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Larissa McKay is an Aussie singer/songwriter currently based in London, who is heading back to Sydney in December for a few shows. Jennifer Peterson-Ward caught up with Larissa as she celebrated the launch of her new music video "Ricocheted", which you can view at the end of the interview!
Firstly, tell us your story thus far, how you got to where you are now?
How much time do we have?
Growing up I guess I was more a dancer than a singer, but I always remember music being a big part of my life. When I was 13 I started singing lessons and then at about 16 I started playing the family piano and taught myself by ear and wrote my first song (it was rubbish). A few years later I joined a jazz funk band and then later formed my own band, and we began playing my originals around Sydney. We recorded an EP called Soldier and I still play some of those songs live. I did a degree at Uni and met some great people and reconnected with an amazing friend, Mr Percival, who then produced my second EP called Just the Wind. I booked a small tour round The States and played seven shows in LA and NY including the Viper Room- I didn't overdose. I met a guy in NY who's now my manager and he suggested I move over to London. I thought why not - and in January this year and packed up my things and began gigging around the city and learned how to use a washing machine. I've played some festivals, heaps of gigs and made a film clip for my song, Ricocheted. It airs on RAGE this Saturday morning.
You've previously played as part of groups (including the Groove Syndicate) - do you feel you have more control over your career as an independent singer/songwriter?
Definately. Everything is so much easier to plan and I've found I've achieved more since I've been playing solo. But there is something really magical about playing with other musicians - those people become your closest friends. Creating music and sharing those moments on stage is really special. And of course there's so much more to play with dynamically and there's more ideas to bounce around. Can you tell I haven't played with my band in a while?
How would you choose to describe your music to someone who was unfamiliar with it?
I'd say it's piano pop rock.
What have been the major influences (musical or otherwise) on the crafting of your sound?
I can't really hear my influences in my music but if I only had an ipod mini to take to jail it'd put these on it. John Mayer, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Amos Lee, Band of Horses, Hot Chip, John Farnham, Yeasayer, Paramore, Gomez, Jamie Cullum, Sara Bareilles, SIA, Kings of Leon, Queen, Robyn and some dubstep. I write about my experiences, so my friends, relationships and where I'm living affect what I write about.
You've toured extensively around both the US and UK - how does playing on the international scene compare to Australia? Which do you prefer?
I guess the main differences are the amount of noise the audience makes. In the USA everyone was real keen. They'd come up after I played and chat and audiences were really receptive and vocal. Over here in London on my first big note I'll have the audience and they won't talk again till I finish my set. Then at home, Australian's just "wooooo" the whole time. It's hilarious.
You've played alongside some pretty big Australian names on the local music scene (including Hungry Kids Of Hungary, Dappled Cities, Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe) and Bluejuice) - do you ever feel like you’re in a hurry to compete with other emerging artists and to improve on what you do?
I guess I'm always wary of where everyone's at, but everyone moves at a different pace. Some of my friends have had great success in the past few years and I'm real happy for them. If I'd been offered a record deal a few years ago I wouldn't have been ready. When I make my first record I want to know that it's the best I could've done. There's no hurry, but in saying that, you have to be hungry for it and work your arse off.
What has been the major highlight or highpoint in your musical career thus far?
I played at The Great Escape Festival in England in May and I saw a young girl and guy at both my shows and they were singing along and that blew me away.
When a fan goes to one of your shows, what can they expect?
I'd hope that they'd feel something. Familiarity? Sadness? Happiness? Tingles? Any of those will do.
What are your hopes for the future? What are your plans from here?
I'm coming back to Sydney to play a few shows over Summer. I haven't been submerged in water for over nine months so I'm getting a bit edgey. I'll do some recording with my band, then do a tour in both Aus and the UK on the back of that. Ultimately I'd love to land a record deal and record something I'm really proud of and play shows across the world where the audience is one joyous, colossal choir.
