Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Long. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe that it takes a lot to be successful as a musician today. Practice and perseverance are essential. You have to work at it and not expect instant success. It is important that you are always doing what it takes to hone your craft. That means working at it everyday and performing as much as possible. Every one has different methods, styles, what they see as success. Knowing your goals and desires are important too. With that as a strong foundation and a solid work ethic to build on along with a little luck in the mix success is always possible.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up around music as a kid. Watching my dad perform in bands as a kid and listening to groups like Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bruce Springsteen, John Cafferty, John Mellencamp, and Bryan Adams made me want to pursue music myself.

After beginning to perform in high school, I began writing original material and incorporating it into my performances. Then after college I entered into a professional career and put music away for about a decade. Following a few life changes down the road, I returned to performing and have not looked back since.

After returning to performing, I changed direction from working with bands to performing as a singer/songwriter and more seriously focusing on songwriting.
This has taken me further than I ever dreamed it would have when I was a kid.

As a singer songwriter, I have played hundreds of shows on stages large and small all over the southeast from theaters, to writers rounds, to coffee shops and all stages in between. I have performed on radio, television, and even had a very small role in a film. That is not to mention red carpets, magazines, papers, and spots independent charts for some of my songs. It’s is so amazing what songwriting has allowed me to accomplish.

I never look at what sets me apart from others. In all honesty, I would rather be a part of the regional music community around me than set apart from it. The region where I live is full of amazing and talented musicians in all genres, levels, and styles that it is humbling just to be a part of it all. I honestly am very proud of being a part of that tradition and community of wonderful performers.

I approach every show that I play with the same desire to perform at the best of my ability for the people that have decided to spend their very valuable and precious time to come watch me. Not to mention the venue who has given me the opportunity to perform. That means playing what best suits the venue that I am playing and the patrons in the audience. Sometimes this means all original material, other times all cover songs or a mix of both. I also pride myself on not taking breaks during my set and only missing shows for very dire emergencies.

One of the things that I most love about being a musician is that it allows me to meet so many people everywhere I go. People and friends that we would have never met without music. Another thing I love is that music allows me an opportunity to give back to my community and to organizations and charities that need the help. I perform dozens of festivals and fundraisers throughout the year for different groups and communities.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In addition to being a singer/songwriter I am also a full time middle school history teacher. Both are more than jobs to me, they are my passions. I love history and feel that teaching is as much of a calling in life for me as music. Finding a balance for both pursuits and to the commitments to the most important thing, my family is a tough, but possible.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I believe that one of the goals I would like to achieve on my creative journey is to never lose touch with why I do it. Music has never been about fame, fortune, awards, or accolades. It has always been about the joy of playing and my love of music. As long as that persists, all of those other things will come. Never forget why you started doing whatever it is you love. When you forget, then the love is lost.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chrislongtunes.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrislongmusic?mibextid=LQQJ4d