Only The Poets have offered an unsigned act the opportunity to open for them at Brixton Academy. The band, hailing from Reading, consists of Tommy Longhurst, Clem Cherry, Andy ‘Roo’ Burge, and Marcus Yates. They have set ticket prices at just £1, reflecting their commitment to accessibility and supporting emerging artists. Over the past eight years, they have achieved international success, including touring the United States and sharing stages with renowned artists like Yungblud, Lewis Capaldi, and Louis Tomlinson.
In a departure from the norm, Only The Poets are bypassing major labels to give an up-and-coming artist the chance to perform before 5,000 attendees at Brixton Academy on February 2. Five acts will compete for the slot by showcasing their talent at The Purple Turtle in Reading on January 31 during Only The Poets’ debut album launch event for “And I’d Do It Again.”
Expressing their excitement on Instagram, the band shared that playing at Brixton Academy has always been a dream for them, emphasizing their desire to provide a platform for aspiring musicians. Interested artists can apply on the band’s website after commenting on their Instagram post. The band’s initiative has garnered numerous recommendations from fans.
Notable artists like Roxburgh, RoeParkin, Alfie Neale, Isaac Levi, The Slates, Soap, Pedro Santos, Jason Allan, and Lock-In are vying for the opportunity. Only The Poets emphasized the importance of grassroots venues in nurturing emerging talent and expressed their eagerness to support new artists and showcase their talents.
Tommy Longhurst shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming performance at Brixton Academy, labeling it as a pivotal moment in their journey. The band members highlighted the emotional significance of their upcoming album release, “And I’d Do It All Again,” as a reflection of their growth and experiences. They believe that every aspect of their journey has led them to this point and are eager to share this celebration with their fans.
Clem Cherry emphasized the organic and natural process of creating their record, expressing that it felt like a seamless collection of songs that aligned thematically and sonically. Despite performing at various renowned venues worldwide, Only The Poets remain deeply connected to grassroots venues, acknowledging their crucial role in nurturing aspiring musicians.
The band’s commitment to grassroots venues and emerging talent reflects their belief in the power of music and live performances to inspire and connect people. “And I’d Do It All Again” is now available for pre-order, with the official release scheduled for January 30.