Pokey LaFarge Combines New and Old in His Latest Release, Manic Revelations

The retro virtuoso Pokey LaFarge uses his classic sound to express everyday blues.

Combining new and old, singer-songwriter Pokey LaFarge channels contemporary and personal issues into his latest release, Manic Revelations. Illinois-born and St. Louis-based, LaFarge’s visual and musical style is a throwback to 1920s-30s Americana spiced with hints of swing and soul; a sonic scrapbook of bygone genres.

Debuting over 10 years ago, LaFarge has since collaborated with Jack White and produced a total of eight studio albums, two of which won Independent Music Awards for Best Americana Album. In addition, Manic Revelations won an Ameripolitan Music Award in 2017. His classic crooner voice contrasts with the modern issues he sings about, creating pleasant anachronisms relating to today’s audience: besides romantic struggles, greater societal issues concerning the media, gender and race are tackled – in particular, the Ferguson riots of 2014.

Retelling everyday struggles in couplets and descriptive action, LaFarge sings the blues for the 21st century.