Look Out: Bobby Long

BerlinLondon chats to British singer-songwriter Bobby Long. His music, a mixture of folk, country and old blues is the perfect concoction.


 

The song “Let Me Sign” (co-written by Bobby Long) which Robert Pattinson sang in Twilight.


How did you first establish yourself onto the music scene?

Just by playing as much as possible really. You need a little luck along the way and hope that you get a following. I’ve been able to get some really great supporters that I’m indebted too.

What problems did you initially face when first starting out in the music industry?

It’s basically being noticed and having a voice that cuts through. There are so many bands out there that it’s really hard to be noticed. Also, the music industry is a changing vessel that is hard to understand sometimes.

Your latest studio album A WINTER TALE is produced by Liam Watson (White Stripes). What was it like working with him?

It was a joy to be honest. It was a great experience working with him and I would love to do so again. We both had a lot of fun making it and we’re really happy with the album.

Did you write all your own music for the album?

Yes I wrote the songs.

Where do you get your inspiration from when song writing? Who are your musical influences?

I get it from everywhere really. You have to be open to grab it from anywhere and ready when it hits. I get a lot of inspiration from watching live shows and seeing bands play live. At the moment I’m on tour with Steve Winwood and watching his band has been really great for me.

Do you input personal experiences in your lyrics?

I’m not really writing from personal experiences but there is always an element of me in it I guess.

What are you working on at the moment?

I just wrote and recorded a new album and released a poetry book so I’m starting a bunch of new things at the moment which is always exciting.

You currently live in New York where you moved to from London. What are the main differences that you have found between the cities?

They’re just different. There are similarities that I really appreciate like diversity of cultures and energy but they are there own places.

You also studied Music in Film at London Metropolitan University. If you could study anything else, what would it be?

I would probably study history. I have always be fascinated about why things are like they are now because of happenings from the past. I think it’s important to understand.

Whilst you were at university, you established yourself on the open mic circuit. Do you remember your first open mic? If so, do you feel completely different towards them now in comparison to the past?

I remember my first one and being sick in the toilet. I turned up to two or three without performing because I couldn’t get the nerve.
I think they are important to songwriters and I think you have to do them to appreciate and grow your trade.

If you could be compared to any singer, who would it be?

When it’s my time to go if someone spoke about me in the same sentence with Elliott Smith or Leonard Cohen I’ll be happy… And dead.

Please complete this sentence. I couldn’t live without my… self