While Only The Poets are set to perform on the BBC Introducing stage later today, they had time to catch up with Reading Today for a quick chat about what it’s like playing the festival which started it all for the band.
Lead vocalist Tommy said: “This festival is a really big part of why we started and why we wanted to be in a band.
“It’s so inspiring to have huge artists coming to your home town to play a festival like this, especially one with world recognition.
“We’re so excited to be here, and it’s nice to have a 20 minute drive, as opposed to a 12-hour drive.”
Of the artists they’re sharing the bill with over the weekend, they namechecked Foals as among the most exciting to be performing alongside.
“I think sharing the stage with artists like that is so inspiring, and seeing your name on that iconic yellow poster, being from around here, that’s a really moment- I had those in my bedroom.”
He added: “We feel like we belong on that line up, and we’ve worked so hard, and we’re hungry for more.
“Playing the mainstage is one of our goals.”
Andy added “It’s a real reminder when you chat to your friends and they’re like ‘you’re playing Reading Festival- it’s such a big thing growing up here.”
The band is billed on the BBC Introducing Stage, following Lucia and The Best Boys, which they said: “Is an amazing feeling looking out at the main stage while you’re playing, I love that so much.”
Tommy said that playing at the Purple Turtle for their after-party: “Just felt fitting- it’s the first place we ever played a show.
“And we thought it would really fun; we always want to do creative, fun things like that, so we’re buzzing to go there later.
“It feels like going home.”
As for how they feel while actually performing?
“We definitely have fun- it’s what we love to do best, and nothing beats playing live.”
Tommy admits that “nerves do creep in, especially as it’s a big moment for us.”
Clem adds: “That shows you that it matters”
Despite a rainy start to Saturday, Only The Poets are set to brighten things up over at BBC Introducing at 6pm, with a free headline after-party show at Purple Turtle from midnight.
Only The Poets at Reading Festival on Saturday, August 26.
