Pokey LaFarge shoulders the responsibility
Some people simply start by questioning reality. For Pokey LaFarge, spending an hour with him feels less like an interview and more like an invitation to step into a different era entirely. With his retrofitted look and timeless demeanor, he embodies a fascinating collision of history and the contemporary world, prompting observers to wonder if he is a time traveler or simply a master of artful illusion.
Born Andrew Heissler in 1983, LaFarge adopted the moniker “Pokey” as a playful nod to his slow-paced upbringing. This persona evolved into an aesthetic—pressed tweed, swing dance attire, and a musical sensibility steeped in retro-scooting sounds—that perfectly mirrors his deep appreciation for the bygone era.
Yet, the mystery surrounding LaFarge is only half the story. He is a man whose life is deeply rooted in tangible work. Two years ago, he and his wife, Addie Hamilton, made a deliberate move to Maine, seeking space to figure out their lives. Far from chasing the neon lights of a typical music scene, LaFarge embraced the ancient rhythm of the land. He farmed for a season, immersing himself in the oldest profession in the world, sowing flowers like dianthus and marigolds, and cultivating vegetables like carrots and squash. This hands-on experience wasn’t just physical; it became the source material for his music.
This connection between manual labor and melody is palpable in his work. Songs like Rhumba Country weave narratives that echo the twelve-hour shifts spent tilling the land, suggesting that the rhythm of the earth dictated the rhythm of his art. LaFarge sees a profound link between working with the soil and the first art form—a form where seeds become colors and contours.
Lately, LaFarge has been reflecting on the concept of the past, using historical epochs like the Roaring Twenties and the post-war boom as a mirror to current struggles. This reflection fuels his songwriting, particularly on his album Rent Money. The record serves as a poignant commentary on the relentless pace of modern life, grappling with the impossible pursuit of wealth and the feeling that we are constantly chasing an unattainable “American dream.”
He dissects the modern obsession with acquiring “stuff,” observing that the desire for more—whether money or possessions—is an endless cycle. This theme is explored brilliantly in tracks on the album, where he questions the pursuit of material gain and advocates for a simpler existence, suggesting that true contentment lies in valuing what we already have.
Despite this social commentary, the album is overflowing with genuine joy. It wraps these weighty themes in a blanket of community and family, celebrating the power of connection through tracks that evoke the warmth of shared experience.
LaFarge’s journey is also one of relentless curiosity. Whether researching the history of rockabilly, diving into the world of jazz, or exploring the sounds of global music, he stresses that embracing curiosity is the key to finding truth. He champions the idea that by looking back and acknowledging the vast cultural tapestry we have created—from the blues and jazz to reggae and cumbia—we find the most powerful voice for our culture.
Ultimately, Pokey LaFarge offers a lesson: embracing the rhythm of the past and the dignity of honest labor doesn’t just offer nostalgia; it provides a pathway to a more grounded, meaningful present.
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