Undance

David Long

RELEASE DATE: Thursday, November 5, 2026

Undance is an album of songs informed by—but refuse to follow the traditional conventions of—pop song form. Composer David Long describes them as ‘handmade odd songs’. Lyrics, sounds, and textures overlap, and a diverse array of acoustic string instruments (banjo, nylon string guitars, viola caipira, cello) mix with electric guitars and toy synthesisers. Bossanova feels overlap electronic pop and nostalgic ballads, and the themes range from the wild and dark side of civilisation to horse races, lost family members, and the often strange declarations adults make to children about the world.

“It feels as if these songs have been building up in me over many years, from recollections of my childhood to watching my children grow”, says David. “They're informed by all the joys as well as the heartaches, from learning that we are the sum of all our actions, going back to when we first heard a heartbeat in the womb.”

Produced and recorded by David Long at the Swearing Room
Mixed by Graham Kennedy
Mastering by Mike Gibson
Cover painting “Blue Moon” by Karl Reynolds
Design by UnkleFranc
Printing by Studio Q

All compositions by David Long
Published by Concord Music © & ℗ 2026 All Rights Reserved

David Long (vocals, guitars, cello, synths, etc.)
Francis Long (drums)
Backing vocals by Briar Prastiti, Amy Barnett, Alan Gregg, Kirsten McDougall, Janet Roddick, and Phoebe Gittins

Released: 05 November 2026
Catalogue: RAT-D173

DAVID LONG

David is a music maker from Aotearoa, New Zealand. He has collaborated in a range of groups and ensembles, including The Muttonbirds, Teeth, and The Labcoats. He has made experimental music throughout his career, and has composed extensively for film, television, and contemporary dance. He worked on all of Peter Jackson’s Middle Earth films (including the upcoming "The Hunt for Gollum"). In March 2026, David and co-composer Stephen Gallagher share the Emmy Award for the score to "Secrets at Red Rocks".

David's solo albums include Come On In (2001, under the name Slim Volume), Ash and Bone (2022), I'll Hum the First Few Bars (2023), and All Things Will Stay Silent (2024).

David Long website

David Long’s Audio Culture profile