Lauren Larson of Ume on guitars, grad school and Girls Rock

Fans are beginning to recognize Lauren Larson as the lead guitarist and singer of Ume, rather than the band’s merch girl.

Once concertgoers get over the fact that Larson has ovaries rather than testicles, they tend to quickly notice that she wields a fierce guitar. Her three-piece Austin band is heavy and has progressed into heavier territory (to Larson’s delight) since the band recruited its new drummer last year. The Pitch recently spoke with Larson and found how she inspires young women to rock in Austin, how she decided to stick with music rather than pursue a doctorate, and how Ume’s sound has changed over the years.