Alex Tsanga has seen more of the world than most of us could ever dream of, and under the moniker of LightlongLife he makes mesmerisingly ethereal soundscapes, harnessing the raw energy of rock, and the catchy hooks of pop, set to lyrics that truly express what he’s gone through in terms of his personal growth and transformation.
We recently wrote about LightlongLife’s latest single, ‘I Got Lost’, and now we have managed to hold him down in one location long enough to chat about his life, his music, and what’s coming up next.
What inspired you to create the song, ‘I Got Lost’?
The song’s hook came to me back in 2016 when I was in Tulum, Mexico. The title reflects how I felt at that moment: lost. Despite being in a beautiful place near the ocean, surrounded by lush palms and paradise-like scenery, I felt internal turmoil. I was very uncomfortable and insecure, struggling with unmet expectations and unsure about my direction in life. I was constantly besieged by negative thoughts, dread, and anxiety, unable to appreciate the beauty around me. This song is about the journey of finding myself, seeking my path in life, achieving harmony within, and discovering my true self beyond the voice in my head that I have been identifying with.
How did your travelling experiences influence the theme of getting lost to find oneself in the song?
In travel, I am constantly moving, “I’ve seen many places, different faces, the only changes are decorations”, as I sing in the lyrics. But the thing is, you cannot run away from yourself and your thoughts; your demons always travel with you, and you may want to get rid of them, to get lost. That’s what I was trying to do while writing this song. The key, however, is to embrace your emotions, mental states, and thoughts, and to be comfortable wherever you are.
What visual elements or scenes in the music video stand out to you?
Desert landscapes resonate with me deeply. They evoke a sense of spiritual wandering and the pursuit of meaning, similar to the biblical narratives of journeys through the wilderness.
What does the title, ‘I Got Lost’, signify for you personally?
The line “I Got Lost, To Find Myself” means I had to shed the layers of past experiences, beliefs, and societal conditioning — the very things I once identified as “Myself” — to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Letting go of all that allowed me to find my real, genuine self, which is beyond just labels and opinions learned for others. It’s about connecting with a deeper, spiritual part of me.
Are there specific artists or influences that have shaped your approach to ‘I Got Lost’?
Bands like Angels and Airwaves, and Coasts, definitely left their mark on the sound of this track. Their dreamy, ethereal vibes inspired me to create a similar atmosphere in the music.
The music video for ‘I Got Lost’ showcases various travel destinations. What is the significance of each destination to you?
Each destination has some specific features. Most of the shots were filmed in Asia, in places like Bali, Thailand, and the Maldives. For me, Southeast Asia is a very special and unique place, with pleasurable, and transformative energy.
Were there any challenges or surprises that arose during the making of the song or music video?
This song had a very long creation process. In 2016, the idea and concept of the song and melody were conceived. The writing and production process began in 2019, little by little, and the first demo with vocals was recorded in 2021. Over the next 1.5 years, the vocals were re-recorded around 5-6 times in different studios, countries, and with different microphones, due to my traveling lifestyle and dissatisfaction with the performance. The vocals were finalized at the end of 2022. However, the mixing process was also challenging, as the project had around 130 tracks, and most mixers using Pro Tools disrupted the balance of the instruments. After trying 3 different mixers, a satisfactory result was finally achieved. Although not entirely satisfied with the vocals, it was recorded 1.5 years before the release, I think my skills have improved since then, but I decided to turn off the perfectionism button and release the song.
The video production was also quite challenging. It was captured over three years in various locations using a variety of cameras, different drones, and even iPhones. Some of the shots were even filmed by my girlfriend in the desert using an iPhone and for the first time, and I think they turned out pretty well. The diverse footage made color correction and grading a very complex process, that took a pretty long time.
How have your travels shaped your perspective on life and creativity as an artist?
LightlongLife isn’t just about the music – it’s a reflection of my journey, my personal and spiritual growth, and the unique perspective I’ve gained through my experiences. It’s shaped by my travels, yes, but more so by the deep self-exploration I’ve done along the way. From silent retreats in Buddhist temples to ayahuasca ceremonies in the Amazon jungle, these experiences have profoundly impacted me and my art.
LightlongLife is my way of sharing that transformation, weaving those insights into the music, the visuals, and the lyrics. It’s an invitation for listeners to join me on this journey, to explore your depths, and to find your own unique light.
What are your plans for future music releases or projects following ‘I Got Lost’?
I’m currently releasing a reimagined version of ‘I Got Lost’. It’s a softer, acoustic take, and we filmed a live performance video in the beautiful Cirali, Turkey.
In August, I’m excited to share my next single, a song about self-love, acceptance, and embracing your individuality. We shot a fun music video for it that I think captures the light and easy vibe of the song.
Watch the incredible video for ‘I Got Lost’ below, and find out more about LightlongLife and his music online on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
