Interview with Kenny Larkin

Interview with Kenny Larkin

5 September, 2008 | 2.49PM

• Written by: Beatportal
• Filed under: Music News: kenny larkin, planet e

With his brand spanking new album titled ‘Keys, Strings and Tambourines’ released just this week, we caught up with Detroit legend Kenny Larkin to get his thoughts on its creation and inspiration, LA life, and what’s next for this DJ and producer-come-comedian.

Click through for the full story.

How did you start on the new album?

There is never really a beginning.

I don’t remember saying, “Ok, time to work on a new album.” It’s always a more “flowy” organic way, that I work.

How has being in Los Angeles influenced your music?

In some ways, LA had absolutely no influence on my music.

But, with the Dark Comedy project, it played a small role in it.

That was because when I first moved here, I drove around listening to a lot of James Brown, and John Lee Hooker.

People were like, “What the fuck?”

It was a new environment, new way of life, new everything, really.

So, I thought my surroundings would in fact influence my music, but in the end, it didn’t happen.

Now, drop me in the middle of Detroit, and it’s a different story!

I’m linked to that city in so many ways, underneath the surface, it’s not even funny.

But in general, when I think of LA, the last thing that comes to mind is techno! Lol.

What inspired you during the making of the album (musically and otherwise)?

I wasn’t inspired by any music per say, with this release.

It was more of an emotional thing with me. Music usually is. I did, however get inspired while traveling to different places around the globe.

For instance, ‘Glob’, which is my favorite song, was written in Sydney, Australia.

I was on tour there, and had a few days of downtime to work.

How was it recording in Carl Craig’s Detroit Studio?

Carl has a fantastic studio!

I stayed in there for days on end.

Didn’t give a shit about washing my ass or anything (did I just say that out loud?) Ha!

But, I thrive in those type of environments.

In the middle of Detroit, nothing else to do but fucking work on music!

It reminded me of being there years ago. Only this time I was in a phat ass studio!

How much was recorded in LA and how much in Detroit?

Almost all tracks were written in LA, and other parts of the globe, with the exception of a few tracks.

But, most were mixed down there. That room is great to mix down in.

Proper speakers, great acoustics, blah, blah....

Do you consider the new album more “dancefloor”?

Well, that’s a relative term.

It’s all about perspective!

Coming from me, and knowing my music background, it’s way more dance-oriented than any LP I released in the past.

But, to other people, they may still look at it as being pretty laid back.

How would you compare the new record with your previous albums?

This release was more of a challenge.

I mean my earlier works were easier to do, because I did most of them in the early days of techno.

As a result, everything was fresh, easy, and everyone was so excited about the possibilities of the music.

This one was different. I mean, what is it? Almost 15 years since my first album?

The music changed, inspiration has changed, musical viewpoints changed, I’m getting older…

So, all of that made for an interesting time making the album.

It was a love/hate thing. It was kinda like dating someone in a dysfunctional relationship! Lol.

She (the music, namely, this album) for awhile, took over my life, and was very demanding!

Sometimes I loved it. Sometimes I hated it. Sometimes I wanted to give up on it, but, I persevered and got it done.

How has being a DJ impacted your music?

I think it’s impossible to do this type of music, and NOT be influenced by also being a DJ.

I mean, I don’t think it’s a large influence, since I mainly released more laid back stuff.

Do you plan to play live ? If so when / how?

Yes, I would love to do a live show, it’s been a long time since I played live.

I would love to get on the road with a live show by the end of the year, continuing over to next year. 

How is making music and being a comedian similar?

I’m asked that a lot. There are hardly any similarities! The only thing in common is getting up in front of people.

The actual performances can’t be any more different! Comedy is by far the hardest thing to do!

I’ve had professional, successful actors tell me that.

What’s next musically?

You tell me! Lol. Perhaps a musical? Or some Broadway tunes! Haha…

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Thanks, Kenny!

[Images courtesy of Jessica Miller]

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