M. Spano Speaks on Why This Hit’s Been a “Long Time Comin'”
New York-based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter M.Spano delivers moments as relatable as they are delightful with his unique 2000s-inspired sound. His musical journey began in childhood when his grandfather surprised him with guitar and local lessons, sparking a lifelong passion. Developing his skills in and out of school, Spano played in various bands, exploring genres like the 60s, 70s, and 80s classic rock, metal, and post-hardcore. Over the years, Spano honed his craft as a live and studio session artist, mastering guitar, piano, drum kit, and other instruments. Beyond the stage and studio, Spano has cultivated a following on social media, sharing music-oriented content that often features his beloved “Grandma,” a source of inspiration and support throughout his personal and musical journey. Now focusing on releasing original music, Spano aims to “bring back the tones of the early 2000s”—evoking the heartfelt sound of Lifehouse or the Goo Goo Dolls but with a contemporary edge. His signature style, marked by open guitars, driving drums, and sweet melodies, strikes the perfect balance of energizing and nostalgic—offering genuine, comforting insights on life, love, and everything in between.
Entering any relationship—especially romantic ones—is always a leap of faith. At first, there’s an inevitable sense of anxiety: what if the other person doesn’t feel the same? In this budding romance, the narrator isn’t sure if he’s being strung along. He searches for signs in the girl he’s fallen for, but today, “something is different”—perhaps it’s the real thing. Listeners will sigh with relief alongside Spano, reveling in the joy of a newly solidified love. An air of romance seeps through the chorus as the steady drums and melodic guitar lift the weight of uncertainty off their chests. Spano’s soulful vocals deliver astounding authenticity, unsurprisingly, since this story is rooted in personal experience. The song carries a timeless quality—one could hear it on the radio in 2003 or tomorrow, and it would still radiate the same youthful spirit. With its relatable themes and heartfelt delivery, this track is destined to uplift listeners—it’s nearly impossible to resist the joy sparked by a love story as triumphant as this one.
The accompanying lyric video perfectly brings the elation and sentimentality of the story to life on screen. Produced in collaboration with Michael Kundrath at HIP Video Productions, it features vignettes of happy couples, never far from each other’s sides—brilliantly capturing the exhilarating vastness of a bright future unfolding. The visuals have a distinct graininess—a film-like quality that delightfully mirrors Spano’s early 2000s style and aesthetic. They’re soft, comforting, and nostalgic—evoking a sense of reflection and relief. Every shot carries an emotional weight, allowing viewers to feel deep in their hearts that everything has changed for the better. As an anthem of celebration, viewers will feel more than compelled to sing along, following the journey of this blossoming romance that’s truly been a “Long Time Comin’.” As Spano’s first video release for an original song, this mesmerizing visual offers an exciting glimpse into his creative world, setting the stage for what’s to come for this emerging force of vibrant artistry.
M. Spano gave some insight on the song and it’s meaning
Could you talk to us a little bit about the writing and recording process for “Long Time Comin’”? Do you always follow the same process or does it vary from song to song?
I generally always start writing on a guitar. The chords for “Long Time Comin’” came pretty intuitively. The progression itself is nothing special, but I tuned my guitar differently to get a specific sound for the progression that I was hearing. I wrote the lyrics and melody humming over the recorded progression on an iPhone speaker at work. When inspiration strikes, you have to take advantage of it any way you can. As for the recording process, the song was recorded at RAW recording studios in Patterson, NY.
What encouraged you to write a song that follows a triumphant, blossoming love story? Is the story based on a personal experience or relationship?
The song is based on a personal experience. I find that my best writing comes from personal experience. It allows me to be connected to the song in the most authentic way possible, making it easier to convey the emotion that I feel all music should have.
In what ways does your music refresh a pop-rock 2000’s sound for a new audience?
I think my music will always be rooted in that classic pop-rock 2000s sound. The guitars, melodies, and my voice seem to consistently resonate with that period and music scene. However, I have been influenced by so many different genres over the years, that I know there is a refreshing modern twist blended with that classic sound. The ambient feel of the verses, along with some of the samples used in “Long Time Comin’” I think are good examples of that. Modern music lovers and listeners who cherish that 2000s pop-rock sound can both find something refreshing in a song like “Long Time Comin’”
How important is visual storytelling when presenting your music? How did you decide on the visual concept for the “Long Time Comin’” lyric video?
Visual storytelling is SO important. Anytime I fall in love with a song, I almost immediately head to YouTube and find the music video for it. It’s such an important part of emphasizing the feeling and emotion that a song is intended to create. The visual concept for the “Long Time Comin’” lyric video was easy to create. The song is about newfound love and a whole new world to enjoy that love in. HIP video hit the nail on the head with a moody visual that depicts couples and starry nights that feel just as vast as the endless possibilities the song is articulating.
“Long Time Comin’” is an uplifting, happy track—why is it important for you to spread positivity in your music?
There’s already so much negativity in the world. People have a lot going on in their lives, particularly a lot that may not “feel very good.” If listening to “Long Time Comin’” can take them away from whatever may be going on, and make them realize that even after “feeling lost and hopeless” things can turn around for the better, then the song has done its job.
As a celebratory track, is there a central theme or message that you hope audiences take away from the song?
I think the central message of the song was touched on in the last question, in that things can always turn around for the better even when it may not feel that way. But to add to it, the central message can also be interpreted in the reverse. When things do turn around for the better, enjoy it. Cherish those times and the moments within them. Without the hard times, we wouldn’t know how great the good times feel. That “good” feeling, is how the song is intended to make the listener feel.
Is there anything audiences should know about you that they might not already know?
I guess to get off of the music a little, I love the outdoors. I am an avid skier and hiker and will take the mountains and the wilderness over city lights any day.
In what ways does “Long Time Comin’” represent where you want to go musically moving forward? Can fans look forward to more songs like “Long Time Comin’” in the future?
I think when you focus on writing authentically and true to the heart, it’s impossible to get too far away from the sound of past songs. “Long Time Comin’” represents a message, mood, and feel that will certainly be embedded in my work in the future.
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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