24.08.2024
Interview and photo by Uchechi Adeboye, transcribed by Naomi Esezobar
From local beginnings to taking the stage at one of the UK’s most iconic music festivals, Only The Poets’ journey is one of growth and dedication. With a steady rise in popularity across Europe, they are quickly becoming a force in the indie music scene. I sat down with Tommy Longhurst, Clem Cherry, Andy Burge (Roo), and Marcus Yates ahead of their performance to discuss their festival experience, the evolution of their sound, and what lies ahead.
Reflecting on performing at Reading, Tommy shared how meaningful it is to play at such an iconic festival. “It’s nice to have Leeds first, then have the gap to enjoy some music, do some interviews, and soak in the festival before playing tomorrow. Being from Reading makes this feel really special,” he said. The band formed in Reading, and playing at a festival of this scale feels like a significant milestone. “We call it ‘Fest’ because we’re from here, but when you take a step back, it really is like wow, this is a world-famous festival.”
“We’re really excited to be doing the Festival Republic stage, a bigger stage this year. It feels like a natural progression since we did the BBC Introducing stage last year,” Tommy explained. The group is already setting their sights on future goals, with hopes of one day opening on the Main Stage.
When asked about the origin of their name, Tommy revealed, “We want our show to feel inclusive, like poetry. ‘Only the Poets’ just felt fitting—we’re building a community and giving people a place to escape. Plus, it sounds cool.” The band laughed as they recalled some less fortunate name ideas from the past, like “Fents,” a suggestion they’re glad didn’t stick.
The band’s songwriting process is deeply personal, often focusing on navigating emotions and life experiences. “Our songs are about dealing with relationships and just living, really. Being honest in your songwriting makes it more relatable,” Tommy explained. This authenticity resonates with their fans, who often share how much the music has helped them through tough times, and with the band gaining a reputation for the close bonds they foster with their fanbase.
Pre-show rituals are a big part of their routine. Roo shared, “We religiously give each other high fives before every show—it’s a must.” The band also has a pre-show playlist, with the Bee Gees’ “Staying Alive” being a favourite to get them in the right mood before hitting the stage.
Touring across Europe has helped Only The Poets build a dedicated fanbase. They recalled a memorable fan interaction in Copenhagen where the entire crowd turned their backs on them as a prank, leaving the band confused and amused. “Fair play to the 700 people in the room who managed to organise it,” Tommy laughed.
Fan dedication has reached new heights, with some even getting tattoos inspired by the band. “It’s surreal, but we love hearing how much our music means to people. We never take that for granted,” Tommy reflected.
Looking ahead, the band is excited about their future. “We’ve been working on a lot of new music,” Marcus hinted. Tommy added, “We’re always working six to nine months ahead, and it’s exciting to think about what’s coming next. Next year is going to be big.”
When asked to describe their music in terms of colour, the band suggested teal blue and vibrant pink, with Tommy humorously bowing out due to being colour blind. They ultimately agreed their music could be represented by a multi-colored palette, reflecting its diversity and vibrancy.
Before wrapping up, I asked the band for song recommendations. “Check out ‘Find Your Own’ by Humble the Great,” Tommy suggested. Roo added, “There’s a song called ‘Calling After Me’ by Wallows.” The band also shared their love for pop star Sabrina Carpenter, with Roo recommending her track “Please, Please, Please,” and we all agreed that they’d make an amazing opener for her upcoming tour.
Only The Poets are a band on the rise, and with their heartfelt lyrics, energetic performances, and dedication to make sure their fans feel safe and heard, their future looks incredibly bright. Keep an eye out for their upcoming releases and be sure to catch them on tour—you won’t want to miss it.
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