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Larkin Poe’s Electric Roots Rock Ignites Railbird Festival 2025

By Larry Philpot on June 17, 2025

The late afternoon sun glowed over Lexington’s Red Mile on May 31, 2025, as Larkin Poe stormed the Elkhorn Stage. Their 4:15 p.m. set at the Railbird Festival was a jolt of roots rock, blending blues, soul, and Southern grit. Consequently, the crowd, now thick with festivalgoers, roared as the sister duo unleashed their raw energy. For an hour, Rebecca and Megan Lovell, born in Georgia, owned the stage, proving why they’re a force in modern rock.

File Photo: Larkin Poe and their band performs in Lexington Kentucky at the Railbird Festival on May 31, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Their performance was a fiery mix of slide guitar and soulful vocals. For instance, they kicked off with “Preachin’ Blues,” its gritty riff setting the tone. Meanwhile, Rebecca’s powerhouse voice carried a fierce edge, matched by Megan’s searing lap steel. Their band—tight and dynamic—kept the rhythm pounding, with Kevin McGowan’s drums driving the beat. Moreover, “Bad Spell” had fans dancing, its infectious groove sparking cheers. By the time they closed with “Bolt Cutters & the Family Name,” the crowd was electric, shouting for an encore.

From Georgia to Global Stages

Larkin Poe is led by sisters Rebecca Lovell (born January 30, 1991) and Megan Lovell (born May 12, 1989), raised in Calhoun, Georgia. Music was their lifeblood early on; their parents, a doctor and a teacher, played folk records at home. Rebecca, at 15, picked up guitar, inspired by her grandfather’s blues tapes. Megan, meanwhile, fell for lap steel after hearing a street musician’s slide. As teens, they formed the Lovell Sisters with older sister Jessica, playing bluegrass and folk. Consequently, their early gigs at local festivals shaped their rootsy sound.

The Lovell Sisters disbanded in 2010, but Rebecca and Megan regrouped as Larkin Poe, named after their great-great-grandfather. By 2013, they’d moved to Nashville, leaning into blues-rock with their debut EP, Spring. For example, their 2018 album Venom & Faith broke through, earning critical praise and streams. Since then, they’ve toured with Elvis Costello and opened for The Rolling Stones, blending Southern soul with modern rock. Their 2020 album Self Made Man cemented their rise, showcasing their songwriting and instrumental chops.

Bands and Bandmates

Larkin Poe is the primary project for Rebecca and Megan, though they started in the Lovell Sisters. Their current lineup includes:

Rebecca Lovell – lead vocals, guitar
Megan Lovell – lap steel, vocals
Kevin McGowan – drums
Tarka Lay – bass

They’ve collaborated with artists like Tyler Bryant, Rebecca’s husband, and Keith Urban, joining him on tour in 2018. Meanwhile, their work with producer T Bone Burnett on Venom & Faith drew headlines for its raw sound. As for relationships, Rebecca’s marriage to Bryant, a rock musician, has been noted, but it’s stayed low-drama. The sisters keep personal lives private, focusing on their music and tight bond.

Television, Film, and Awards

Larkin Poe’s media presence is strong for a roots act. They performed on Conan in 2018, delivering “Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues” with swagger. Additionally, their music appeared in the 2020 Netflix series Outer Banks, with “Bad Spell” underscoring a chase scene. For awards, they’ve racked up accolades. They won a 2021 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album for Self Made Man. Moreover, they were nominated for Grammys in 2019 and 2023 for Venom & Faith and Blood Harmony. In 2022, they took home the Americana Music Award for Duo/Group of the Year. While not yet in any halls of fame, their trajectory suggests future honors.

Biggest Songs

Larkin Poe’s tracks shine on streaming platforms and festival stages, with a few standing out:

“Bad Spell” – Written by Rebecca and Megan Lovell, this 2022 track from Blood Harmony has millions of streams for its fiery blues.
“Holy Ghost Fire” – Penned by the Lovell sisters, this 2020 single from Self Made Man became a live-show anthem.
“Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues” – Also written by the sisters, this 2018 song from Venom & Faith earned radio play and fan love.

Controversies

Larkin Poe has mostly dodged major scandals, keeping their focus on music. However, in 2020, they faced mild backlash after a social media post supporting Black Lives Matter was seen by some fans as “too political.” The sisters responded calmly, reaffirming their stance on equality without escalating the debate. Consequently, the issue faded quickly, with most fans praising their authenticity. Otherwise, their clean image and work ethic keep them out of tabloid headlines, letting their music lead.

The Railbird Fire

At Railbird, Larkin Poe turned the Elkhorn Stage into a rock revival. Their set was a high-octane blend of blues and soul. For instance, “Preachin’ Blues” showcased Megan’s slide work, her lap steel howling under the Kentucky sky. Meanwhile, Rebecca’s vocals in “Holy Ghost Fire” hit like a lightning bolt, earning roars from the crowd. The band’s energy was relentless; McGowan’s drums pounded while Lay’s bass kept the groove tight.

Their stage setup was straightforward—guitars, lap steel, and a small amp—but it delivered big. As a result, the crowd, a mix of rock fans and festival regulars, was all in, dancing and snapping photos. During “Bad Spell,” Rebecca’s banter about their Georgia roots got cheers, especially from Southern fans. Moreover, their cover of Son House’s “Preachin’ Blues” paid homage to the blues, grounding their modern sound in tradition.

Yet, the set had a small snag. A guitar string snapped during “Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues,” but Rebecca swapped instruments smoothly, joking about “battle scars.” Additionally, the late afternoon slot meant some fans were still navigating food lines, missing the opener. Nevertheless, the packed crowd was hooked, shouting along to “Bolt Cutters & the Family Name.” By the end, the Elkhorn Stage was alive, with fans buzzing about the sisters’ chemistry.

Larkin Poe’s Railbird performance was a Day 1 highlight, blending raw talent with Southern charm. For example, their storytelling between songs—about late-night jams and family ties—felt personal, drawing the crowd closer. Meanwhile, their music hit hard, balancing grit with polish. Consequently, they proved why they’re festival favorites, commanding the stage with ease. Their set was a spark that lit up the festival, leaving fans eager for more.

As they left the stage, the crowd lingered, swapping stories about Megan’s slide solos and hunting for band merch. Their performance showed why Railbird thrives on diverse sounds. Larkin Poe brought fire, heart, and soul, making the Elkhorn Stage their own. As a result, their music echoed across the infield, a bold reminder of their rising star. The Kentucky sunset seemed to burn brighter as their final notes faded.