About

There aren’t too many bands whose lead singers are twin brothers. But then again, The Readings (pronounced ‘Reddings’) aren’t your typical band. Fraternal twins, Chris and Eric Reading, who are native San Diegans, have unique and varied backgrounds; one gave up a professional baseball offer, the other, medical school, to pursue their passion for creating songs and making music together.

The Readings were inspired to pursue their dreams by their mother Bonnie, who passed away several years ago at the age of 51 from Multiple Myeloma, an aggressive and emerging form of bone marrow cancer. Shortly thereafter, their hearts led them to Nashville, and they’ve spent the last several years in Music City making a name for themselves and making a difference.

Perhaps the best way to get a feel for who The Readings are, and for what their music says about them, is to judge by the reactions of people who see them perform for the first time. Not long ago, The Readings found themselves stranded for several hours, along with a few thousand strangers, at Chicago’s Midway Airport during a weather delay. An exchange with several waiting passengers turned into an impromptu two and half hour acoustic concert for these weary travelers. One of the passengers recounted the event in an email to The Readings:

“…Airports are usually dreary places. Even under the best of circumstances, people are in the middle of a means to an end: “Just get me where I am going and…Have a Nice Day!”. Delays of course, are worse. But your concert, and your generous spirits, transcended all that. You created a group dynamic, allowed people to come together, you got past age and racial boundaries, created happiness…My friends, you did it! It was so inspiring to watch, to observe, and to see the happy faces of everyone forgetting their circumstances for just a few hours. Thank you so much for the experience.”

The Readings like to describe their sound as “real life, set to music”, or simply put, “good American music”. Their video “She Brings Me Down” which can be seen on CMT.com, You Tube, and on their myspace page and personal website, was selected by CMT as one of the nation’s best independent videos. They are passionate performers who have opened for major label acts, and have two full-length albums under their belts, a catalog of hundreds of songs written, and a few cut by other artists.

But what sets The Readings apart from other artists is their mission and dedication to use their music to bring about positive change; to not only entertain, but also to motivate and inspire. “One of Those Days”, which was written in honor of their mother, has been adopted by the American Cancer Society as well as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Readings launched Tour 4 Cure to benefit Multiple Myeloma Research.  Visit the website at www.Tour4Cure.net.

Another of The Readings’ projects was inspired by “Wanda’s Song”, perhaps their most artistic and poignant piece yet. The song carries a strong message about the powerful effect, and lasting impact, words can have on other people. It has been circulating around the Internet for the last few years and has been embraced by people of all backgrounds, from young teenage girls and middle aged victims of childhood bullying, to organizations dedicated to stamping out bullying. Several national advocacy groups are now using “Wanda’s Song” in anti-bullying educational campaigns and developing curriculums around the song and lyrics. The Readings have partnered with several of these groups to develop a video and documentary campaign (The Wanda Project) that will be used in schools across the country, and were recently contacted by D.A.R.E. to bring the message to their nearly 30 million teenage participants. Preview a stirring emotional video of the song and message at YouTube by searching “Bullycide in America”.

The response to Wanda’s Song, and its message has been overwhelming. The Readings often receive messages like the following, inspiring them to keep spreading the word:

Great Sound!!!! What a Powerful song! I am one of our State’s crusaders in the fight against bullying. I see the potential for “Wanda’s Song” to become an anthem for this cause. I wish you all the best! I think you are on your way!!
–Scott, Police Officer in Michigan

I am 43 now, but Wanda could be me. I am a survivor of years of chronic bullying. Many times I got to that point in my life, and through miracle upon miracle, I kept going. I am blessed to have found a way back to happiness; so many others have not. I think Wanda’s Song will touch and change many hearts and minds. Thank you.”
–Brandi

I just wanted to say that I love your music, and that your song “Wanda’s Song” is probably the most Inspirational song i’ve ever heard. Thank you Strangers.
–Chasey, (15 year old female)

In addition to the grass roots support for Wanda’s Song, and the adoption of One of Those Days by cancer organizations, The Readings’ timely “I Do This For You” has been embraced by military support groups around the U.S. The song was written as a tribute to the sacrifice military personnel make after The Readings saw news stories of people protesting at the funerals of fallen soldiers. I Do This For You was a Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, selected as one of the final songs from more than 15,000 submissions. Heard by a member of the Dept. of Defense at one of The Readings’ live shows, the song has found its way to the Pentagon, and the Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army.

With these, and other songs and ideas, it is no surprise The Readings were listed in San Diego Magazine’s “50 People to Watch in 2008″ issue; they are determined to make a difference. The positive response they receive to their music inspires The Readings to continue down this path. If you look them up from time to time, you’ll find them still working hard, creating music and putting on shows that make a difference in the lives of others.

The Readings can be found online at many locations, including iTunes, and at www.myspace.com/thereadings.