Q&A: 'Twilight' songwriter Bobby Long

In September, The Circle covered a show in New York City from up-and-coming artist Bobby Long. Long returned to New York last month for a series of concerts while continuing his Dangerous Summer Tour, which concludes in New York City's Mercury Lounge on Dec. 19. In between performing and traveling, Long took some time out to discuss friends, fans, and his plans for the future. The Circle: Your musical style obviously has a fair amount of American direction: you've described your style as "folksy," and listed musicians like Mississippi John Hurt, Bob Dylan, and Elliott Smith as influences. Has touring through the country of your influences had any effect on your music as far as style, subjects of songs, etc.?

Bobby Long: It's all inspiring. In terms of songwriting, I actually find it quite hard writing on tour, especially at the moment when things are just me, my manager and a car or plane. There isn't a lot of time to physically sit down with a guitar and a book and the schedule is pretty grueling. In terms of subjects, I am really in love with writing about Britain, but in terms of style absolutely.

Circle: Recently, a song that you had co-written with Marcus Foster, "Let Me Sign," was featured in a popular film ["Twilight"] while also being sung by another artist. What was it like to allow your song to be sung by another artist? Is there ever any sort of protectiveness surrounding your songs? Are you - or would you ever be - open to the idea of writing songs for other artists?

Long: As a songwriter, it's a bit of a thrill hearing someone good singing your songs. I would really like to write for other people. I read a book about Smokey Robinson, and he wrote so many songs for other people; it's definitely something that I would like to do.

Circle: If you could work with any musician(s) - alive or dead - who would you choose?

Long: Probably John Lennon, I think.

Circle: Are there any differences between fans in the United States, your hometown fans in London, and the growing number of fans in mainland Europe?

Long: It's a different culture, so people are different everywhere. There is a real enthusiasm with all of them, and they are all very supportive so they're all similar from that point of view.

Circle: What are your favorite venues in which to play? Will you always try to maintain smaller venues, or are you open to the idea of larger spaces?

Long: I like the smaller ones, especially when it's just me and a guitar. I played a great place in Boston that had a low ceiling and was incredibly intimate. At some stage, I will step up to bigger places, but I will never stop playing the smaller shows.

Circle: You once mentioned an experience in which a fan stood onstage awkwardly until the end of a song and then ran up to kiss you. Have you had any other crazy fan experiences since then?

Long: I've been followed in cars, but it's all fun and games. It's not at a level that is encroaching on my private life in any way; so I have no reason to complain.

Circle: To graduate from university, you wrote your fourth year thesis on the "social impact of American folk music." What was the main thesis/argument of your paper, and has your time in the United States affirmed or contradicted your thesis at all?

Long: It was based on the folk movement and how the songs gave young people a vehicle to pull their energy onto. It was O.K. - I got more into reading about Kennedy and King and the Bay of Pigs. It was a great time for folk music, but a lot of drivel was written and sung about, like any period of great music.

Circle: You recently described waiting to perform as "walking through the pits of hell." Have you developed any sort of pre or post-gig rituals to makes the pits of hell any easier?

Long: I used to have a few drinks, but I'm cutting that out now, it gives things a slightly different perspective. I don't really have any [rituals] - sometimes I'm sick and sometimes I'm laughing.

Circle: What are the best and worst parts of touring versus playing at home in London? Is there any aspect of England that you wish you could have in the United States, and any part of the USA that you wish you could bring with you to England?

Long: Not really. I like them both for their own elements. I miss my friends a bit, but I kinda like being out on my own.

Circle: Your collection of songs that were recorded in your bedroom in London is titled "Dirty Pond Song." What was the influence behind the collection's title?

Long: Me and my friend Luke Edge had an idea for an album shot and it stuck.

Circle: Have you been recognized yet by any fans outside of shows?

Long: Yes, sometimes; but I just pretend I'm Sam Bradley.

Circle: You often list Bob Dylan as one of your main influences, and your sound has been compared to his original style, with the raw, acoustic guitar. Do you have any plans of someday following his post-1965 style by performing instead with an electric guitar?

Long: I mean, I love playing the electric, but it depends. I'm not gonna follow his blueprint, but I would love to bring in a heavy blues band. I saw Neil Young recently and he was incredible.

Official tour dates and information regarding Bobby Long can be found at his website, www.myspace.com/musicbobbylong.