Country Rock Band Advocates for Sobriety

Published: June 19, 2023

Country Rock Band Advocates for Sobriety

By Movieguide® Contributor

Sisters Megan and Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe partnered with 1 Million Strong, an organization aimed to create awareness for addiction recovery.

The Grammy-nominated duo told Fox News Digital why they were so passionate about partnering with 1 Million Strong.

“We were really struck by the importance and the sincerity with which they approach advocacy for addiction and for recovery,” Rebecca Lovell stated. “Especially as musicians who tour within an industry that is disproportionately affected by addiction.”

“It just feels like a really natural fit for us to be able to join forces with people that we truly believe are doing excellent work,” she added.

Rebecca’s older sister, Megan, admitted her own struggles with mental health and the importance of being open and honest about the “troubles” faced within the music industry.

“Drawing people around you is really important because I think that if you feel alone and afraid, it can exacerbate your mental health issues,” Megan stated. 

She added, “And in really speaking openly with folks, you feel so much less alone — and it can actually really, really help.”

Larkin Poe put an emphasis on highlighting a human experience while on their tour and not creating a “parody experience of what it means to be a rock ‘n’ roll touring musician,” said Rebecca.

“We want connection. We want to put on really present shows … having constructive relationships, healthy relationships. That’s how we interpret our rock ‘n’ roll,” Rebecca stated. “That’s what feels rock ‘n’ roll to us.”

“And I think being willing to say that and not feel like you’re being like a ‘nerd’ or something … It can be very cool,” she concluded.

The duo then spoke on the topic of sobriety. Rebecca said that to embrace a sober lifestyle comes down to “living within your own truth.”

“We’ve toured for many years with many different people … at different stages in their own journey with sobriety or being in recovery,” she said.

“It really comes down, I think, to being able to know what’s good for yourself and to have a community where you can openly discuss, so that if you do have questions, or you are feeling pulled in different directions, to have a community with whom you can discuss and to not feel isolated,” Rebecca expressed.

While the duo attended the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, they stopped by the 1 Million Strong tent where sober minded individuals could hang out and support one another.

“People who were seeking a sober environment were able to have a safe space to exist in the greater context of the festival,” Rebecca said. “And that’s, I think, what we’re talking about — seeking inclusion for everybody on their many walks of life.”