RD: If you could redo the soundtrack to one of your favorite films, what would you chose?
BL: I thought the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack was amazing so I’d love to re-create that. Maybe doing a Scorsese film would be great for me and certainly would be a challenge. I also really love John Wayne, so maybe a film like The Sons of Katy Elder. That would be funny.
RD: So, obviously getting exposure via a soundtrack like Twilight is unparalleled, but now do you find it tougher to reach a more sophisticated musical audience having the teenage Twilight fans swooning over you and your shows?
BL: No, not really. Not all the people who listen to my music have that background or interest. And you’d be surprised at how much the Twilight fans know and appreciate music. I played a Hank Williams cover the other day and a lot of people were singing along with it. Someone requested an Elliott Smith cover too in Austin. I’m just thankful I have someone coming to my shows. I haven’t released an album; everything is raw and underground, so selling out 200 seater places is a bit of a thrill.
RD: Your cite two of your key influences as Laurel Fulson and Jack Teagarden. Could you give a little background on who they are and how they influenced you (read: I’ve never of ‘em)?
BL: Jack Teagarden was my earliest musical memory, listening to him with my family. He taught me how to sing my singing along with his songs too. I think he’s the best trombone player ever, no question. Laurel Fulson is a blues guy I really love. He is kind of a cross over between Ray Charles and Albert Collins in a way. Really soulful, and he sang a lot about woman and staying out late. As a kid, that’s all you want to hear.
RD: What have you noticed as the biggest life change as a living example of somebody who blew up basically overnight?
BL: Just that I can play in America and tour. Nothing has really changed, I still dress myself and get shouted at the same as anyone else. I don’t feel any added pressure, just that I want to progress.
RD: You’re currently at the front end of a massive tour. Are you pretty comfortable being away from home for a long period of time? What do you miss most when out on the road?
BL: Yes, I’m really looking forward to it. I love the idea of traveling around like woody Guthrie and playing every night. The only thing I miss is just being able to take better care of myself and feeling 100%, but that’s all part of the experience.
RD: I’m guessing there are a lot of talk going on regarding an album, any news to report on that front?
BL: I’m just trying to focus on one thing at a time really. I’m always thinking about it and what songs, where? Etc. I think I’ve found the right producer, but until I’ve signed something permanent its all up in the air.
RD: In prepping for this interview, I keep coming across mentions of Portland as a place you want to visit. Now I see it’s on the tour on August 9th, any big plans while you’re there?
BL: I just like the idea of the place and a lot of old clothes I wear for some reason have come from the place. My friend was telling me that the music scene is really good too. My hero Elliott Smith comes from there, so there is that too.
RD: What would be your dream gig and dream venue?
BL: I would love to play the Hammersmith Apollo in London just because I have seen loads of my favourite bands there. Also, all my friends and family could come down.
RD: So I understand you grew up in Wessington Park. What footy team if any, do you support? All time favorite player?
BL: I support Man United and my favourite player is Wayne Rooney.
27 Responses
Thanks for posting this. I loved the questions. Bobby is an amazing singer/songwriter and seeing him live makes you enjoy his stuff even more.
Thank you for posting this lovely conversation with Bobby Long! He is incredibly talented and, having seen him perform five times now, one of the most inspiring people to see play live. I hope everyone gets a chance to see Bobby on this tour, as he’s hitting up over 80 cities! Thanks!
bobby is amazing! thanks for recognizing his amazing talent!
Thanks for posting this! I can’t wait to see Bobby perform again in August. He’s such a great guy!
Thank you for a great interview! I’m looking forward to seeing Bobby perform later this month 🙂
nice interview! good questions!
this kid is really going places, he’s so incredibly talented, and I’m glad that people are taking notice of him.
Thanks so much for a great article/interview w/ Bobby! i love reading new interviews about him. just when i think i’ve read almost everything out there, you pull some new stuff in! thanks again! he’s an amazing musician and one should really try to get out there and see him if able!
this interview is great, questions& pictures. Bobby Long is amazing and anything to promote him is great. I’ll be seeing him in Seattle soon. Thanks for this article.
Bobby has an incredible talent and is also one of the nicest guys. He deserves every bit of success, and he’s already paying it forward. Please go see him play if he’s coming anywhere near you. You will not regret it!
