Lexi Long

Years ago, Lexi Long modeled herself after Joni Mitchell until she realized she couldn't make open tuning work for her forever. Both her new and older songs work, in part because they all carry some truth in them. She has said, "I like my songs to be from the real world." She takes inspiration from her life, the television shows she's seen, and even a gaudy neon sign outside a dive bar.

Long most often accompanies herself on the guitar and will also pick up her banjo when playing with others, or for particular songs. She plays both well, and her fingerpicking style provides intricate introductions or lets the instrumentation handle the load for the bridge or between choruses.

From Florida's Space Coast, Long's own material crosses genres, particularly indie, Americana, and bluegrass. The songs on her most recent album, Sunswept, have themes of loss, longing, and nostalgia, and the album was, fittingly, released on vinyl. Her lyrics and style have a hint of the 70s, with humorous lyrics that can be just a bit dark. Long's imaginative songs blend modern themes and a vintage feel.