July 23rd, 2011 is a day singer-songwriter Larkly will always remember. Not only was it her birthday, but it was also the day her biggest idol died: Amy Winehouse. “I always hoped for a happy ending for her. I was shocked when I heard, she had died,” Larkly says. Larkly thought a lot about what would have been, if Amy Winehouse had never gotten famous. If she had been just a singer who performed in jazz clubs and not a superstar,. That’s how she came to write the song “Just Amy.” In the track, Larkly’s voice presents fragility. The instrumentation reminds the listener of a classic Bond song, a feature of her last single “Down with My Dress,” while always keeping it’s melancholic vibe.
The song was released on July 19th and the music video is out on July 23rd. The video by director Maja Leuschen portrays Larkly in a 1960s setting. While she is singing, a storm starts and everything around her falls apart in slow motion, but she doesn’t seem to notice it at all.
Larkly is a singer-songwriter based in Germany. She is releasing her first four singles in 2024. Larkly has been singing for most of her life while also working as a filmmaker for documentaries. A few years ago, she decided, it was time to publish her own music and finished up some songs she had been working on for years.
Larkly has been influenced by jazz/pop singers such as Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones and Katie Melua. That is why she feels most comfortable in the English language. Her songs are about her own experiences, growing self-confidence and empowerment. She chose to name herself after a lark because she thinks they have a lot in common. Larkly loves the morning hours to be creative and she also likes the idea of a tiny bird with a large voice.
My review: This song is more sombre than the last release from Larkly, perhaps due to the subject matter. It reminded me a little of Britney Spears “Everytime” with the idea of the lost star facing the cameras while dying inside—that moment of standing with the cameras flashing while there is total turmoil inside. The chorus is hypnotic and benefits from a second playthrough. Larkly delivers a second jazz infused track. This one is less swinging than her first single, it is more late night listening, where the first single was mid-evening at the club. Larkly is a very talented jazz vocalist and I look forward to hearing more.
As a finishing point, to keep us improving the magazine, we really do need your support, and if you can go to the ‘Support Us’ button and buy us a coffee, it helps us feel appreciated and keep improving the magazine. We also have our merchandise shop, Lorraine, looking great in the gear! Read on, check out our many great features and reviews, and do bookmark us on your pages!
You can stream singles by Larkly here.
By Lorraine Foley.
Video:
Director: Maja Leuschen
Camera: Imanuel Spiegel
Styling: Isabell Niederländer
With help from: Hamza Alpoguz, Timo Pape, Luca Hall,
Music and lyrics: Larkly & Paul Köninger
Production: Kla&Bauter Musikproduktion