Words: James Leaney
As well as a roster of blockbuster names and hotly tipped up-and-comers, each year Tramlines will showcase a number of local artists to keep the Sheffield spirit intact. So, as crowds descend on Hillsborough Park once again, this year’s festivities present another opportunity to discover an emerging crop of homegrown talent.
Among the handful of local acts selected to play Sarah Nulty’s Main Stage are Sheffield’s-own Harri Larkin, an eclectic three-piece who have coolly gone about their business in grabbing the attention of punters and tastemakers alike. A personal favourite of BBC Radio Sheffield’s Christian Carlisle, they featured on BBC Introducing’s local playlist a staggering 15 times last year.
The group’s journey began when the eponymous Harri ventured north from Cornwall home in search of a band. It was around three years ago, here in Sheffield, she encountered drummer Danton and bassist Oscar. A Covid-enforced hiatus meant that last year’s performance at the Tramlines Fringe was only their second ever gig, and now they’ve made the leap from fringe stage to main stage at remarkable speed. It’s a leap which, as any local band or performer will tell you, is no small feat.
Holding true to her material through five incarnations of the band, Harri’s songwriting draws on varied musical influences and collaborative input to embed an eclectic mix of grunge, funk and pop within indie sensibilities. Harri herself described to me how the group’s sound has developed since teaming up with Danton and Oscar: “The way the songs are played has constantly evolved since meeting the guys. I love the way our new stuff sounds, it definitely has a different edge to the music I’ve already recorded. The guys make everything sound groovier.”
(Harri Larkin at Get Together Festival. Photo by Benji Wilson)
This ability to bounce between genres while retaining a consistent level of output has been key to the band reaching what is essentially the holy grail of the Sheffield music scene: the main stage at Tramlines. That said, Harri and the boys have also been forthcoming in expressing thanks to Sheffield’s local music scene for it’s driving support. “We love the local music scene! It has welcomed us with open arms. If I had moved anywhere but Sheffield none of these things would have happened. We are forever grateful to the Sheffield music scene and the people in it.”
(Harri Larkin at The Leadmill. Photo by Zowie Alexander)
Before the headline slot from one of the UK’s latest household names, Sam Fender, followed by a bit of 90s nostalgia with James, Harri Larkin will set the tone as the thousands of music lovers pour through the gates at Hillsborough park for a sun-baked (hopefully) afternoon of Tramlines goodness. Without giving too much away, the group have tailored their set to the expectant buzz of the occasion, adapting introductions and interludes in some of their tried and tested favourites, as well as treating us to some new material.
So, what can else we expect from Friday’s opening slot from the band? You can have it in their own words: “An abundance of funk soaked summery goodness! Expect anthemic choruses, explosive riffs and grooves that make you grab your mates and dance around the field”.
And, when you’re done chucking your mates around the field, you can rub shoulders with the band at the sets they are most looking forward to from Tramlines weekend. Harri’s looking forward to Crawlers, Coach Party, Self Esteem and Bedroom High Club; Danton has eyes for Sigrid, Sam Fender and Madness; while Danton will be indulging in some Britpop nostalgia at Shed 7 before seeking out some new artists he hasn’t heard yet.
(To signify this new era of Harri Larkin, the band have treated us to a sneak peek at their new logo, to be unveiled at Tramlines)
Exciting times for Harri Larkin, then. There’s a new single and video coming out following Tramlines, and with further UK festivals in the pipeline, keep ’em peeled for more Larkin in the fields.
“This summer we will be hitting the road, playing a string of festivals around the country. We don’t want to give much more away yet but we hope you will stick with us and keep an eye on our story as it unfolds.”
Harri Larkin will kick off the main stage at Tramlines on Friday 22nd July 2022. For a peek behind the curtain, their debut album ‘Beach City’ is available on Spotify.
