Danielle McTaggart has navigated a fascinating evolution from the early days of Dear Rouge and winning the Peak Performance Project to her evocative new solo venture, Larkk. We explore her roots in Red Deer , the transition from Christian music culture to the indie-rock scene , and the vulnerability of processing infertility and grief through songwriting. Danielle shares veteran insights on maintaining a full-time music career , the importance of creative control , and collaborating with poets to find a raw, mature voice.

ep41 Danielle McTaggart is Larkk
released April 23, 2026
1:16:24

Key Topics

• The importance and power of vulnerability in music and artistry
• Transitioning from band success to solo experimentation
• The influence of Christian roots and artistic grief on songwriting
• The evolving voice and style from Dear Rouge to Larkk
• The role of collaboration with poets and mental health in music creation
• The significance of intentional, curated live performances
• The challenge of navigating social media and attention in modern music
• The importance of mentorship and education opportunities in Canada

https://www.larkkmusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/larkkmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqGUgS1XUiEvWUqTVBAdcmA

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:04:22 Career Beginnings

00:07:04 Influences and Early Music

00:09:59 Transition to Indie Rock

00:19:04 Challenges in the Music Industry

00:21:29 Finding Joy in Music

00:37:39 Larkk's Creative Process

00:54:36 Writing with a Poet

00:57:51 The Meaning of Larkk

01:00:28 Post-Fame with Alexi