Bio
Justin Larkin is a singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist from Springfield, Missouri. Larkin has spent the last 15+ years performing across Midwestern America with various musical groups including Mood Ring Circus as well as a one-man band, all while honing in on a distinct & hearty blend of Roots, Soul & Rocknroll dubbed "Cosmic Ozarkana Music".
Larkin's roots in music began as a child listening to local "oldies 105.1" radio station that would introduce him to many of the songs he would go on to frequently perform. From the pop sensibilities of the Rolling Stones, Kinks, & Beach Boys, to the song-oriented storytelling of Paul Simon, Tom Petty & John Prine, with the emotive vocal abilities of Chris Cornell, Jeff Buckley & George Jones... boundless inspiration was found and eventually Larkin began to write original compostions and find his own voice.
Larkin began busking as a teenager, playing on street corners while traveling across America. Settling back home in the southern Missouri Ozarks, Larkin formed rocknroll band Mood Ring Circus in 2014. After many shows across the Midwest, the band set off for Cleveland, Ohio in 2017 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 around 2018, eventually modifying his suitcase with license plates to create a kick & snare sound. Paired with foot tambourines, a harmonica & an acoustic guitar, Larkin’s solo shows feature a genre-bending playlist of original material, covers & mash-ups all delivered with a full band energy, despite only being a one-man show.
In March of 2022, Justin Larkin released his long-awaited debut album, “Nowhere Is a Place”. Described as “12 Collaborations of Cosmic Ozarkana Music”, this record features contributions from a Wrecking Crew of the region’s best players. Each track includes a unique ensemble of accompaniment, with the intent to capture the sounds and spirit of music made with love from the Ozarks.
