Van Larkins - Guitarist

Composer, Performer, Teacher

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10 Reviews
Van Larkins - Guitarist on SoundBetter

Hire one of Australia's best modern acoustic guitarists now based in Nashville! Van Larkins is Signed to Candyrat Records USA and creates unique melodies, hooks and acoustic rhythms.

Specialising in Acoustic, Electric and Bass Guitar, Van Larkins is a leader in his field and an accomplished composer signed to Candyrat Records in the USA. Van has worked with industry professionals such as Antonio Vargas, Phil Emmanuel, Antoine Dufour and Trace Bundy. Having moved from Australia to Nashville, Van is eager to work and connect with musicians, producers and content creators around the globe.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

10 Reviews

Endorse Van Larkins - Guitarist
  1. Review by Sean R.
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    I was taught by Van Larkins for two years and I learnt so much off him. He was so knowledgeable in his approach to teaching me and guiding me through my musical journey. If I ever had a question about music in any way he always seemed to know the answer. He helped me really fall in love with the guitar, by encouraging me to explore the guitar and various genres rather than just teaching me set songs from a book.

    Sean Rosney, 13 years old.

  2. Review by JohnR Wright
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    by JohnR Wright

    Van is the real deal. I have known him since he began his truly professional career and he is as he appears the man, the sincerity and the music. He is unique both in his playing and his compositions as well as his interpretations. He seriously cares about people and about the music... not taking himself too seriously in the process. He is a joy to work with. He dignifies the term "Artist".

  3. Review by Kaj Totoro
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    by Kaj Totoro

    I've worked with Van over the years and have always found him to be totally professional on every level. He listens and is eager to test new ground. He's definitely one of the best guitarists on the planet at the moment and his compositions and innovations are up there with the greats. He's also a wonderful human being.

  4. Review by Garry Smith
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    by Garry Smith

    I've used Van Larkins both in the studio and in live presentations, and he's not just an amazing guitarist, he's a good communicator and nice guy as well! He is also a good collaborator, and while confident with his ideas, is always open to suggestions and is easy to work with.

    Garry Smith
    Composer/Producer
    Jamhouse Creative
    Director
    Americana Music Tours

  5. Review by Anne May Sirois
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    by Anne May Sirois

    Owen Van Larkins is an outstanding player who doesn't seem to be influenced by anyone else, as his music is quite unique. A consummate guitarist, I highly recommend that you give him a listen, I'm sure you will agree that he is quite innovative and different.

  6. Review by Pix Mason
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    by Pix Mason

    Van Larkins has been a force and an asset to my Studio over the past 15 years, I first started recording with him when he was just starting out as a professional when just 15 years old and have watched him grow and develop in ways that surpass all of the high expectations I had of him. His guitar playing is second to none, but it is his compositional skills which continue to leave my jaw on the floor. A truely magical and unique musician and performer
    Pix Vane Mason
    Owner at Pix Records
    Conondale Queensland Australia

  7. Review by Colin Crosbie
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    by Colin Crosbie

    Owen Van Larkins is a super talented, creative, melodic finger picking style guitarist. Thoroughly entertaining & inspiring as well as a genuinely good man I'm glad to know.

  8. Review by Carolyna Lovely
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    by Carolyna Lovely

    Van Larkins is a fabulously talented composer, player, and performer. In the five years I’ve been watching he’s moved from eager-with-huge potential, to an absolute professional. A lot of good fingerstyle guitarists know how to fill in a piece - the really good ones know when to leave it out, use the silence. You can hear a great deal in the moments that Van leaves silent. Vans work is a pleasure to listen to. He, as a person, is kind and honest and dedicated to whatever project he is involved with.
    It’s my pleasure to endorse, Van Larkins.
    Carolyna Lovely
    Pollyanna Publishing

  9. Review by Del Vezeau- Director Canadian Guitar Festival
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    by Del Vezeau- Director Canadian Guitar Festival

    I’ve seen great progress in Van’s Work since 2011 when he first appeared at the festival, and recently just having stopped by Kingston for an impromptu performance at a local club. His technique is impeccable but more importantly, it in service of the composition. The expressed ideas in ‘Outback Storm’ rivet the listener fast to the seat; nothing cute or trite, he paints in colour.

  10. Review by Gina Mendello
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    by Gina Mendello

    Van Larkins is a great guitarist, composer, and arranger. He is diligent and comprehensive in his work, and a really super nice guy on top of all that talent. I highly recommend him for any project you might have that would suit his skills.

Interview with Van Larkins - Guitarist

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: My last album "Cinder Moon" recorded in Australia, Mastered in Canada and released through my label in America.

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: Guitar play through/tuition series

  5. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  6. A: Analogue hardware + Digital recording, best of both worlds

  7. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  8. A: Quality and accuracy

  9. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  10. A: Travelling and performing to different crowds every week

  11. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  12. A: Why do you have so many pick-ups? Answer: So that every part of the guitar is alive

  13. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  14. A: Fingerstyle is a technique based genre, so there are no restrictions when it comes to genre

  15. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  16. A: What is the final product you imagine, and where do you want to go with it?

  17. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  18. A: Listen to their past work, read the references and google them!

  19. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  20. A: Guitar, multi effects, Headphones, stereo recorder and a hat

  21. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  22. A: Performer/Composer of 15 years, my path so far has lead me to Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand

  23. Q: How would you describe your style?

  24. A: Fingerstyle Guitar

  25. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  26. A: Less is more

  27. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  28. A: Instrumental arrangements

  29. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  30. A: Composition

  31. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  32. A: Unique guitar playing, original ideas and excitement

  33. Q: What's your typical work process?

  34. A: Listen-arrange-transcribe-finalise

  35. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  36. A: Stereo condenser microphones and a stereo live sound from my pre-amps, stereo delay and reverb. My guitars are made from the best materials and are loaded with 3 pickups in each one, including LR Baggs and K&K Brands.

  37. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  38. A: Live performance, collaboration and guitar tuition.

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Van Larkins - Cinder Moon

I was the composer and performer in this production

GenresSounds Like
  • Andy McKee
  • Tommy Emmanuel
  • Antoine Dufour
Gear Highlights
  • Endorsed by Guitar Pro Software
  • LR Baggs Pickups
  • K&K Pickups
  • Elixir Strings
  • G7th Capos
  • Chatelier Guitars and Kallquist Guitars (Australia)
More Photos
More Samples