a suitcase drum at solo shows in 2018, eventually modifying his suitcase with license plates to create a kick & snare sound. Paired with foot tambourines, a harmonica & an acoustic guitar, Justin Larkin’s solo shows feature a diverse, genre-bending playlist including original material, covers & mash-ups all delivered with a full band energy, despite only being a one-man show.
Larkin has spent the last 4 years working on a debut album entitled Nowhere Is a Place, which is set for release on Friday, March 25th 2022. Today, we get to hear the single “Name Upon a Wall,” dedicated to a friend whom Larkin met while busking. Larkin’s heartfelt dedication reminds us of the indignities of the Vietname War, a war that our government would love for us to forget, even though its legacy continues to impact our society deeply.
Do you start off with the music or lyrics first? Why?
In my experience, each song tends to be its own beast. Some of them start as a melody I hum along with some chords, while some of them begin as scribbled musings in a disheveled notebook. While some songs will take 15-20 minutes to hammer out in one sitting, some will come like a yard sale puzzle, with missing pieces, taking more time to make sense of the fragments.
Does your album have an overarching theme?
Lyrically, it has many different themes. There’s the war ballad, a duet observing a lover’s quarrel, an ode to care-free road trips, bouts with existentialism… Musically, however, I wanted to create a collective sound inspired by the local music of the Ozarks. I grew up learning from and playing amongst some great musicians in this area. When the pandemic hit, everyone lost their gigs for a while and had extra time to collaborate, so I got the opportunity to work with many people I’ve looked up to over the years. With each song recorded with a slightly different cast of characters, the album touches on a few different moods & genres, but it’s intended as a linear journey.
Explain the title “Nowhere Is a Place”.
“Nowhere Is a Place” comes from the title of a song I wrote while I was living in my car at age 20, trying to find my place in the world. It was one of my first attempts at writing a real song, and I’ve played it out at shows for years, though I’ve never been happy with any recording of it until now. I’ve recently become interested in photographing abandoned places & documenting the dilapidation of forgotten structures, which is something I’ve incorporated throughout the album artwork & content. We also did most of the tracking out at a farm in the rural hills of Stone County, about 10 miles from the nearest cell reception. In the end, it seemed all roads pointed to “Nowhere.”
How are you using your platform to support marginalized people?
As a performer, I’ve been involved with various fundraising events for local charities benefiting LGBTQ youth, refugee education, and aiding the homeless. I also host a weekly open mic night, with the foremost goal to provide an all-inclusive performance space for anyone to share & refine their talents in a supportive environment.
As a songwriter, I try to use subject matter of a song to bring attention to marginalized human struggles. A song from the album called “Strange Duality” is inspired by challenges & societal pressures of day-to-day life as a neurodivergent person. “Name Upon a Wall” is a true story told to me by a Vietnam war veteran I met while I was busking on the street. I always try to be an ear, because my place is to listen & learn, so that when I do use my voice, I can use it offer these perspectives.
What’s the best way a fan can support you?
My website is the go-to place to find out about my fresh happenings, download exclusive tracks, and find out where I’m playing next: justinlarkinmusic.com. I can be followed @justinlarkinmusic on social media. If you like the music, have a conversation with someone you think might like it too and share it with them. Check out my Spotify and dive in to the “Cosmic Ozarkana” playlist to hear some of my talented friends!