Hailing from Limerick, Ireland, Left On Read began as a series of rehearsals, unaware of what they were creating, before thoughts turned to developing a more formal 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.”
As the months and years have come and gone, their sound has developed far beyond those humble beginnings. The bands love for experimentation has allowed them the opportunity to play with a host of different styles and already have a catalogue of indie rock, funk rock, synth rock, grunge, jazz and even Latin-inspired tracks in their locker ready to call on. Over lockdown, the band used their extra spare time to learn and develop synth textures, which has blended seamlessly into their aesthetic.
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. Finally, in July 2022, Left On Read released their debut single ‘Never Enough’, followed by ‘Pick Yourself Up’, and ‘Duet’ that received huge acclaim.
With three singles to their name, thoughts have turned to their debut album. 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 them to connect with it” the band says of the listeners' connection to their work, “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.”
Now, Left On Read have released their brand-new single 'Most Of All'.
We sat down with Left On Read to discuss their music and much more. Here's what the band had to say:
Hey Left On Read, welcome to FLEX! How are you?
Great! Buzzed to be honest. Always feel like a kid at Christmas when we release new tunes!
Congratulations on your brand-new single ‘Most of All’ - what inspired this particular song?
Thanks, delighted to have it out there! I mean we could tell from the start that this song was sexy so it always had to go that way. It’s more relatable than your typical sexy sex song though I think, either that or I’m exposing myself for having 0 game… It’s a tragic one sided love story, a sort of parody of the way you’d expect it to go. I kind of just feel like every song is a chance to tell a story. Who knows, one day we might sell film rights to one and make some big bucks, wouldn’t that be nice.
And do you have to be in a certain mood to write?
I think I write best when in reflection, looking back on experiences that made me think and feel. A lot of people I know say they write best when they’re sad and I don’t get that, I just curl up in a ball and go to the junkiest side of Netflix when I’m down. I guess it’s just about finding what works for you. I always say I write best when I’m happy but it could just be that seeing a song come together makes me happy.
How was the recording and writing process?
This song was weird! I came up with the bass line years and years ago, back when I was a teenager. I came back to it a few times over the years because I knew there was something to it but it never seemed to go in the right direction. It was sort of shelved for a long while but after we started Left on Read we had a look at it again and it seemed to just fall into place, honestly we just have the best chemistry I’ve ever experienced with a group. I think we spent a couple of hours messing with it in the practice room and then brought it into the studio the next week. Funny story actually when we were recording it I blew my back out (somehow) when I was about halfway through recording my guitar bits on the last chorus. That put an end to my day so the last 30 seconds or so of the song is just Jack playing everything. He’s ridiculous though so it’s definitely better off for it!
For viewers that don’t know Left On Read, how would you describe your sound?
Jack (lead guitarist) always says “hot sex energy” and I guess with this song that’s never rang more true! We’re a bit of a mish-mash really. Adam likes it loud, as drummers do, and Jack brings groove. I just mooch off their infinite talent and try to contribute with catchy tunes here and there! At a push we’d see our sound falling somewhere between Queen, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Killers and Muse, not bad company mind you!
And what are some of those activities that you engage yourself in when you aren't writing or recording in the studio?
Won’t lie, I struggle to disconnect at times! I’m always looking for the next song and trying to plan out releases, recordings, gigs and all that, but I do know it’s so important to take downtime. We’re all social guys so we like to grab a pint or a coffee when we can, with each other or whoever’s around really. I like getting out to gigs, doing a hike, going to the cinema, anything that kinda traps you into experiencing what you came to do and see. You’ve got to live life, otherwise what are you gonna write about?