Larissa Rook is a singer-songwriter residing outside of Austin, Texas. She is also a breast cancer survivor and much of her music reflects her experience as a cancer survivor. Her new song “exit” manages to touch on several themes in under it’s short less than 3 minutes. Yes, it can be considered a song about being a cancer survivor. But it is also about figuring out when to walk away from people, places or things that no longer suit you. And, at it’s core, it is a love song.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Larissa Rook, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
As a small child, I loved my parents' record collection. Fleetwood Mac, the Beatles, Bobbi Gentry. They were my favorites. As a toddler, I would record myself singing into a cassette tape recorder. I remember trying to sing “Get Back” by the Beatles. I didn’t know the words so I just made stuff up. Wonder if my mom still has that tape somewhere?
I got my first guitar in middle school. Took some lessons but wasn't t interested in theory. I just wanted to learn chords. Chords so I could accompany myself singing. In High School, I got a used upright accoustic piano. Again, wasn't interested in lessons or theory. I just figured out how to play guitar chords on the piano. And still do this today.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
I am a SAHM (stay at home mom). So I squeeze my songwriting/recording into the hours when my kiddo is at school. It can be challenging especially if I am recording and don't have "the take" by the time I have to leave for school pick-up. But I listen to mixes in the car on the way.
Sometimes, though, I find these time constraints a positive thing. It channels my energy into parameters. It keeps me focused.
Your latest release is 'exit'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
In 2021, I suddenly lost my hearing in my left ear. It was so frightening. Along with the hearing loss, I had extreme vertigo. Listening to music became disorienting and painfull. I spent about 6 months in treatment to regain hearing. I needed to find a different route for my creative energy during this time. I didn't care if it would produce anything salvageable. I just wanted an outlet. So, I decided to play around with the Garageband App that was on my iPad. I found that if I wore headphones and adjusted levels, I could tolerate working music in Garageband while my hearing was coming back. Plus, it was fun! I had never worked with drum loops before.
At first, I was just learning how to use the App. How to edit, record, etc. So, I recorded a cover of "C'mon Billy" by P J Harvey for fun. I shared it with my IG and FB followers. They seemed to like it so I put it out as a single. I did a few more cover song singles like this: "A Beautiful Thing" by the Handsome Family, and "Thirteen" by Big Star. I thought it might be fun to cover a few of my own songs using the parameters of the Garageband App. So I recorded "crocus and the daisies" which I released as a b-side to an orginal single I put out last year called "it's been a year". And I also chose my song"exit". But I held off finishing it as I went ahead and released a few other cover songs in the meanwhile. "kim smoltz" by ween. and "rhiannon" by fleetwood mac.
Where did you get the inspiration for this EP?
I wrote this song when I was living in St Louis during my first bout with cancer. After the initial treatment ended. After all the hooplah died down. After chemo and radiation. People are so kind during times of need. People love to help. But after they leave, things get quiet. And life is supposed to go back to "normal". But normal isn't normal anymore. I was left feeling bitter and pissed off. I kind of hated everything and everyone at the time. The working title for this song when I would rehearse it with Wormwood Scrubs was "FU St Lou". I wanted to escape and run off with my man (then boyfriend/now husband) far away and start again. The song, at it's heart, is really a love song.
How long did you work on the 'exit'? Was it an easy process for you?
I began working on it while I was healing my hearing at the end of 2021. I put it on hold to release my other singles. And I came back to it in second half of 2022. I decided I wanted to have three versions. One original, one radio friendly, and one instrumental. I had to mix them all separately so it took a bit of time. But another positive part of recording on an iPad,was I could take it anywhere with me. I could even bring it with me to the library or for coffee while I was waiting for my kiddo to be done with class or afterschool activities.
How do you know when a work is finished?
I never know for sure. As a solo and self-produced artist, I tend to record lots of tracks. And then I strip them down over time. I do this with lyrics too. I write a bunch and then peel away the outer layers until it is just the core. I want people to come away with a feeling. An emotion. Sometimes, it isnt' even important if the listener knows what the meaning ia behind the song is. I want them to know the emotion.
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
I have played all over the place. Have shared the stage with some amazing people. Been the opening act for some of my favorite artists: the Creatures (with Siouxsie!!!!!), the Handsome Family, the Black Diamond Heavies, Dido, Joe Pernice, and the Detroit Cobras. But I have to say my best was probably the show I played last.
I was asked to play the anniversary show for Gold Dust, my favorite local apothecary and boutique. I had the honor of playing the songs of Stevie Nicks, outside in beautiful downtown Wimberley Square, on a bed of rose petals, in front of a handpainted mural of Stevie, with insense burning and champagne flowing. And with my favorite people in attendance.
And my last show because... I like to think I get better with age. That I am fine tuning my craft. That I am always evolving. And that I am more open and comfortable in my own skin.
How do you find yourself in the music business? When you started out in music, did you know it would be like this?
As a teenager, I was writing songs on an accoustic guitar or piano. I had no idea how to get them out in the world except to play them live at shows. My parents saved up money and booked studio time for me as a present when I graduated High School. It seemed so hard. So expensive. Such a lofty goal... being able to record songs back then.
And today, I was able to record a song using my iPad (a computer that fits in my purse!) and release it as a single that gets played on radio stations today is crazy. I could not have imagined it. But I did imagine that I would be making music. I knew no matter what, I would be making music.
Today, I love being able to record my own songs from home and share them with the world. A few years ago I put out my first self-recorded solo album called "solipsism is lonely". It helped me get through a rough time when I found out my cancer had returned. Being able to share the songs across multiple streaming platforms is so rewarding. I hope I can reach other survivors and help them feel not so alone.
Who is your favourite musician?
I simply can't choose just one!!! They all have different places in my heart. Stevie Nicks, Bobby Gentry and Billie Holiday, Loretta Lynn, Siouxie Sioux, Annabell Lwin, Jarvis Cocker, Florence Welch, Tom Waits, Mitski, Damon Albarn, Tori Amos, Erykah Badu, and Amanda Palmer.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan on writing and recording more music forever. I always have songs in the oven. Now that I can hear in stereo once more, I plan returing to my home studio. I love writing and recording with my Nord Electro keyboard. I missed working with her when I was using Garageband.. The Nord is like a second voice covering parts I cannot sing. I swear she lives and breathes.
And I recently launched my own Patreon. It is a space for me to release live videos, cover songs, behind the scenes material, and whatnot. I love it it over there. I do all my own videos, including the performance, filming and editing. It is so much fun. I can try new things. Be brave. This year I will be facing my fear of... clowns. Spoiler Alert! ;-)