Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Eric Long
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Blues LPs spinning on my father’s turntable. His musical taste’s were a major influence on me.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I started writing poems pretty early in my childhood and before you knew it I had a guitar and was writing songs.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I currently play solo as well as lead an Americana/Honky Tonk band. My last record ‘Honky Tonk Wisdom’ reflects the band and the previous record ‘Portrait’ reflects more of my solo style of songwriting. I also play banjo and sing in the European based Irish Trad/Bluegrass band Gadan.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Country Grooves, Rthym & Blues. As a songwriter I land somewhere in the middle of John Prine, Jerry Jeff Walker, John Hartford and Jimmy Buffet. My four Holy J’s.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I’ve made records in the box and straight to tape. I love and appreciate both but I gravitate towards tactile analog gear. I love a good “set it and forget it” set-up where I can focus on performance over the technical aspect of a recording. I often do my own mixing, producing and mastering.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I gravitate to the old stuff 😉
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
They are insepperable. I’m a firm believer that good songwriting comes from living an interesting life with a wide range of experiences.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Good things take time.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I’d love to be playing more shows in Europe. The idea of touring a run of shows solo in Europe is particularly appealing to me.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
It would defintely be one of my ‘Four Holy J’s” listed above and it changes from day to day. They all wrote amazing stuff with a slightly different lean.
Honky Tonk Anthem – Jerry Jeff
Folky & Witty – John Prine
Feel Good, Fun Loving Party Songs – Jimmy Buffet
Traditional & Goofy – John Hartford
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
In most places I’m @ericlongmusic and I’m on all streaming platforms.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I want to put out a record or two a year for as long as I can. Travel is always a big motivator for me playing out.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I just hope they enjoy a song or two really.
If you want here you can add a representative Youtube video to insert below the interview 🙂
