- Words Notion Staff
Only The Poets talk entering a new era, who’s on their playlists and where they want to take their music next ahead of two sold-out shows in New York.
Only The Poets are gearing up for a defining moment in their career. Following a standout 2024 that saw them amass millions of streams, headline sold-out shows across the UK and Europe, and share the stage with Yungblud, the Reading-based quartet return with their latest single, ‘I Keep On Messing It Up.’ More than just a release, the track marks a significant new era, where the band reach a new level of emotion and reliability that their fans have yet to experience. It’s also the band’s first under Capitol Records UK and Republic in the US, and signals a bold shift sonically.
Written by frontman Tommy Longhurst during a period of self-reflection after a breakup, the song explores themes of self-sabotage and personal growth. Despite its introspective lyrics, the track pulses with energy, blending ‘80s-inspired guitars, buoyant keys, and an infectious hook. Tommy co-wrote the song with Reading-born producer DanDlion, rekindling a creative partnership from his early songwriting days. Co-produced by Clem Cherry and Marcus Yates, the single captures a striking balance between raw emotion and uplifting melody.
The band’s momentum is only growing. A recent underplay show at London’s Scala gave fans an exclusive preview of their evolving sound, with eight new songs debuted live. By the end of the set, some fans were even singing the choruses back to them. Meanwhile, their upcoming European headline tour and first-ever US performances – selling out within minutes – underscore their rising global appeal.
As they prepare to take their music across the pond, Only The Poets are taking the next chapter in their stride. We spoke to the band about the making of their latest material, who’s on their playlists at the moment and what’s next for the fast-rising quartet.
Congratulations on the release of your new single, ‘I Keep On Messing It Up’. How did this one come about?
The reaction to the song so far has blown us away. We got to play it for the first time live during our Experience The Future shows last week and it felt like a real poignant moment alongside playing some of our new music for the very first time.
I guess the clue is in the title; there’s a bit of self-sabotage going on within the song. Another relationship ended and I was really just looking back on patterns and then started delving into not just my relationships but my whole life. I went into the studio that day and needed to pull it out of me. It wasn’t an easy song to write. The juxtaposition is what we love, how the sentiment of the lyrics and sonics are worlds apart but make total sense when together. The greater message is finding the beauty in realising and doing something about it, and we always wanted the song to feel hopeful and uplifting.
It kick starts a huge new era for the band. What will this new era look and sound like?
Being honest in this new music lyrically, and feeling so inspired by so much incredible music, means we’ve landed on a sound we are most proud of, and it feels like we’ve finally arrived in a place that feels the most representative of us as a band. We could have put pressure on ourselves to move in other directions, but truthfully, we’ve been creating with such freedom. Working alongside DanDlion, our producer, who is also a friend of mine from Reading, felt like a full circle moment. It made being honest with my writing easier, and I was inspired by some of the conversations we were having in the studio as friends.
You’re going to be releasing a new project soon. Can you tell us a little bit about what’s in store for listeners?
Well, having Clem (guitarist) and Marcus (drummer) co-produce the new music alongside, Dan has been so incredible, it’s made for a real coherent sonic throughout all the new music which has really helped solidify the sound that we’re all so happy with now. The lads are amazing producers in their own right and because they’re part of the band, I feel everything is scrutinised with such passion and attention to detail. The new music is inspired by music we have all collectively loved since we first fell in love with music as kids – like ‘80s icons The Police and Prince – with the influence of some of the stuff we’re listening to now, it feels like a bridging of eras whilst still feeling uniquely true to us as a band.
What was it like debuting eight new songs at London’s Scala? What was the reception like from your fans?
The fans are incredible, there’s always a mass sing-along at every show so it was interesting watching them listening and taking it all in for the first time. We sent postcards out to some fans with the ticket link on and the show sold out straight away. The wildest part was the fact that by the last chorus they were already singing songs back at us sometimes.
What was your favourite part of that experience?
Getting in the rehearsal room and playing through the new songs for the first time, hearing them brought to life in that moment was special. But then the real moment was being able to play them in front of the hundreds that bowled into London Scala. The new single, ‘I Keep On Messing It Up’, felt like a really stand out moment.
What can fans expect from your forthcoming European tour?
We’re so buzzing to get going! For sure we’ll pack the set with all the songs we know the fans have taken and made their own. We’re really excited to throw some new ones in as well to give everyone a taste of what’s to come. They can expect an even higher energy show, big production, big venues, and most importantly big songs. The fact we are heading out on our first ever North America tour is mind blowing to us. Selling out two New York shows in minutes was such a proud moment, we just won’t ever take stuff like that for granted. It shows that the music is connecting, which we’re so grateful for. It’s our favourite part of what we do, nothing beats the feeling of losing ourselves in those rooms with everyone each night. When people ask how being on stage makes us feel, we say we cannot describe what that adrenaline and energy makes you feel, it’s addictive in only the most beautiful ways and we won’t ever get bored of it.
Are you excited to play anywhere that you haven’t already?
Festivals are a big reason why we started this band. Being from Reading I grew up a stone’s throw away from one of the biggest festivals in the world and that was just so inspiring to me. Having huge artists and bands being on your doorstep just made the idea of getting to that point one day so much more believable. With that in mind, mainstage at Reading would be an unbelievable show to play. Glastonbury is the pinnacle of music festivals so that would also be a dream come true. Heading to North America this week, we can’t help but fantasize about playing South America one day. We’d love to play everywhere!
Who’s on your playlists at the moment?
We’ve recently stumbled upon Mini Trees; she is just incredible. There is an artist called Humble the Great from London who we collectively love, especially his album every night was the same. There’s a tune on that called ‘pink dress’ that was co-written and produced by DanDlion which is one of the sickest tunes we’ve ever heard.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I think selling out Shepherds Bush Empire in London as an unsigned band is something we are still so proud of. We actually joked about playing there two years before when loading our gear into a pub just across Shepherds Bush Green. We have to mention going back to Reading Festival last summer and playing to a packed-out Festival Republic tent, at the festival we used to go to as kids and the festival that inspired us to pick up instruments. Selling out two New York shows with absolutely no expectation didn’t feel real. Having never played a support show or a festival in the US, hearing that 500 people wanna come see us feels amazing.
What’s next for Only The Poets?
Louder. Explosive. Unforgettable.