The Anglofiles: Meet Bobby Long, a British Singer-Songwriter in NYC
In our Anglofiles series, we highlight notable people with British connections living in New York, sharing the experiences and creative journeys that shape their lives.
Born in Wigan, England, and raised in Wiltshire, Bobby Long is a British singer-songwriter now based in New York. After honing his craft in London’s open mic scene and touring Europe and the US, he signed with a US label and moved to New York, where he has released multiple albums and EPs, performed worldwide, and continues to explore music and poetry.
Can you tell us about your journey into music — what first inspired you to become a songwriter and performer, and who were your biggest influences?
I grew up surrounded by music in the UK. My mum sang in choirs and local singing groups, and my dad played guitar, introducing me to all kinds of great British artists. Being a musician alongside being a sportsman felt like the coolest thing I could do with my life. It wasn’t until I was about sixteen that I really started to appreciate my upbringing and realise how natural music felt to pursue.
The music my parents introduced me to as a kid really shaped me. I grew up listening to The Beatles, Cream, T. Rex, and The Kinks — all of that classic British rock still moves me today. I have always seen myself as a solo writer and performer, so artists like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Elliott Smith, Bill Callahan, and Hank Williams have resonated with me the most. I have never quite fit into bands and feel most at home when it is just me, my guitar, and my thoughts coming together in a song. I also find a lot of creative inspiration in film and from sports figures like Eric Cantona and cyclist Miguel Indurain.
What brought you to New York, and how has the city influenced your music career, and your community?
I signed a record deal with a New York-based label, so moving here felt like the natural next step to make the most of the opportunity. Around the same time, I met a girl who is now my wife, and through her and her family, I got to experience the city in a truly authentic way — romantic, chaotic, and full of energy.
New York has a unique way of pushing you creatively. It is full of people searching for a sense of belonging, which really resonated with me as a Brit finding my place here. That mix of connection and isolation, plus the city’s deep music and film culture, has had a huge influence on my work. Over time, I have made so many friendships and shared countless kind moments with people who come to my shows again and again. It really feels like a community, and that inspires me to keep sharing my music.
How would you describe your songwriting process? Do you start with lyrics, melody, or something else entirely?
It really depends. My process has changed a lot over the years. I used to write every day, chasing songs down and sometimes coming up with fifty ideas just to make one album. These days I take a more relaxed approach and let songs come when they are ready. I am always recording ideas into my phone, but more often now I will just have a song buzzing around in my head while I go about my day. Once it is finished, it leaves me, and then the next one comes along to take its place.
What has been one of the most memorable moments of your career so far?
I have been really fortunate to do so many things that once felt a million miles away from my bedroom as a kid, from playing festivals and headlining well known venues to performing on television. One of the biggest highlights was touring across the USA and Canada with Steve Winwood. He was one of my dad’s heroes, and my dad joined me on the road as my tour manager. Sharing that experience with him was a really special moment in my career and in my life.
What’s been the biggest challenge of building a career as an independent artist, and how have you navigated it?
The biggest challenge as an independent artist is holding on to what you truly love about music. For me, that has always been writing and singing songs in the purest way possible. It is easy to let the noise of the internet or the pressures of making a living as a musician take over, but I try to protect the reason I started in the first place. Sometimes that means stepping away from social media or taking a break from touring. Other times it means working a job on the side to ease the financial strain of creating music. Whatever it takes, I try to keep the beauty of the craft intact and safe.
What advice would you give to young musicians trying to find their voice or break into the industry?
I would say not to worry too much about finding your voice; just sing, write, and play as much as you can. Listen to other artists and take it all in. The music industry can be a strange and sometimes money-driven place, but keep going anyway. It’s not a competition or a sport; it is about loving what you do and staying connected to the reason you started making music in the first place.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you — any upcoming albums, tours, or projects you’d like to share?
I am working on a new album that I hope to start recording soon and plan to release next year. I will also be playing some shows when the time feels right. Alongside my music, I have published poetry books in the past and am now working on a new collection. It has been exciting to explore writing and music side by side, and I am looking forward to sharing both with audiences here in New York and beyond.
On a personal note: what does being British in New York mean to you, and how (if at all) does that shape your perspective as an artist?
I think having a bit of an outsider’s perspective is actually a great thing for an artist. I am proud to be British because I feel that the best parts of me, like my sense of humor, my toughness, and my love of music, all come from my parents, my grandparents, and where we are from. Living in New York while holding on to my British roots gives me a new way of seeing the world and inspires much of the music I create.
Finally, where can people find and support your music — online, on streaming platforms, or live?
My website is bobbylong.info and my music is on all streaming platforms.