IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Only The Poets
Since forming only a few years ago, Only The Poets have been painting a story of success as an up and coming band, one definitely worth keeping an eye and ear out for. Not only did their latest single “Waking in the Dark” garner more than 100,000 streams on Spotify in just a week, they landed a support spot to open for Louis Tomlinson (which unfortunately changed due to the pandemic). Nonetheless, they have toured extensively across the UK and Spain. Formed and based in Reading, England, Only The Poets showcases the charisma and dedication of Tommy Longhurst (lead vocals, guitar), Andy (Roo) Burge (bass, vocals), Clem Cherry (guitar, vocals), and Marcus Yates (drums, vocals). They released their first hit, “Ceasefire,” on February 20, 2017, followed by their catchy single, “Emotional,” a few months later on July 1. Since then, they have been gradually putting out new music, one song at a time, which have led up to the much-anticipated debut EP (exclusive pre-order bundles available). In the meantime, they are getting ready to share a new tune, “If You’d Only Try,” which will be out on July 10. They have performed at a handful of venues and festivals within the UK, including Scala in London, Also Known As in Banbury, and the Y Not? Festival in Pikehall.
Taking a break from music, Tommy generously contributed some of his time and thought to discuss the process and meaning behind the latest single “Waking in the Dark,” his dream gig, and what would be on his Nando’s plate.
Photo Credit: Jordan Logan
What’s the story behind the formation of Only The Poets?
I was a solo artist prior to being in the band. There’s a really famous festival right around the corner (Reading and Leeds) which I’ve been to loads of times. One year in particular, I was watching the bands and just fell in love with the idea of doing that. I was already performing as a solo artist at that point, and then I started writing songs with a band in mind. Our bass player, Roo, was actually in a band that I supported while I was a solo artist. I knew who he was and that he was a great bass player, and as soon as his band broke up, I asked him if he wanted to play with me because I wanted to start a band. We’ve had a few members come and go. It’s always guitarists and drummers—so weird. Marcus has been in the band for about 2 years. We have been playing shows as a full band since early 2017.
It’s nice to have somebody like Sam who is as hungry as we are and has the same vision on board. Without him, we wouldn’t have had half the success we have. He’s certainly paved the way for us, so shout out to Sam. He works ‘round the clock for us—he’s great.
What was the first instrument you started making music with?
Guitar. I took lessons when I was in year 4 of school, when I was 8 or 9. I did it for a term, so not properly. I got a guitar for my 16th birthday, and I’ve been self-taught since then. I just fell in love with playing it, and what made it so addictive for me was because I started songwriting. At this point, this was before I had envisioned the band. When I was 16, I remember writing my first song and just feeling proud of myself. It was a rubbish song, but you’ve got to start somewhere. Every single Poets song starts with me and my guitar.
You’re getting ready to release your debut EP in the fall. What has been the process of writing, recording, and/or producing it?
It’s been a strange process because of lockdown. We haven’t been able to do some of the things we would have liked to do, and have had to record vocals at home. We’ve been working in different households, too. It’s been a different kind of process, but it’s been really fun. All of the songs were written in the last 6 months, so it feels kind of like a fresh batch of music for us. It has been nice as well to be releasing songs that aren’t as old.
The EP is called Speak Out, and it’s all about just being really honest with how you feel and that if you’re ever messed around in any form of hardship, to make sure you have a voice. Due to a situation, my mental health was on the floor, so “Waking in the Dark” is about mental health awareness. It’s a song I’m hoping people gain some comfort from hearing. The EP is all about speaking out and being honest with yourself, and reaching out if you’re struggling and knowing that you’re not the only one struggling. There are a lot of people who struggle daily, and from my own experience, if you talk about it to people, you might feel better. Some people might not want to do that, but it makes me feel great as a musician to write or listen to a song, or a collection of ones. It was an initial reaction to everything that has been going on.
