A Lark In The Sun
Leeds based indie janglers Sky Larkin have just released their debut album and are currently touring with The Rakes. James Watts caught up with their lovely toe-tapping frontlady Katie Harkin for a nice café-based chat.
How was the gig at Concorde 2 last night?
It was a lot of fun. We always have a great time in Brighton. The crowds are always game for a laugh. It was our first show supporting The Rakes. The thing is when you’re doing a support tour you’re always borrowing a crowd, so you’re not sure what to expect.
How have the Rakes been treating you so far?
They’re all sweet boys. They’re very English. We’ve been in America for five weeks so it’s been nice hanging out with some proper English people.
The pictures on your Myspace from your recent European tour look amazing! Did you get to do much sightseeing?
Yeah, I always try. The thing about European cities is that there are always more than a few to have a wander around. It’s difficult in America because it’s so much bigger. I’m always the one who says “Let’s go visit this place.” Munich was really fun! It’s one huge party town.
Your debut album ‘The Golden Spike’ was recorded in Seattle by John Goodmanson. What was the recording process like?
It was great! We did the entire recording in two weeks. We got on so well with John. He’s so imaginative! I had loads of fun working out all kinds of crazy guitar sounds with him. Plus we got to record in Death Cab For Cutie’s studio; they lent us their drum kit, which was really nice of them.
Are you relieved now the record has been released?
I think it’s amazing! It’s strange because until now we’ve been mostly playing to people who haven’t heard our songs before. Whereas now we have people singing along to nearly every tune.
The album title is pretty interesting. What’s the story behind it?
Well, the Golden Spike is in Utah. It was the final piece of track to be laid on the transcontinental railroad. It’s an object that represents the culmination of a lot of hard work. The album is our golden spike, a symbol of our journey so far. It would’ve been easier to just call our album ‘Sky Larkin’ (laughs), plus it’s nice to have people taking an interest in the name.
You guys are playing The Great Escape Festival soon. Have you enjoyed the whole festival scene so far?
We played South By South West in Texas back in March. That was amazing! It was so massive, something like two thousand bands played. One of the shows we did was outside on a really hot day. I remember looking over at our drummer Nestor and he was just soaked in sweat. He looked like he’d just got out of a swimming pool or something.
One of your early E.P’s featured some unusual cover versions. How did that come about?
We really just wanted to do something a bit different. I’ve always loved the song ‘I Was A Teenage Hand Model’ by Queens Of The Stone Age. So we put it on the record. It’s a nice slinky one. I really enjoyed recording it.
Are there any new bands you’re particularly into at the moment?
There’s an American band called Telekinesis that has a singing drummer, which is always good! My favourite British bands at the moment are Copy Haho, Dinosaur Pilot and our good friends from Leeds Pulled Apart By Horses.
How would you sum up you time with the band so far in just three words?
Er, ‘Eye Opening Fun!’
Sky Larkin’s debut album ‘The Golden Spike’ is out now and you can catch them at The Great Escape Festival this month.
