John Long is a singer/songwriter and producer. He was part of American Idol in 2012. He has been featured on multiple YouTube channels with with hundreds of thousands of subscribers. He has also been a part of a production that was nominated for a Ivor Novello Award in 2020. He has been on multiple mainstream ads as a vocalist. 'My Forever' was written based off of how John Long met his wife 7 years ago. He really wanted to describe the feelings he went through the day they actually met.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
What first got you into music?
Music has always been a major focus in my life. At an early age I walked through some tragic experiences. Music was an absolute life saver for me. I could use my guitar as a “journal” to express the emotional highs and lows of life. Being a church-raised musician, I was able to use those gifts in a ministry setting in order to help others in dark times.
What do you think your role is in this world?
Serve others by exemplifying the fruit of strong positivity and stronger faith. I know that the world can be incredibly dark and life can be difficult. I am not ignorant of that. I am simply choosing to emphasize the good things and make them a greater influence on my own life and the others that I come in contact with in whatever capacity.
Your latest track is 'My Forever'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
This song is special to me since I wrote this about how I met my now wife. It is simply about that sick/nervous feeling of meeting someone you know deep down could be the one you spend your life with and this could be the moment you remember forever. I wanted it to give a sense of "freedom" in this song. I know it seems odd to say but I really feel that when someone finds true love, they are the most free they can ever feel.
I’d say the most unusual thing about this track is the banjo and why it is even used. The goal of this track was to take stems that were created by a folk/country artist and turn them into a completely new style. That was my attempt at using the banjo and I thought it actually worked pretty well!
What is one message you would give to your fans?
In every season of life, joy is always a choice. Choose it.
How do you spend your time?
I am a full time artist/studio producer. I also am a worship leader in Kansas City at a church called Revive Church. I spend most of my days deep in music creation.
What are you most proud of?
If I have to give a musical answer, I would have to say my upcoming 8 song album. At least at this stage in life. I have had songs on youtube with hundreds of thousands of listeners and been featured on many media outlets but for me, the album I am about to release has more heart on it than anything I have put out before.
For a personal answer, My son. I am a new father. I can’t put into words how much I am proud to be a dad.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
This may sound strange given the release this is centered around but, honestly, Dave Matthews Band has always been one of my absolute favorites. I would say Ed Sheeran next and after that, Coldplay.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
Stay focused on the “why”. I strive to not get caught up in followers, listener numbers, and the analytics being as high as possible. I make music because it has always been what I feel like I am on this earth to do. I want to continue to work every single day on making music that actually has depth and meaning and not make music simply because I need more content.
Do you think that technology is improving lives?
It absolutely has. Technology has made the impossible more possible than every before. That said, it comes with major pitfalls. This biggest pitfall being the ignorance of balance and simplicity. Having every thing instantly available makes it incredibly easy to allow ourselves to disconnect with others that are in our lives. If tech is used to strengthen connection with others and used with self-control, it can be an incredible tool.
What are your plans for the future?
The major plan right now is, first and foremost, stay consistent in the daily grind. After that I would say that this upcoming album will be something that should not be missed. It has been an incredible task to complete and I have had some amazing help with it. I believe it will help others through tough times and also give people that aren’t struggling an opportunity to reflect on what matters the most.