The Long and Short of It’s Latest Single, “How Big Is It?”
The Long and Short of It are David Baird and Patsy Toop OAM, who first met in 2007 and already have an impressive resume that includes six album releases, two EPs, and have earned themselves a slew of awards including a Tamworth Songwriters Award, a Tasmanian Independent Country Music Award for Most Popular Duo, three-time winner of an Indie Country Music Australia (ICMA) Award for Most Popular Independent Country Duo, a Southern Star Awards Award for Best Duo or Band and a two-time winner of a Gold Media Medallion Award for Best Duo Nationally. Since their first release in 2009, the pair have continued to grow musically with every release.
What was the role of music in the early years of your lives?
David learned classical guitar and Patsy classical piano; we were both brought up with the power of music in our lives.
Who first got you each into pursuing music as a career?
David decided to take vocal training with a local vocal coach who was so impressed with his ability that he encouraged him to perform publicly. Patsy heard David sing at one of these events and was also mesmerized by David’s voice. She thought that there was synergy or blend potential for harmony, and that’s where it all started when she asked David to sing a duet with her.
In terms of the overall composition, what is your favorite song of another artist and why?
For David, it would be “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor. He has such an intriguing way of playing the guitar — playing bass notes and picking all at the same time. The lyrics are conversational and full of meaning.
What is your proudest accomplishment as a duo to date?
Achieving a #1 on the ARIA charts with the release of our latest album “Midnight Choir.”
“How Big Is It?” What is the backstory to your new song?
Well, it’s a bold song with clever lyrics. A little tongue-in-cheek, rocky, and fun. Written by Nashville multi-instrumentalist Chip Martin, we just had to record it.
Who would you most like to collaborate with and why?
We would love to write songs with great songwriters like Paul Simon and Jason Isbell.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
The notion that artists can be taken advantage of because they really love what they do. Being asked to perform for nothing in order to build a profile. I’m not sure about you, but if I asked a plumber not to charge me for services rendered on account of sharing his details with my neighbors, that would not go down well!
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
Making waves in the music industry with our songs and having our music played worldwide over and over.
Connect with The Long And Short of It on their Website and listen to them on Spotify. Follow them on social media — Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.