Longsman
Longsman, a.k.a. Adam White, is a singer songwriter hailing from London, United Kingdom. I have been writing music on and off since I was 11, he says. Drawing form genres such as motown, and britpop, his biggest influence is Jack White. Bedroom recording at it's best, experimental, innovative and definitely worth to listen.
Sliding Doors
"It is a reflective song looking back on a relationship and crossing paths with a special person in life", sagt er darüber. Der Track beginnt mit diesem unwiderstehlichen Rhythmus gefolgt von einem leicht sirenenartigen Gitarrensound. Ab diesem Zeitpunkt wird der Zuhörer gefangen genommen. Der Bass ist eher dezent gehalten, unterstützt aber gefällig die Drums und dient als harmonische Verbindung zur Gitarre, die doch sehr im Vordergrund steht und immer wieder für kleine Highlights sorgt. Die Vocals haben eine leicht melancholische Textur und bringen die richtige Dosierung an Emotionen mit. Sliding Doors vermittelt Gefühle, klingt eindringlich und doch optimistisch. Die Instrumentierung erzeugt ein leicht mystisches Bild das den Hörer einlädt genauer hinzuhören und über das Gehörte nachzudenken. Longsman hat mit diesem Song seine Qualität als guter Songwriter unterstrichen. So we have to say Achtung: Sliding doors - a catchy, emotional and optimistic surprise in minor.
The Interview
Longsman is...?
I have been writing music on and off since I was 11. At the very beginning I recorded myself playing my grandad's keyboard and singing on cassette. I was learning the keyboard at the same time so the quality was questionable. One of my first recordings was actually recorded on a double sided cassette which was entitled 'the stories of electroman' (based on the adventures of a robot). My keyboard and quirky songs started my interest in playing and experimenting with ideas. From there I learnt to play guitar, bass and feature in a couple of bands. I then went solo and I now record using tools like garageband and e-mastered.
The name Longsman is based on the fact I am 6 foot 3 in height, I am a man and I used to wear a lot of Lonsdale clothing (a popular British brand). Nothing more to it than that.
Who inspired you to make music in general?
I was inspired by music always being played in the house as a young boy by my parents and wanting to be able to make my own version of music and make people feel something from my own songwriting. My dad used to play piano and guitar and my grandad also used to write poetry so learning off them and their creative talents also led me to want to tap into my own creativity and see where it took me. Aside from that, meeting people throughout my school years who had a passion for music and joining bands kept my passion going.
...and especially to the song "Sliding Doors"?
This song was inspired by lockdown and having time to reflect on my life, especially looking back on the circumstances around meeting my wife. The music and vocals are deliberately tense to give a sense of nervousness around commiting to someone and wondering where it would go.
But ultimately it is a love song that is a thank-you to the powers of fate (if you believe in fate) that brought us together.
What is your creative process like?
I usually write the melodies first and then the lyrics come but the theme usually depends on my mood at that time. This process does not usually take long and I tend to write week evenings and weekends when I am free. I can often write and finish a song in 2 or 3 hours. I will move on from a melody and riff pretty quickly if it does not feel right. In terms of recording I do this all using my i-pad and garageband. I produce this using an online production tool.
When do you say/decide that a song is finished or respectively good enough for a release?
This is a really difficult question to answer as music is so subjective. Being able to critically assess your own work is hard. Also so many different artists use different production methods. Some aim for clean and perfect production (R&B/Hip Hop) whereas other bands prefer and rough and ready approach (Garage rock/lo-fi).
I usually know a song is ready if I leave it for a week then come back to it and it still sounds good. If it gets stuck in my head either lyrically or musically then that is also a good sign.
What is the most useful talent you have?
I would say my creativity is my most useful talent and being able to translate an idea into a song. Some ideas are better than others of course.
If you could change anything in the past, what would it be?
Another difficult question...I would probably have paid more attention to reading music but then I think if I could read music it may have hindered my ability to teach myself and create unique songs.
How do you feel the Internet (especially Social Media platforms) has impacted the music business?
There are two sides to this. The tools available for independent artists and the affordability of these provide a fantastic platform to create music and get music out there. For example, I write all my songs from my bedroom using an app and an online production tool. Within 2 hours I can then have it up on soundcloud and then within a week or so on Spotify.
However, on the flip side it is really hard to get heard and make a 'noise' as there are so many bands/artists vying for your attention across multiple platforms. Musosoup helps me get my music out there at an affordable price. Ultimately, this is my hobbie and it doesn't pay me a salary. If one person can hear the songs I create and enjoys what I am putting across then I am happy. If not then that doesn't bother me as music is subjective. If my hobbie ever leads to something else and I can make it a career then what a dream that would be!
What’s next for you?
I want to start playing live gigs again as I miss that buzz. I just need to find a band first!
