Katie Harkin (born 12 April 1986) is an English musician and songwriter, originally from Leeds, England.[1] She was the vocalist and guitarist for Sky Larkin[2] and a touring member with Courtney Barnett, Sleater-Kinney and Wild Beasts. She has since released two solo albums under the name Harkin.[3]
Career
Harkin was a founding member of Sky Larkin from 2005 to 2014, performing guitar, keyboards and vocals while acting as the band's main songwriter.[4] She formed the band while attending university with her childhood friend Nestor Matthews.[5] The group released two singles on Dance To The Radio[6] and three albums on Wichita Recordings.[7]
Beginning in 2015, she was a touring member of Sleater-Kinney, appearing on their live album Live in Paris.[9]
In 2016, Harkin worked with Waxahatchee on their album Out in the Storm, performing on the album and also contributing to some of the songwriting process.[10] She also toured with Flock of Dimes.[11]
In 2017, Harkin toured with Kurt Vile and Courtney Barnett in their backing band to promote their album Lotta Sea Lice.[12][13] She also soundtracked British comedian Josie Long's podcast All Of The Planet's Wonders Shown In Detail the same year.[14]
In 2018, Harkin toured with Barnett in her backing band in the US and Europe to promote her album Tell Me How You Really Feel.[15]
On 24 April 2020 Harkin released her first solo album, Harkin.[16] Her second album, Honeymoon Suite, was released in June 2022 on her own Hand Mirror label.[17]
Personal life
Harkin married Kate Hewett in 2020. The couple have a daughter, Tess Harkett. Their first daughter, Alba Harkett, was stillborn in January 2023.[18][19]
