New LVRN artist Alex Vaughn debut single “Mirage” is a soulful, nostalgic, and trippy moment of self-reflection. In the song, Vaughn comes to terms with the reality that the person that she is in love with may not be as perfect as she imagined. She describes it as a “detailed take on her distorted reality”, while encouraging those going through the same thing to call themselves out on their delusion.
What inspired this last release?
The desire to grow is what inspired the release. I wanted to be able to free myself from all things that once had power over me, so I can move forward. This song was originally made for my ears only, because of how embarrassed I was at the time, but I also knew it needed to be heard. It was a little uncomfortable at first finding out that that would be the first single, but Jill Scott once said, “once a song is written it no longer belongs to you.” That stuck with me. Plus there was more power in releasing it than hoarding it. Now here we are!
Do you get inspired by other art forms?
I am inspired by so much. Actual art, dance, acting, love, anything. Anything where I can sense passion is inspiring to me. I can smell a delicious dish and that can inspire me. Seeing a baby exploring the world for the first time with their eyes…Instantly inspired. Inspiration is literally limitless.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing this?
I mean, of course the “L.A.N.” line, right??? LOL
Funny thing, every time I’d sing the song out loud, I would always repeat that line, but with this random deep voice. I’m always making up voices! Lol. The more I sang it the funnier, more alarming, and fitting it became. Went in the booth and made it happen. All this to say I am the ‘L.A.N’ choir in the BG.
What’s your favorite place or environment to write?
I don’t really have a preference. Wherever the inspiration hits is where I write. Even if I have to beat box in my voice notes until getting into the studio, there’s nothing that can stop me from getting an idea off. Doesn’t matter the circumstances. If anything, I love having keys near me, so I can flush out the ideas immediately.
What’s a record that shaped your creativity?
There are a LOT of songs that have shaped my creativity, but if I had to give an honorable mention it would have to be “You Don’t Know My Name” by Alicia Keys. Hands DOWN. I was so young when that song came out, but still understood every word, because they were so simple, yet so descriptive! She was describing a happy feeling, not only in her melodies & flows, (bc she was FLO-WING) but in the sonics too! That song brought me into a world. She bagged dude on the phone at the end?! That record showed me that the objective isn’t to just make a good song, but to create a lasting moment.
Who is an artist or band you look up to today?
I don’t think I can pin that on one person right now, but I will say that the energy in the R&B air is different than it’s ever been. It feels like everyone is about to get relentless with their art, and I peep game! That’s what keeps me going!
What excites you the most about what you do ?
Being able to do it at this level for a living! This has been the only thing I’ve wanted to spend my life doing. The ONLY THING. Now I’m here. I love this so much that I would do it for free. I’m just so blessed that this is my life.
