Vaughn Prangley Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views
PD: How would you describe yourself as an artist?
VP: I’m a young mind with an old soul. Every song I write is written with sincerity and has the ability to connect with people. A song share’s a message better than any sentence ever could and so creating music that people can relate too is so important to me. My goal is to have a positive impact on everyone who crosses paths with my music.
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.
VP: I’m from Centurion South Africa. I started playing guitar when I was 9 years old when my grandmother had gifted me a guitar for my birthday. I started with classical guitar lessons and I eventually grew bored of learning songs from the 1600s. I had always enjoyed messing around with my own ideas more than learning songs. I met a lady named Malie Kelly, vocal coach involved in ‘The Voice’ and ‘Idols’, when I was 15. She then introduced me to a producer and we dived into my first EP… the rest is history.
PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?
VP: I like to find inspiration anywhere and everywhere that I can. Every song is born in its own unique way. I sometimes write about how I feel and how a situation has affected me or I observe and take in what happens in my environment and with the people around me. I just absolutely love sharing stories and life lessons with people. Some of my favourite artists are Ben Howard, Kaleo, Nothing but Thieves and many many more.
PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?
VP: To create music that connects deeply with the people who listen to it. For my music to remind those of good memories and be paintings of nostalgia whenever you press play. Writing about anything that peaks my interest… a breakup, a love, a loss, a wild night out, a triumph or a personal breakthrough, I want to show the world that it is okay to be transparent with your emotions and share your successes and failures with the world. And so, my songs unashamedly take my listeners on a journey through personal experiences – an old-school diary of sorts, and an ode to other young people navigating this crazy beautiful planet like myself.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
VP: The fact that my music career has lead me to spending 5 months in the Maldives. I am currently answering these questions looking out onto the Indian ocean.
PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms
in the day of the home studio. How is that going?
VP: It is certainly challenging but is a challenge that I am willing to tackle. Looking back from where I started to where I am is a testament to how far I have come on my this musical journey and so I am just gonna keep on pushing, writing music and doing my thing.
PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?
VP: I am currently doing a lot of performing in the Maldives and am loving every second of it!
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
VP: I have a love hate relationship with streaming platforms. It is wonderful how accessible music is these days but I do sometimes think I was born in the wrong era. I think being able to go out and buy physical albums on vinyl would be absolutely amazing.
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
VP: I don’t think I have a song I wish I’d written. I always write whatever comes to mind and never restrict myself creatively.
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
VP: The music industry is a very difficult one to navigate. It can be very cut throat and there is definitely a lack of unity. I believe us musicians and everyone in the music industry should be more welcoming with one another.
PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?
VP: I am currently writing a lot of music during my time in the Maldives and planning my next album! I have calved out a new sound and I am so excited to share it with the world.
PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?
VP: All Links https://linktr.ee/vaughnprangley
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vaughnprangleylive
Instagram https://instagram.com/vaughnprangley
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/VaughnPrangley
TikTok https://tiktok.com/@vaughnprangley
Vaughn Prangley links:
Band/Artist location – South Africa
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