Native Hawaiian singer-songwriter Kapali Long joins the Gibson Spotlight Artist Program
In line with the brand’s ongoing commitment to elevating new music from emerging musicians around the world, the annual Gibson Artist Spotlight program continues showcasing an evolving roster of musicians. These artists will be featured across Gibson’s global and international channels monthly.
The Artist Spotlight program debuted in January 2024 with Austin Sexton, and Kapali Long is the first artist on the new 2025 roster.
Kapali Long is a native Hawaiian country artist from Honolulu. His musical roots in Americana, country, blues, and folk trace back to his childhood discovery of his brother’s broken, single-string guitar. A generational musician and lap steel player, Kapali has honed his craft from early blues trios to intimate coffee shop tours around the U.S.
In 2022, he made his Nashville debut at Whiskey Jam, followed by notable 2023 performances at Nikki Lane’s Horseshoe Stage at Stagecoach and Gibson Garage Fest, along with appearances at The Troubadour, The Echo, Hotel Cafe, and the Bluebird on 3rd series at 3rd & Lindsley.
Opening for Robert Earl Keen in 2015 cemented his belief in his path, and he now resides in Nashville, regularly performing at the Bluebird Cafe and focusing on his songwriting. Kapali’s new project, The Routines EP, is set for release in early January 2025, with more tour and festival dates on the horizon. We caught up with Long to find out more.
How would you describe your music?
“I’m a native Hawaiian singer-songwriter influenced by country and blues, creating modern-day Americana to help your soul feel better for tomorrow.”
What is your favorite piece of gear?
“I have three pieces that really make who I am: my 1991 J-200, my 2012 Music City Jr., and my Epiphone Zephyr lap steel. I’m equally an acoustic player and an electric player, as well as a lap steel player. These three pieces represent who I am as a guitarist, artist, and musician.
“The J-200™ is the greatest acoustic of all time to me, and it’s been my dream acoustic since I saw Tom Perry, Rev. Gary Davis, and John Prine with one. It’s my best friend, I tell yah. My Music City just has an incredible, versatile sound and a B-Bender for me to create unconventional blues-inspired, steel-style riffs.
“My Epiphone Zephyr lap steel—as a lineal lap steel player, I honor my Grand Aunt Mikilani Fo when I play it, as well as my culture’s contribution to American country and blues.”
What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?
“Next to opening for Robert Earl Keen in 2015, Nikki Lane’s Horseshoe Stage at Stagecoach 2023, and being a part of the Bluebird Cafe’s Sunday Songwriter Series. I dreamed of the Bluebird since I started acoustic guitar at nine years old, and they asked me to be a part of the Bluebird performing at 3rd & Lindsley for their showcase honoring the future of Nashville.”
Image: Kapali Long on stage at the Maui Sugar Mill Saloon with Ryan Posner (upright bass) and Zena Kay (pedal steel) © @shea_artwork
What would be your dream artist or producer collaboration, and why?
“Well, my dream artist collab is absolutely Chris Stapleton. I believe we would make something incredible and nothing neither of us has ever released. Plus, we would write a song that could help people. Dream producer is Don Was; the way he sees music is how I feel it in my dreams.”
What does being part of the Gibson Artist Spotlight program mean to you?
“Being a Gibson Spotlight Artist means more than anyone might really know. I grew up going to bookstores around Hawaii, taking the little cards out of music magazines so I could order free catalogs, and cutting out all of the Gibson Les Pauls and the J-200s when I was about 11. I’ve been obsessed with Gibson Guitars ’cause all my favorite musicians and songwriters played them.
“The silhouettes of these guitars became ‘what music looks like,’ and the sound even more so. I traded a skateboard, 50 bucks, and a bunch of spray paint cans with someone I went to middle school with for their Epiphone Les Paul™. I needed it.
“My first real Gibson Les Paul was from an Alabama music store—I spent summers and winters there with my stepbrother and sister. My first Gibson acoustic was the J-15 from my buddy Mike. And when my grandma got really sick, my family helped me get my J-200. I named her Sally after her. When my grandma got diagnosed with cancer, the Ohana at Gibson were there for me. Gibson has become family to me over the last 10 years, fighting for this dream of music to be able to make it my everyday work and to make sure I’ll be able to provide for my family by way of music and guitar. ”
Image: Kapali Long loves his electric guitar tones, too
What’s next on the horizon for you?
“I’ve got The Routines EP that will be released on January 10th. We recorded with Michael Fahey at Starbird Sound. The EP is my debut, and I’m honored to share four original songs representing different parts of my artistry and a special country-grass version of a My Chemical Romance song.
“We got the music video for ‘Routines’ that came out in January. I’ll be performing at 5 Spot Nashville on January 21st, Bluebird Cafe on March 16th, and finalizing tour dates throughout the year—planning to play 150 plus shows this year! We’ve got radio appearances and more, so stay tuned. I will also be starting my first full-length album this year, too! ”
Where can we hear more from Kapali Long?
The Routines EP:
Apple Music | iTunes Store | Spotify
Downtown Tulsa single:
Apple Music | iTunes Store | Spotify
Routines single:
Apple Music | iTunes Store | Spotify
Find out more about the Gibson Artist Spotlight program and visit the Artist Spotlight profile for Kapali Long.
