Following the anticipated 2022 release of the deluxe album ‘Dark Society’, VAUGHTY returns in 2023 with new genre-defying single ‘1984’ - the feature and title song to a 5 track EP - released January 2023 on Aggro Monkey records.
With the re-release of 1984 showcasing an anthemic melody of synth enthused emotion, the new year has already seen a promising start by Vaughty. Featuring guest vocals of Cherry Ballard, anticipation looms for the music video release, which depicts a desperate struggle of 3 individuals trying to survive after a nuclear apocalypse. A resounding message behind the composition, context shows a cry to humanity - “Wake Up. Don't let it happen. It's up to us" Vaughty described the curation of ‘1984’ EP:
“This project is inspired by the George Orwell classic - The songs make direct reference to the source material whilst drawing the comparisons and parallels with the current state of the world”.
Born in a humble mining town in South Africa, Vaughty is a self taught multi-instrumentalist and producer who moved to the UK in 1999. After buying his first Keyboard at the age of 15, Vaughty discovered a synth-enthused sound that took inspiration from artists such as Gary Numan, Depeche Mode, Jean-Michel Jarre, Vaneglis, Vince Clarke and many others. This has evolved into a unique style that evolved following multiple releases under differ aliases and several collaborations. Vaughty finally founded the persona with his debut album ‘Love And Industry’ in 2014, dubbing his music "a hybrid between EDM and Industrial Rock".
"My songs reflect the human condition. To me, emotion, melody and atmosphere are the most important elements in music" VAUGHTY
Inspired by the 2011 "Drive" starring Ryan Gosling, the first album - "Love And Industry" - was released in 2015 on Vaughty’s own "Aggro Monkey Records" label. He maintained this pace with the release of a series of singles, featuring guest vocals by Cherry Ballard. Changing course in 2022, Vaughty released his hardest, darkest and most ambitious album to date: "Dark Society" (available on CD, Vinyl, and streaming). The new direction is a lot harder and edgier, yet still retains that unique sound which fans adore.
An authentic soul, Vaughty worked to sustain his humble music beginnings; With a series of retail and catering jobs, he also played piano bars and hotels where his sets ranged from Billy Joel, Elton John, all the way to Queen. This influence and persistence is still evident in Vaughty’s work ethic today. As well as the musical project branded Vaughty, the reputable creative - Vaughn George, also runs a Youtube Channel that is centred around music reviews and content to inspire up and coming artists. Alongside this, Vaughn thrives as an artist development coach, whose mission is to aid industry access for musicians and become the best versions of themselves.
1. Could you tell us a bit about '1984'?
"1984" is a 5 track EP based on and inspired by the George Orwell classic.
The songs on this EP make direct reference to the source material as well as draw comparisons to the current state of the world. The scary thing being that Orwell's work of fiction, despite sounding "far fetched" at the time, seems to be manifesting in our current reality. The resounding message here which I am trying to convey is , "Don't let it happen, it's up to us."
2. How did the concept for the track take place?
Last year (2022), I released a full album entitled "Dark Society". "1984" is a track which is featured on that album and the fans really seemed to like it a lot.
I simply got inspired to elaborate on the "1984" idea and released that same "1984" as the feature track, featuring on its own 5 track EP, accompanied by a music video too.
3. What was the creative process like?
This track, and the other songs on the EP are very electronically based. Some of the tracks have their fair share of guitars, piano and other acoustic instruments too, similar to the 2022 "Dark Society" album.
Used a lot of Analogue and hardware digital synths. Also really like to experiment with guitar sound, in terms of feedback and special effects. Also did quite a lot of recording of acoustic spaces, meaning the sounds are played at high volume and the "sound of the room" is recorded and blended and mixed into the recording, giving the sounds a distinct sense of space. This is a process which I learnt from my friend and legendary producer Gareth Jones, who was a pioneer of sampling and a big lover of using acoustic spaces creatively in his workflow with such legendary bands such as the great Depeche Mode.
4. How has it aided your growth as an artist?
This body of work has really helped me grow. It has helped me express what is happening in our world these days in an artistic/creative way whilst being inspired by one of my favorite books of all time. The hauntingly brilliant "1984" by George Orwell.
As artists, we tend to absorb everything around us and that is then expressed by your creative output. I find it very therapeutic.
5. How do you spend your time when you're not Vaughty, but Vaughn?
Hahaha!! Vaughn is pretty boring and somewhat awkward to be honest!
It is for this reason that I created the "Vaughty" persona because it would be ridiculous to see Vaughn singing these songs and playing these roles.
Stepping into a character allows you to play a role and become someone else. I have never studied acting but this is the formula and process which works well for me and keeps me sane.
When I am not playing the role of the somber and moody "Vaughty," I am running my Youtube channel under my name Vaughn George. I am also an artist development coach and I love mentoring and helping my students grow and reach their full potential. As a workaholic who does not have much time off, my most precious moments are spent with my baby girl Kara Anabella who is now 11 months old. Becoming a father is one of my greatest achievements and the thing I am most proud of!