Today we’d like to introduce you to Teddy Long.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was raised in a small town in Western New York called Bemus point on Chautauqua lake. I moved to Austin in 2006 with my then girlfriend Natalie who is now my wife. And ultimately it’s because of a drunken coin toss we ended up in Austin.
I started playing open mics. I would play three open mics a nights starting at the Irie Bean coffee shop around 7, and then trophy’s which is now C Boys at 9 and ending at BD Riley’s on 6th street at 11. With the hopes that I could play 9 songs because each open mic would let you play 3 songs. But I would always screw up so I’d have to have to play the same 3 at the next one. I think the furthest I got was 6 songs.
That’s how I started meeting people eventually formed a band started playing shows. At first mostly covers, But then playing my own songs. And I started making records. I’ve been doing it ever since.
My most recent record is called “Head For The Hills” it’s a collection of stories from my youth. Having grown up in a small town with its tragedies and triumphs. And also has my take on the changes in the political climate. And also coming to grips with my own inevitable morality.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s not an easy road being a musician, especially in a town full of musicians. But it’s great for learning because there’s always somebody who’s better than you.
This is not a normal career and there really isn’t a school for it. You just have to kind of find your own way. But like any business, it’s all in who you know and making connections and meeting people and finding a way to grow your brand. And also not being afraid to take chances. I’ve always lived my life by the motto “book the show, then figure out how to pull it off”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
First and foremost, I’m a singer Songwriter. The process for me is pretty simple. Sit down in the morning a cup of coffee and a guitar. And sometimes you get something. And sometimes you just sit there and nothing happens. But it’s a matter of doing it regularly and eventually something will happen. I’m a narrative songwriter meaning that I try to live inside a character for 3 to 4 minutes. Think of it as a three act play.
I think the thing I’m most proud of is that I’m still doing it most people I know that were doing it when I was young have given up. because this isn’t career for everyone. It’s not easy.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Perseverance and thick skin
Contact Info:
- Website: https://teddylongmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teddylongmusic?igsh=dWJzdmd0dGt1Njhy&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HW1XAkF2M/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@teddylongmusic?si=ZFRctuWwKg9AE_Xp