Great article. I loved the questions – really original – not the same old boring stuff. This guy has great talent.
What a lovely interview with the wonderful Bobby Long! He’s amazing & a sweetheart. I enjoyed reading it! Thank you for covering him!
Wow what a great interview! I love when someone does their
research and ask great questions, especially about a great man. Thanks for the article and if you haven’t seen Bobby live you really should he is beyond amazing. Thanks for the article and supporting the career of a wonderful musician!
Brilliant interview! Thank you very much for covering this great artist! The questions were unusual and very interesting. GO see him live, he’s amazing.
Nice interview, thanks for helping us get to know a little more about Bobby. I have seen him live once and now have purchased tickets to two more shows. If you get the chance to see him live don’t pass it up, he’s amazing.
Great interview. Bobby is an amazing and talented musician. Not that I have anythign against Twilight fans, but people in the media seem to think that all of Bobby’s fans are Twilight Tweens and unsophisticated. This is NOT TRUE. Sure he has a lot of Twilight fans, but if you pay attention….MOST of his shows are 21 and over. Those “tweens” mentioned can’t even go to the shows. Bobby is selling out venues full of adults, and when I went to see him there were both men and women.
Seeing him live blows you aways…and he is the sweetest and kindest guy you could ever meet. He takes the time to meet his fans and allows pictures and autographs for anyone who asks. He actually seems shy and almost surprised that people are asking. I have nothing against Twilight or the fans, but I hope the Twilight haters out there don’t let that deter them from giving Bobby a chance. It will be well worth it.
Lovely article! The questions were new and unique so that is always a pleasure. I agree with Kay – this man’s core fan base is NOT tweens. I’ve seen 5 of his live shows and have been amazed by his performance each time. He blew away crowds of ADULT men and women who can’t stop talking about him. Here’s to a long and successful career, Bobby Long!
i love that he would remake the “O Brother…” soundtrack! Great movie, great music…if he is into Bluegrass then I am down with him! I am from Kentucky and love would love it if he did a show here. I just listened to some of his music on You tube and am very impressed. I’ll have to keep an eye/hear on him for more to come…hopefully an ablum soon!
Great Article on Bobby! Thanks! Great new questions. I am looking forward to seeing his show for the first time on Aug 11th in Vancouver BC!
What a great interview. The questions were fresh and interesting. Bobby Long is an amazing talent. If you get the opportunity go see him, do it. You wont be disappointed. Bobby deserves all the recognition he gets, he is an awesome singer/songwriter with a huge career ahead of him.
Thank you for this, it was a great article with fresh new questions and great info. Bobby Long is an amazing musician and man for that matter and he deserves all the recognition he gets. His live shows are well worth going to when ever you get the chance:) He has left me speechless and always wanting more every time I have seen one of his shows. Thank you for taking the time to chat with him and sharing with us.
Wonderful article and interview! Thank you for sharing Bobby’s talent to a wide audience range 🙂
Thanks so much for this interview. It seems to give a interesting and well-rounded picture of him, with many things we didn’t know before. I also appreciate you not mentioning a certain actor friend of his (as much of a fan as I may be), as Bobby deserves to be recognized for his own talent. I saw both of the Dallas shows next week, and will hopefully be seeing him when he comes back to Texas in December and again in March for SXSW. From listening to his music, I liked him a lot. From seeing him live, I fell head over heels. His performance is only enhanced by his shy, humble charm and the joy that is written all over his face every time he looks out into thecrowd
Thanks so much for this interview. It seems to give a interesting and well-rounded picture of him, with many things we didn’t know before. I also appreciate you not mentioning a certain actor friend of his (as much of a fan as I may be), as Bobby deserves to be recognized for his own talent. I saw both of the Dallas shows next week, and will hopefully be seeing him when he comes back to Texas in December and again in March for SXSW. From listening to his music, I liked him a lot. From seeing him live, I fell head over heels. His performance is only enhanced by his shy, humble charm and the joy that is written all over his face every time he looks out into the crowd
I think this was a fantastic artivle & interview. I’m very glad you focused on his music, influences & aspirations. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! Thank you for featuring Bobby Long!
Great interview! Just another one of the many Bobby Long fans stopping by to show some love!