If you haven’t listened to Sons of an Illustrious Father and their sultry, hypnotizing ballad, “I Will Kill You in Your Sleep,” then you’re missing out. A raspy voice, bluesy guitar, and unique ‘heavy meadow/future folk’ sound make this Brooklyn trio a band to keep on the radar.
The band will perform at Mercury Lounge on the Lower East Side Monday, November 24th at 9:30pm. Tickets are $10 at the door, but completely worth it to see this up-and-coming group in a live setting, where the energy is sure to be electric.
The band’s enchanting female singer, Lilah Larson, is looking forward to the show for many reasons, one of which is the venue’s name. “Mercury is a very powerful planet—it rules communication, which makes the Mercury Lounge
seem to me to be a very apt location for a musical performance.”
AANY had a chance to catch up with Larson and chat about her raspy voice, the band’s new material, and Brooklyn:
What song are you most looking forward to playing on Monday?
I believe we’ll be playing a new song of Josh Aubin’s. One we just recorded up in Montreal with Howard Bilerman. It’s a gorgeous song—both my and Ezra’s favorite he’s ever written—about alienation in the digital age, among other things. We’re trying to integrate a lot of newer material into our set these days, which is refreshing and messy and scary and exciting.
Have you always had such a raspy voice?
Ha. I think so? I think probably my voice has actually gotten more smooth and melodious over time as I’ve taught myself how to actually use it. When I first started I’d just sort of speak sing or shout.
When did you know you wanted to become a singer/musician?
Honestly, I don’t remember not feeling that way. My father had an amazing record collection that was basically the centerpiece of my childhood. As early as I can remember I wanted to be Elvis and John Lennon and Kurt Cobain.
You’re based in Brooklyn. How do you feel that influences your music?
I think that anyone who lives in an urban space is probably affected by the abrasiveness of that experience and the malaise associated with estrangement from nature. So there’s definitely an angst that finds its way into our work. But there’s also something very vital about this city. For me, the really robust queer and activist communities are particularly inspiring. And I’m privileged enough to be able to access spaces like BAM and the Brooklyn Museum, where I’m able to consume such an incredible amount and high quality of cultural material.
Where do you draw inspiration from when you’re writing?
Oh, a great many places. Personal trauma. Bell hooks. Scripture. Riot grrrl.
What is the writing process like for you and the boys (bandmates Josh
Aubin and Ezra Miller)?
Generally we write the basic outlines of songs on our own and then bring them to each other and fill out, rework, and elaborate on them together. It’s very gratifying, to have two people you trust so much to bring this little piece of yourself to, and to have them intuitively understand and be able to push it further in a way still true to where you were initially coming from.
The Event:
Sons of an Illustrious Father
Monday November 24th – 9:30pm – $10 cover
Mercury Lounge – 217 E. Houston
