Los Angeles musician Mikey Long returns with his solo project, Longplayer, presenting his third single, “I Saw You Turning Around.” Known for his collaborations with the likes of Drugdealer, Long has been building a sound with Longplayer that merges classic songwriting with modern production aesthetics, offering music that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. This track serves as a powerful testament to his evolving solo artistry, capturing the essence of his style while pushing the boundaries of traditional songcraft.
“I Saw You Turning Around” centers on a deeply personal experience for Long. Inspired by a fleeting encounter with an ex-lover, the track unfolds as a gentle yet poignant exploration of relationships, self-belief, and acceptance. There’s an introspective stillness woven throughout the lyrics, as Long contemplates letting go and moving forward. His lyrics are both open-ended and introspective, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of change and closure. The song, Long explains, is about finding peace amid uncertainty: “It’s that moment when you realize something is over, but there’s still beauty in it.”
Sonically, “I Saw You Turning Around” takes cues from George Harrison’s “Crackerbox Palace,” a song that has long inspired Long’s approach to layered guitar work and lush arrangements. Long sought to emulate Harrison’s intricate use of slide guitar, weaving it into the track with an almost orchestral quality. “I’ve always loved how Harrison’s slide guitar feels omnipresent in ‘Crackerbox Palace’—it’s like a horn section accompanying the vocals,” Long explains. His own production achieves a similar richness, with each layer enhancing the song without overshadowing its emotional core, giving the listener a dense yet balanced experience.
The song’s production received an extra lift through a collaboration with Jay Watson (of Tame Impala, Gum, Pond), who contributed vibrant drum parts and oversaw the mix while on tour in the UK. Watson’s rhythmic touches bring a dynamic edge to the song, contrasting beautifully with Long’s thoughtful guitar work and Shags Chamberlain’s textured synth layers. The result is a carefully crafted sonic landscape that perfectly complements Long’s reflective lyricism, with each contributor adding a unique element to the track’s depth and complexity.
Accompanying the single is a visually arresting music video directed by Carter McNeill, featuring cinematography by Joon Voigt and video synthesizer work by julius valledor. The video serves as a visual extension of the song’s layered sound, capturing the contemplative and expansive feel of the track. With atmospheric shots and subtle editing, it immerses the viewer in the same reflective space that Longplayer’s music occupies, enhancing the emotional resonance of the song and allowing fans to experience the journey on a visual and auditory level.
“I Saw You Turning Around” represents a pivotal moment for Long as he continues to establish Longplayer as a project that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. His songwriting, marked by introspection and rich musicality, invites listeners into an emotional landscape that is both familiar and profound. With contributions from an eclectic group of musicians and a production style that emphasizes both detail and restraint, Long has crafted a song that speaks to the complexity of human relationships and self-discovery.
As Longplayer evolves, Mikey Long proves himself to be an artist dedicated to the craft of songwriting and exploration. By blending the influence of classic icons like Harrison with his own innovative vision, Long offers a sound that honors the past while confidently stepping into the future. “I Saw You Turning Around” is a testament to Long’s artistry, delivering a song that feels destined to resonate with listeners seeking authenticity and depth in music.
