Today we’d like to introduce you to Larz Cabot.
Hi Larz, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I picked up a guitar at 15 years old and never put it down. I was fortunate in that I had the ability to become a decent player relatively quickly. Though neither of my parents were musicians there was a lot of music in my youth. My mother was a jazz dancer so I was exposed to all the greats growing up, from Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald to the Modern Jazz Quartet. My Dad was more of a folk rocker and he turned me on to Neil Young, CSN, the Allman Bros and more. My family moved from the midwest to Los Angeles CA where I graduated high school, formed a band and played around the area for over a decade. Eventually I left for Minneapolis MN after tiring of the LA scene and found myself reconnecting with my singer songwriter roots while still performing with several bands over the years. Then finally my Uncle in Michigan convinced me to come to the Traverse City area. He was having some health issues and needed a hand. My mother’s side of the family had been living all over MI for decades. I googled TC and wondered what I would do there for music in a town of 30,000 after living in a town of two million?! He assured me I would be surprised by the amount of live music, specifically during the tourist season. Well he was absolutely right and within a few years I found myself welcomed in to the local music community and eventually able to support myself playing full time in the area.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course like most artists I’ve had my share of ups and downs “paying dues”. Playing to nearly empty rooms for little or no money while holding down 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. I’ve also managed to come back from a couple major hand injuries to become an even more accomplished player. All of those challenges certainly made me a better musician and performer while giving me a real appreciation and respect for my craft, my peers and the art of making music.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I consider myself as much an entertainer as a musician and I pride myself on reading the room and engaging accordingly. Most of my venues are restaurants and bars so the crowds vary widely. Many times people are there to visit and talk with friends, in which case I am happy to provide a relaxing background soundtrack. On other occasions people are looking to engage and connect more directly with the live music experience and I do my best to match the energy and vibe they are seeking.
“My name is Larz and I play guitars!” I bring a variety of guitars to every gig; 12 and 6 string acoustics, a dobro and electric guitars as well. I utilize a looper for backing but try not rely to heavily on it, preferring to keep things authentic and spontaneous. I also make sure to pay strict attention to my sound quality and volume levels. Having worked in the service industry on and off my whole life I’m acutely aware of how exhausting it can be to have to shout over music in order to hear customers, which is frustrating for them when trying to talk to each other as well. I strive for a listenable sound that allows communication and conversation amongst everyone. We are all there to have a good time!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I have acted and had my music featured in several films over the years. Mainly smaller roles in fun independent horror movies that are available on Amazon, Hulu, etc.. “ The Fiance”, “Valentine DayZ” and “VapyrZ on a Boat”, to name a few The songs featured were written by me and recorded by former bands; The Spittin’ Cobras and Fuzzbuster. If you decide to check them out don’t blink or you’ll miss me!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Larz Cabot
- Facebook: Larz Cabot
