Mary Lattimore (Big Ears Festival performer)

About this episode

Mary Lattimore discusses her unique approach to harp music and her upcoming performance at the Big Ears Festival.

A harpist since childhood–as well as the daughter of one–Mary Lattimore’s choice of instrument reveals the simple beauty it contains, transcending the stereotype of it being strictly for use in classical music or as flourishes in movie soundtracks. Her ability to cut straight to the heart in her compositions works the same trick, not relying on the standard glissandos often employed by traditional players, but simply reducing the instrument to its essence. Her most recent release is a duet with Julianna Barwick, Tragic Magic , and came out in January of 2026. The duo will perform at this year’s Big Ears Festival in Knoxville in March of 2026. Hear how songs by Debussy, The Cure, and Sonic Youth guided her musical path. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Guest: Mary Lattimore

Topics covered

• harp music
• composition
• Big Ears Festival
• musical influences
• modern music

Keywords

• Mary Lattimore
• harpist
• Tragic Magic
• Big Ears Festival
• musical influences

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Big Ears Festival

Books & works: Tragic Magic, Debussy, The Cure, Sonic Youth

Places: Knoxville

More episodes of Essential Tremors

• Tom Skinner (The Smile, Sons of Kemet) (Live at Big Ears 2026) · June 7, 2026 · 34 min
• Shahzad Ismaily (w/guest host Fred Frith) (Live at Big Ears 2026) · April 29, 2026 · 36 min
• Kramer (Big Ears Festival performer) · March 23, 2026 · 40 min
• Joe Boyd (Big Ears Festival participant) · January 24, 2026 · 47 min
• Tara Clerkin Trio (Big Ears Festival performer) · December 31, 2025 · 38 min
• The Beths · December 19, 2025 · 48 min