Meet Kyle Cramer of Long

Long is a new, energetic and noisy band that has already caught the attention of music lovers with their raw and authentic songs. Kyle Cramer, the lead singer and founder of the band, talked to us about the origin of Long, how they prepare for their performances, and their plans for the future. Kyle also shared his thoughts on queer culture, diversity, and inclusivity in the music industry. Additionally, we asked Kyle a few silly questions to get to know him better, such as which is worse: riding an elevator with someone who is farting a lot or being hugged by a very sweaty person for too long?

A self-portrait by, Kyle Cramer of Long

Would You Rather…

be hugged by a very sweaty person for too long, or ride an elevator with someone who is farting a lot? Why?

Ride an elevator with someone who is farting a lot because I hate being touched and I hate being touched by sweaty people even more.

Some Questions with Kyle Cramer of Long

Thanks for stopping by the blog. Can you tell us a little more about your project? How did Long come to be?

Long came to be when I (Kyle Cramer) took out an Instagram ad on the @bandsdobk page to find it. From there I found Blake Maxwell (lead guitar) and we met for coffee I knew instantly it was going to be him and I especially knew that when I saw his 5-foot-tall poster of PJ Harvey in his room. Emily Day (drums) recently moved upstate but we also met for coffee separately she wanted to play drums and I was dying for a drummer so that worked and then Seth Queeney (Bass) I found on Tinder actually, I was just swiping right on anyone with an instrument in their hand. And so I just scheduled a rehearsal and to my shock, everyone showed up! Zack Pockrose who drums with us now is a friend of Blake's who graciously hopped in when Emily moved and everyone was and still is better musicians than I will ever be I'm VERY lucky God really had my back on this one.

If you had to remove one color from the whole world, what would it be and why?

Orange because it's fugly. Just take it away.

Your music has been described as "noisy" and "exorcizing." How do you channel your emotions and experiences into your music, and what kind of message are you hoping to convey with your songs?

It's all instinct and nobility. I've always respected songwriters and poets who aren't afraid to open the wound, it's such great service to others. I've no interest in writing about my happiest moments. If you want songs about living laughing and loving just don't even bother. I don't like songs like that and I can't write them with a straight face. I'm not pessimistic but I am super realistic, I won't shut the door on horrible experiences to make myself feel better. That never works and those emotions always return with a seething vengeance so let's just nip it all in the bud now.

If you could bring back any closed venue which would it be? Why?

The Glove because I lived down the street from it for years and never went cause I was too wimpy to go in alone.

You have talked about feeling disinterested in stereotypical queer culture. How do you hope to fill the gap you've identified in the industry, and what do you think needs to change to create more diverse and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ artists?

I have some internal conflicts about this. I don't want attention or special treatment for my band because I'm gay, I want merit and I want our merits for artistry and craftsmanship and playing really great live shows. I hope to sort of ascend identity in that way and just have any and all recognition of the fact that we have some really fucking great and honest songs. But at the same time, I would love to be a voice for some queerling somewhere if they cannot be it for themselves.

The spaces are there I just think it's time to invade with your music and to be who you have always thought was missing. People need to hear you! Be nobody's diversity hire and everybody's hero. Go play shows with those guys who think otherwise! Play FOR those guys. And look 'em dead in the fuckin' eye while you do it.

Long is a relatively new band, but you've already gained attention for your energetic live shows. How do you prepare for your performances, and what do you hope to communicate to your audience through your music?

I pray in the bathroom and we don’t do much beyond that. I was a really unattractive teenager so I'm used to having to work a little harder to be entertaining. Nick Cave talks about the duty to offend sometimes and I think that's a good thing, not to intentionally piss people off but talk about things that are uncomfortable and squirmy. I don't find it disturbing, I find it healing and my hope is that audiences will too.

What are your plans for the future of Long? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you're excited about, and how do you see the band evolving in the coming years?

I'm going on a solo trip to London in a few weeks and I don't want to jinx anything but I'll just say that I am considering it a work trip. We're gonna go play a show in Philly in early June, and then some more shows here in New York. We have another single recorded called Pissing Contest that might come out in the coming months and then record some more. I don't like to share too much about far-away future plans because at the end of the day, my control over things and my drive is limited by human power. Like maybe after this is published we'll get a call to open for Metallica or something who the fuck knows.

What is your worst habit?

Eating too many fucking sweets!!! It's out of control I can't stop once I start.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Thanks for letting me be such a windbag-- follow us on Instagram (@llllllllllllllllong) and Spotify and stream Christening xx

Long