Limerick-based indie rock band Left On Read have released their new single, Most of All. We asked frontman Steve Tynan the BIG questions . . .
Formed by brothers Adam Reeves (drums), and Jack Reeves (lead guitar), and close friend Steve (lead vocals, keys, guitar), Left On Read began as a series of rehearsals, unaware of what they were creating, before thoughts turned to developing a more solid project.
"It was a no-brainer to start a more formal group with our best mates," the band recalls. "We were just having so much fun."
In 2021, based on four demo tracks they recorded in their bedroom studios, the band was awarded Creative Ireland's Made in Limerick grant, which gave them the opportunity to head into the studio to record their debut.
The band were the 2022 recipients of the Dolores O’Riordan Music Bursary, which will go towards recording the final tracks for the album.
"We want people to connect with our music," the band says. "Not necessarily take our message from our music at face value but rather to be able to apply it to their own experiences.
"Most of all we want them to enjoy the tunes and dance, cry, or sing along - that’s what they’re there for."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I can hack your computer, but I won’t because I’m sound. All dogs love me instantly, I don’t know why. And the nurses from the recovery ward after I had my appendix out know all of my deepest darkest secrets.
How would you describe your music?
Big, loud, and just about groovy enough to dance to. We don’t really try to tick any boxes; we just make music we like the sound of. We sort of write with the thought in mind that these songs will need to fill stadiums - getting a bit ahead of ourselves maybe but that’s the goal!
Who are your musical inspirations?
How long have we? I grew up obsessed with Muse, Foo Fighters, Queen, any loud band with big stage presence really, and that’s stuck with me. As songwriters there’s the Beatles (of course), Cat Stevens, Arcade Fire… I’m gonna be here all day.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I was asked this the other day and I couldn’t remember if it was The Cranberries at Thomond Park or The Blizzards in Dolan’s Warehouse. Either way, not a bad start!
What was the first record you ever bought?
I had the Teletubbies theme on CD as a kid. Had that banger on loop! Not really my purchase though so I can’t claim all the credit. I just sponged off my dad’s record collection when I was young. Sort of found an eclectic mix of Cat Stevens, Def Leppard, Billy Joel, Nirvana and so on - all good stuff! There was a lack of Beatles though, so Abbey Road was probably the first memorable addition I made.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Impossible question, no one can get by on just one!! I caught Somebody’s Child (have to clarify that’s the band name to avoid any trouble) in Dolans a couple of months ago and bought their album on vinyl. Loads of great ones on it but Broken Record is hitting all the right notes for me lately. So that’s my answer if you push me, ask me again tomorrow for another!
Favourite lyric of all time?
I'm so 3008, You so 2000 and late" - Black Eyed Peas. I can only dream of being so poetic.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Time to Give by White Lies - by accident if nothing else. It’s about eight minutes long with a key change around every 30 seconds so it sort of hypnotises you. I have found myself listening to it for a good hour straight once or twice not realising it was looped on Spotify…
Where can people find your music/more information?
Anywhere! We’re on all socials and streaming services, and we’ve started putting out some music videos and live clips on our YouTube lately too. Our Insta and TikTok is leftonread.band and we’ve bought that domain to make a website so that’s worth keeping note of, just a lot more work goes into a website than we thought. They can book us for a gig too! We love being out playing live, so we’ll play anywhere. Want music at your divorce proceedings? We got you covered!
