If rock ‘n’ roll had a family tree, Don’t Tell John would be somewhere near the roots and the crown; grounded in legacy, yet bursting with life. The Bay Area band, formed by brothers Mark and Jack Larkin, now includes the next generation of Larkins, with powerhouse vocalist Veronica and guitarist William adding a modern punch to a vintage soul-rock sound. With Eric Cretarolo on lead guitar and Jon Protass on percussion, the group blends gritty blues, groove-laden alt-rock, and soaring vocals that have drawn comparisons to Janis Joplin, Beth Hart, and even a female-fronted Soundgarden.
Following a string of well-received singles including ‘Jake’, ‘Grandad’, and ‘Hard Luck’, the band returns with ‘Again’, a track that feels as much like a personal reckoning as it does a rock anthem. With melancholic overtones and a sense of deep emotional resolve, it’s a song born out of reflection, first written on a family trip and now cemented as the first track they ever played live as Don’t Tell John. Recorded at their own Station House Studios, ‘Again’ marks a full-circle moment for a band built on connection to their roots, each other, and the cycles we all try to break.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I mean it kind of depends on who you ask, but Marc and Jack we started playing guitar and drums together when Jack was in grammar school I think the most interesting might be the first set of drums that Jack got for Christmas one year when like two days later, we were duct, tape and cardboard circles to the heads because he’d beat the crap out of them so bad… Good deal too cause it finally convinced our dad to buy him a kit.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Both generations of Larkin’s grew up around a blend of classic rock, soul, modern rock, and of course vintage Bay Area like Journey, the Doobie Brothers, stuff like that. But also musicals, standards, Jazz singers even opera you could say it was eclectic.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours. Every song on that record still teaches you something about tension, harmony, and heartbreak. It’s a masterclass in how to let emotion drive the arrangement.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
There’s a million! Tough to pick-maybe easier to pick records! Maybe The Sun King Medley - side two Abby Road?
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
It happens lots of ways - a warm up that turns into a jam or a groove that just feels right. Sometimes one of us has a few chords and Veronica or Mark find some lyrics…or someone comes in with a whole song. When we feel it, it becomes a thing. We try not overthink it.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Really getting into Family Music Company - man their blend of groove and soul is something else! Also spinning Lake Street Dive, Wet Leg, Marlon Funaki, and Flipturn.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
The Black Crowes. Full stop - tell us where!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Connection. With each other, with the audience…we love the way music connects people.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The algorithm, maybe…lol.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Be authentic, just be yourself and tell your own story.
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Don't Tell John's new single 'Again' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.