We’re tackling topics we’ve never talked about. The previous songs were about specific moments in my life, but we’ve never addressed a global health topic like mental health. I recorded it at the lowest I’ve ever been; the vocal you hear on it is the first time I had ever sung it. I wanted to make it real authentic, and I feel like it captured the emotion I was feeling then.
While on the road, what are some of your essential tour items?
Football. So good, hours of endless fun kicking around at the venue. Alcohol, obviously. Especially when you’re promoting your own shows. We’re very partial to a little pack of crisps or a cereal bar. You’ve got a lot to squeeze in. You get a chance to eat dinner, but there’s a lot to do before that.
Which artists are currently on your music radar?
Roo has been listening to Twenty One Pilots. They’re a brilliant band. There’s an artist over here called Sam Fender—he’s incredible and fantastic. I love Blossoms at the minute—they’ve got an incredible new song out. I listen to a lot of artists on Spotify, so I don’t always necessarily know who I’m listening to. I’ll go through phases, so like one day, I’ll be listening to indie and guitar music. I love Frank Ocean, Michael Jackson, Prince, and soul. I love Grime, like Stormzy, Boy Better Know, and Skepta. I’ve got a very vast music taste.
If you’re asking about what has inspired us, it would probably be 90’s Britpop with artists like Blur, Oasis, and The Cure. English sounding, lovely jangly guitar music. That’s what I’m most inspired by sonically.
What’s your 90s jam?
“Friday I’m in Love” by The Cure. That’s an absolute jam.
If you were to plan a dream gig, pick a city and venue to perform at, and a band to share the stage with.
Being from the UK, there’s a venue in London called Brixton Academy. It’s just got so much history, it’s very big, and we’ve watched our favorite bands there. If we get to Brixton, it would be incredible. It’d be pretty cool to share the stage with The Cure or Blur. Imagine having a beer with Damon Albarn before the show.
What’s your favorite food and/or restaurant in Reading?
I’m going to sound so basic, but we love Nando’s and Wagamama. Nothin’ really interesting, to be honest. Roo loves McDonald’s.
I will absolutely tell you my Nando’s order, with pleasure. Spicy food is not very good when you’re about to sing. You’re not really supposed to eat it; however, not on a gig day, it’s a hot bucket of chicken with PERi-PERi chips, spicy rice, a side of halloumi, and a bottomless drink. It comes out to about 17 quids (pounds) which isn’t cheap, but it’s glorious.
When we go to the States, I really want to try In-n-Out Burger because there’s apparently a lot of hype around that.
If there were a drink with the name “Only The Poets,” what would it consist of?
I feel it’s probably got loads of Red Bull because we have so much energy all the time. We all like gin. I’m not too big on what goes in a cocktail, but maybe gin and Red Bull. It would taste horrible like shit, but that would be a perfect description because we love gin and we’re very hyperactive.
What’s a question would you want to get asked in an interview, and what’s the response to it?
It’s always nice to be asked about the writing process. I really like talking about that. The beauty of songwriting is that there’s no right or wrong answer or way of doing it. It’s a really cool thing because everyone writes differently. I don’t get asked that very often, actually.
I do melody first every time. I’ve never written a song with the lyrics first. I’ll get a chord progression on the guitar, and then I’ll do some scatting. You sort of sing but like with no words. I’ll throw around vowel sounds without meaning, and then play it back. I’ll then start to sort of add lyrics to that.
Which Hogwarts house are you?
Slytherin—it’s a cool house. It’s not because I’m a snake or anything, or not a really good friend. The colors and the badge are just sick. I could just imagine Malfoy and myself just playing Quidditch. I get upset every time I finish reading it because I think to myself, Why isn’t this real? I’d love to go to Hogwarts. Shout out to Harry Potter as well because it has gotten me through really hungover days.
Roo’s definitely Ravenclaw. Marcus would probably be Gryffindor.
A tremendous thank you to Tommy and Only The Poets for the thoughtful responses, and to Sam for coordinating the interview!
Be sure to keep up with Only The Poets by following them on Twitter (@onlythepoetsuk) and Instagram (@onlythepoets), and liking them on Facebook (/onlythepoets)!