Tuned In, Turned Up

Nicole Vaughn is a singer-songwriter from Southern California. Her rock-like intensity paired with her sincere, soulful lyrics have given folk music a whole new meaning. Nicole’s most recent album, “Say It” was produced by Kelly Winrich (Delta Spirit) and Todd Hannigan. The album received a Best Folk nomination from OC Music Awards. Nicole Vaughn spoke with Tuned In, Turned Up about her upcoming album, her favorite artists, and her goals for the future.

Who or what attracted you to songwriting and helped to influence your sound?

I originally started writing some pretty bad poetry around 11 and would try to write little melodies and songs too them. Eventually, at 13 I started to learn how to play the guitar and just put the three together. Although my influences have definitely changed, I loved Jewel when I was in middle school so I think that had a lot to do with it too. I loved her album “Spirit”.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as an artist? 

Honestly, there are a lot of hard things that come with being an artist. In a way, I’m on working trying to desensitize myself to people’s praise or criticism. It can get dangerous if you listen to both of those too often. Just trying to do what I do and be confident in that.

If you could collaborate with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be?

Tough question here. I think I’d really like to collaborate with the band Vetiver. I just love the spirit of that band. Really groovy, mellow vibes that come in shades of serious songwriting as well as toe-tapping danceable songs. They’ve got a great balance. I’d love to write some tunes with them.

What are some of your favorite artists or bands at the moment?

Mason Jennings always. I love the new Emmylou Harris album “Hard Bargain”. The National, Vetiver, Tall Tales and the Silver Lining, Sharon Van Etten, Emiliana Torrini. Those are some artists that I’ve been listening to a lot of as of late.

If you could go back in time and attend one concert of any artist in history, which would you choose?

That list is endless! But…I would have loved to have seen Johnny Cash and June Carter sing together. It would have just been crazy to watch them up there and feel the energy that the crowd was feeling at the time.

What can we expect from your next album and when will we get to hear it?

It’s going to be quite different from “Say it”. It’s a two part album called “Songs for Leaving, Songs for Other Things” that I’m recording with my buddy Jon O’Brien. The first half will be more blue grass/folk based featuring my friends Moonsville Collective and the second will be more electric. We’re in the midst of recording right now so I’m hoping to have it out by late June.

Do you have a long-term goal for your music, or dream as an artist?

I’d really just love to be able to do it as a living. I’d love to tour, do festivals, play shows abroad, have a decently packed room each night, and put out albums every couple of years with songs that I believe in. I want to play with soulful, respected, and kind musicians. We’ll see what the future holds. No matter how it turns out I’ll be fine cuz’ I’ll never stop playing and creating.

Listen to the entire “Say It” album:

Nicole Vaughn’s album “Say It” can be purchased on CD Baby or iTunes.

Additional Nicole Vaughn music and information can be found at:

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