Taking it easy on a Sunday, something nice and gentle for you – the Irish lilt of Lilla Vargen…
Simple things first – where are you from?
I am from a little town called Ballymena in the north of Ireland.
How long have you been playing as a solo act?
It’s been just over 3 years. I did this alongside working a full time job for a while until I was able to do it full time!
What are your influences?
I love so many genres so it’s hard to ever get across all of my influences. But I’d say artists I love would be: Joni Mitchell, Carole King, The Beatles, Bon Iver, Kacey Musgraves, Roy Orbison, Bombay Bicycle Club.. the list goes on and on!
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
I’d say the honesty in my music and how relatable my songs are – from the feedback I I’ve gotten I think makes me unique. I always try to make sure that there is real honestly at the core of everything I do.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
A lot of my music is about love and loss.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
I’ve lost count now! So many, the tour with Dermot Kennedy last year was around 30 dates and that was in just under 2 months. My live show is all about setting a scene and making a connection with people. I love use of colour and I’m obsessed with making sure the sound is right. And when I have the opportunity I love doing shows in slightly different venues – basically I love making it a special event for everyone who comes along.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
Well this isn’t that wild but I played at the 3arena in Dublin at the end of last year and the crowd got so behind me. They lit up the torches on their phones (12,000 people) and it made me so emotional that I started to cry! I could barely sing the song and they just kept screaming for me. It was an amazing moment.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
I’m a sucker for fender guitars and amps and I love a nord stage piano! You really can’t go wrong!
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
My rescheduled October tour dates! So excited for this tour and can’t wait to see everyone. I’m also working on a lot of new music and can’t wait to share it with you all.
What are your plans for 2020?
Keep writing, try to be positive and planning the most amazing shows for October!
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
I would love to be opening for Bon Iver and I’d love Oddnesse to open for me (she’s an LA based artist – listen to ‘I Used To’ you’ll thank me later!)
