Today we’d like to introduce you to Stoll Vaughan.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m originally from Kentucky. I discovered music at about 12 or 13. I fell in love with it, especially guitar. I just started writing instrumentals and putting together bands and playing in bars in Richmond, KY. It was a whole lot of fun, and I was driven to do it, but I didn’t understand how a career in music would work. I got accepted into Interlochen Arts Academy up in Michigan my senior year of high school, where I discovered that art and music can truly be a way of life. In order to do that, I had to continue to surround myself with people who believed in the power and life of music. This led me to Bloomington, IN where I was lucky to be involved in a wonderful music scene and also the John Mellencamp world. I joined a touring band, Chamberlain, and dropped out of college. At that moment I committed my life to music. There was no other way. I found songwriting to be the foundation to the music that would help tell my story. Through the help of my mentor Mike Wanchic (Mellencamp’s longtime guitarist and co-producer), I was able to develop my songwriting and record my first two records. From the success of those records, I was able to get opening slots on major tours with John Mellencamp/John Fogerty, Marty Stuart, James McMurtry, Def Leopard/Journey. Living in Nashville, I went to California to meet music supervisors on a business trip.
I fell in love with California for its diversity, youthful energy, and creativity. Something that wasn’t expressed in the southeast as outwardly. I was lucky to have my music being placed in television and film, which then solidified my move to the west coast. I took a break from making music of my own, with the idea to create an artist development company. This allowed me to stay put in one place and not tour all the time. Which helped me build a strong foundation of life, getting married, etc. These were things I never thought about when I was always on the road. Although the artist development company didn’t quite work out, I am grateful for the experiences I had during that time. I still work with other artists writing songs. Recently I was able to help release the Duane Betts record “Sketches of American Music” which I co-wrote and co-produced. I’ve also been writing with Duane and Devon Allman for their new project coming up. Once the artist development company didn’t work out, I knew I wanted to tell my story again. It was about a year process, and I was able to come out with my new record “The Conversation.”
Please tell us about your art.
I’m a songwriter. People consider it Americana/Folk.
Songwriting for me is like a meditation. With my new record “The Conversation,” it was a beautiful experience. I had avoided writing for myself for so long that I didn’t know if I could get past the chatter and insecurities of my own mind. I sat down to write again, with no idea what I cared to say. It felt like a daunting task to restart this process. What I’m grateful for is, the process of songwriting does not care about time lost. I found songs like “Forgiveness” and “I Was All Alone” painless in their creation. I really focused on the songs in their raw form. Just myself and a guitar. After I had them together, I decided to step away from the recording and take them to people I trust. I reached out to my friend Carl Broemel and mentor Mike Wanchic to help put together the record. I emphasized simplicity and both Carl and Mike understood that. It is easy to get caught up in the recording process but with restraint of time and a desire to let the songs be the focus we were able to achieve something wonderful.
The message behind the work is about redemption and faith. It resides in places that feel reflective but also feel hopeful. I can promise that we stayed true to the core of what I am and did not get in the way of the songs and the sentiment they were born with. I believe people will feel welcomed into these songs, as they sit with them I hope they continue to grow in their own understanding and experience.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I don’t constantly pay attention to a 24-hour news cycle. It just seems to not register with me. So these issues affect my work in a way that is an undercurrent but not always in your face. I think artists have to be conscience. I have a song on my new record called “Change.” It is clear about things needing to shift, but we also need to practice love, forgiveness and stop demonizing people, even if they are wrong. The world cannot sustain without unity. Unity takes effort and patience.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find my music on most digital platforms, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon music, etc. You can also get it on my website www.stollvaughan.com. I have a Limited Edition Splatter Vinyl available on my website as well. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stollvaughan.com
- Email: elizabeth@commonwealthartist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stollvaughan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StollVaughan/
- Other: hyperurl.co/1blik3
Image Credit:
Willie Wilson Photography
Jim Cook Images
tête-à-tête
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