Lexi Long
Sunswept
Sunswept Records
In a modern-day industry that’s driven primarily by less-than-genuine “artists” spewing sterile syncopated digital audio content, Lexi Long could be considered a musical misfit. In fact, by her own admission, she’s always been something of a “square peg.” As far back as kindergarten, Long can remember classmates parroting lyrics to the latest pop radio hits, while she hung out back by the wall-mounted pencil sharpener, confused. “There were songs out there with lyrics about clubbing and lollipops,” Long recalls. “The kids grouped together and knew all the words. I didn’t know the words because I didn’t pay attention to that music. Trying to find songs on the radio was DIFFICULT for me.”
A self-described “old soul,” the now 28-year-old singer / songwriter counts such vintage artists as Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Neil Diamond, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Gordon Lightfoot, and Warren Zevon among her greatest inspirations. “I liked silent movies at 11 years old. Just old movies in general. That was my shit,” says Long. “Older music was naturally to follow, I suppose. When you have your own music downloaded you can shuffle whatever you want. I could escape to anywhere with headphones on — music or a miniature DVD player. Those were simpler times.”
Creating original music requires a measure of dedication. To present that work on public platforms requires even greater commitment. And to produce one’s music professionally and release it properly takes real courage. But when an artist goes all in — pouring their full heart, soul, and personal resources into recording and releasing an entire debut album independently — on vinyl, well, that’s certifiably insane. Or is it?
For Lexi Long, making music, songwriting, and storytelling define her purpose and passion, although it would be years before even she recognized that truth fully. In high school, Long braved various local talent shows — ukulele in hand. Some of those early competitive outcomes proved more rewarding than others. It was around that time when a friend gifted Long a copy of the MGMT album, Congratulations — on vinyl. In no time, Long would be making frequent visits to the local record store in her hometown of Melbourne, Florida. And her vinyl obsession was born.
During her college relocation in Orlando, Long began performing occasionally at nearby coffee houses with her short-lived duo, Honeyuck. Upon returning to Melbourne, she focused further on writing and developing her own original songs — posting an array of lo-fi demos on Bandcamp. In August 2023, Long met Melbourne-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Pete Balciunas. Lickety-split, the two embarked on an exhaustive collaborative production at Balciunas’ Wingman Studios. Exactly one year later, Long’s debut album, Sunswept, was completed and launched into the world — on vinyl.
Residing stylistically near the intersection of Joni Mitchell Boulevard and Jenny Lewis Avenue, Sunswept is a sunny-sounding collection that can be described best as “BIG.” Bursting with old-school singer / songwriter authenticity and charm, each tune is BIG — soaked with engaging vocals, wrapped in massive melodies, and brought to life by compelling storytelling. Owning layers and layers of world-class production, the record just sounds BIG. And when consumed on VINYL, it even feels BIG — possessing all the major label “whistles and bells,” literally.
While Sunswept is certainly an overall team effort, Long handles more than her fair share of heavy lifting — writing each of the record’s 10 tracks and providing all vocals, while also contributing six-string banjo, keyboards, harmonica, stylophone, and even the warm whistling on the wistful “Good Girl.” For his part, Balciunas not only produced one of the best and brightest records to come my way in several years, but he also provides the lion’s share of bass tracks, along with a bit of drumming and a smidge of guitar work.
Described by Long as an “emotional” yet “hopeful” album, Sunswept is a treasure trove, brimming with shiny songs that appear autobiographical enough to feel honest, while probably “peppered” just to the point of protecting the innocent (and the guilty). The opening track, “Sally’s Blues,” is a kinda cozy-sounding breakup tune, until you get to the “Hey Joe”-style plot twist. Crisp and concise, “Number On My Heart” is a delicate, fragile, heartache highlight — when pinned to the aforementioned, “Good Girl” and the equally likable “Book Of Your Life,” they make for an impressive, sparkly hat trick.
A razor-sharp songsmith, Long’s blade cuts deepest when slicing up her personal stories. As a result, her songs serve as riveting mini-audio screenplays. In that regard, “Sometimes Lovers, Barely Friends” and “Get On Back To Your Man” are arguably two of the record’s tallest standouts. And early next year, Long will be heading out to L.A. to work with filmmaker Julian Baner on a video for “Sometimes Lovers, Barely Friends.”
In sum, with Sunswept, Lexi Long has succeeded in delivering one of the most delightful records of 2024. And for those who embrace the authentic, classic singer / songwriter vibe and crave top-shelf storytelling, it’s well worth taking it for a Bandcamp test spin!
Lexi Long Sunswept Track List
*All songs written by Lexi Long
SIDE ONE
Sally’s Blues 3:55
Good Girl 4:04
Number On My Heart 2:37
That Never Happened 3:48
With All Those Wheels 3:11
SIDE TWO
Goin’ Down Burnin’ 2:58
Sometimes Lovers, Barely Friends 2:50
Book Of Your Life 4:29
Gray Hair 4:55
Get On Back To Your Man 5:18
