Interview: Boston’s Long Time Discuss Their Roots, New album “Never Alone” Out Today!

Photo: Reid Haithcock

We recently spoke with local Boston rock act, Long Time and asked them to tell us their thoughts on getting started in Boston, and their new record, "Never Alone" which comes out today. The band is made up of members Thomas John Cadrin (Guitar/Vocals), Colin Dinnie (Bass), and Andrew Nault (Drums).

Their second album, "Never Alone" comes out today, Friday the 13th and is available through most traditional platforms of listening.  Long Time have been a part of the Boston music scene for years now and has performed dozens of area concerts.

How long have you been working on the “Never Alone” record?

Andrew: Our first release was done out of necessity about 2 years ago. We were still pretty fresh as a band at the time, so I'm not sure we consider it to be completely representative of what we do. Writing for “Never Alone” came almost immediately after tracking “Worth”, before it was even released. So I guess some of the songs have been around for a few years at this point. “Separation” has been in Tom’s back pocket since before the band formed, but I think we’ve made that tune into a Long Time jam for sure.

What is the typical writing process like for the band?

Andrew: The writing process is extremely organic. We kind of just toy around with ideas as they come and shape them through repetition. Makes the band feel more about experimentation and trust than any other project I've been involved in. I trust Colin and Tom to play what needs to be there, and I believe they trust me to do the same.

What bands local or national have you learned the most from?

Andrew: This could not be a more loaded question. I'm not exactly sure how to concisely answer, but i’ll give it a whirl. Bad Brains, Black Flag and Minor Threat for their ability to believe in themselves and spearhead the real DIY movement in music. Converge for their creativity and continued prowess in aggressive music. That band continues to put out some of the incrediblr records, even after 20 years. Jeff Buckley for making grunge beautiful. This could go on forever. I think I’ll stop there haha.

How did Long Time first come together as a band?

Andrew: When I first met Tom he was in need of an engineer, which is what I do, to re-track some acoustic tunes he wasn't so happy with. So I stepped up to the plate. As soon as I heard him play through a couple tunes l immediately thought of Colin, whom I already had a long lasting musical friendship with, and knew the three of us could make something special. I told Tom flat out that I didn't think he was writing acoustic tunes. That if he ever decided to play with a band that I was his man. And that I knew the perfect bassist. Shortly there after, Tom disappeared to the mountains for a bit in Vermont. When he reemerged a year later, Long Time was born.

What does a typical live show by you guys look like?

Tom: I’ve always described what we do as “ultra dynamic,” and that’s exactly what our live shows have in store. We’re definitely loud when we want to be, but we get very soft and soothing too. The three of us also have performance styles where nothing is left on stage. We bring it hard, every time, but with control and intention to bring the listener in and along for the ride.

What is your favorite thing about Boston’s music scene?

Tom: The Boston scene has always felt exceptionally DIY and gritty. Musicians are simply used to making things happen on their own; their music indicative of that as well. It tends to feel really unique and from a place of true desire.

What is one goal the band has for the remainder of 2017?

Tom: We simply just want to get our new record, “Never Alone,” into the ear holes of as many people as possible. We’ve got a show on 10/14 @ The Outer Space (Hamden, CT) w/ Model Decoy & The New Dirt, with others on the way. The goal for the rest of this year is to set ourselves up for an awesome next year!