Longplayer is the solo project of Los Angeles-based musician Mikey Long. Known for his work with artists such as Drugdealer, Mikey Long uses Longplayer to explore a deeper level of musicianship and songwriting. Combining a range of genres with a classic approach to songcraft, Longplayer delivers music that is both timeless and boundary-pushing.
Longplayer, the solo project of multi-instrumentalist songwriter and musician Mikey Long, returns with his third single, "I Saw You Turning Around." Best known for his contributions to Drugdealer, and other influential acts, Mikey Long is now stepping further into his own creative vision. Longplayer brings together a blend of genres, delivering deeply personal songwriting with a classical approach that transcends genre boundaries.
"I Saw You Turning Around" marks an intimate moment of reflection and growth. Inspired by a chance encounter with an ex-lover, the song explores themes of relationships, self-belief, and the stillness needed to let go. The track features lush instrumentation and layered production, drawing inspiration from George Harrison’s "Crackerbox Palace." As Mikey explains, “That’s always been one of my favorite Harrison songs, I love how the slide guitar is seemingly always happening and interwoven with the vocals, there’s so much guitar it almost sounds like a horn section. It inspired me to create something similarly rich and layered for this track, I wanted to produce the song in a way where there’s a lot going on but doesn’t get in the way of the vocals”.
The single was largely recorded by Mikey Long in Los Angeles before Jay Watson (Tame Impala, Gum, Pond) added his masterful magic touch. Watson contributed punchy drums and mixed the song while on tour with Pond in the UK, collaborating with Long through a dynamic exchange of ideas. Additional contributions came from Shags Chamberlain on synth, adding even more texture to the production.
Accompanying the release is a mesmerizing music video for "I Saw You Turning Around," directed by Carter McNeill, shot and edited by Joon Voigt, and the video synthesizer is by julius valledor. The video perfectly complements the reflective and layered nature of the track, offering a visual counterpart to Longplayer’s expansive sound.
This release underscores Mikey Long's evolution as an artist, diving deep into his songwriting, musicianship, and production. Whether working solo or collaborating with an eclectic group of talented musicians, Longplayer offers an innovative blend of sounds while staying true to timeless songwriting traditions.
Based in Los Angeles, Mikey Long has been an essential member of the acclaimed group Drugdealer, known as the Stratocaster-wielding secret weapon behind some of the band’s most beloved riffs. With his distinctive guitar sound, Mikey has contributed to live performances and studio sessions with a range of celebrated artists, including Weyes Blood. His artistry has earned him an endearing tradition on tour—fans calling out his name as soon as the band hits the stage.
Mikey’s musical journey began in Upstate New York when he first picked up a guitar at the age of twelve, igniting a passion that would shape his life. At thirteen, he moved to the Southern California beach town of Encinitas, a place he fondly calls a "guitar town." It was here that the sounds of the California coast merged with his formative musical influences, setting him on the path to becoming the artist he is today.
Inspired by a long tradition of shadow players who eventually stepped into the spotlight—figures like Jimi Hendrix, Mick Ronson, and Brian Eno—Mikey channels that lineage as he emerges as a solo artist. His debut album, Longplayer, showcases not only his incredible guitar skills but also his songwriting and production talents. A meditation on the golden age of music, Longplayer draws inspiration from the late 1960s, pulling from classic compilations like Nuggets and Fading Yellow, while paying homage to guitar legends like Jeff Beck.
With layers of pop instrumentation, harmonies, and fiery guitar solos, Mikey’s music is a nostalgic yet forward-thinking exploration of the themes of memory, escape, and longing. Longplayer invites listeners into a sonic landscape shaped by British Invasion rock and Psychedelia, blending experimentation with timeless songwriting. It's a record filled with ear-catching production, as Mikey Long moves from being the secret weapon behind the scenes to claiming the spotlight in his own right.
Instagram I
Spotify