As of late, Vaughn Lowery has had a sit-down with prolific personality and uber talented musician Hayes Warner. After a turbulent year filled with provocative single releases and achievements, she elaborates on her whirlwind.
2023 was a big year with a lot of fun releases including your latest “Worst Time or Year.” What are you the most proud of and what are you looking forward to in 2024?
2023 has been an amazing year for me since I’ve gotten to really focus on making music. I’ve spent a lot of time in the studio putting finishing touches on my debut EP that I’ll be releasing this year. I’m definitely most proud of this upcoming music because I think the whole project really reflects who I am – there’s a lot of sarcastic humor, sprinkled in with some light-hearted sassiness, but also there are some really vulnerable songs on there. I think each song kind of dives into different sides of my personality.
In terms of what I’m looking forward for 2024, I am SO excited to get out on the road and perform these new songs. I’ve secured some super exciting show dates that I can’t wait to announce.
Speaking of “Worst Time or Year” I feel like a lot of people can really relate to that sentiment in relation to the holidays. Can you tell us a bit about your personal inspiration for that song?
I wrote “Worst Time of Year” after a series of failed attempts at creating a typical Christmas song. I gave the cheerful, jingle-bell rock anthems a shot, but the lyrics felt super forced and stupid. So “Worst Time a Year ” came about when I started writing my honest feelings about the holidays. The holidays can be a real struggle for people with weird family situations, and this song delves into what that experience looks like for me. There’s this strange societal expectation to seem perfect during the Holidays, especially when it comes to spending time with family. With “Worst Time of Year” I had a lot of fun lightheartedly making fun of that fake perfection. Obviously no judgment to people who love the holidays, I just love that “Worst Time of Year” lets me be sassy about my anti-holiday spirit :).
From whom or from where did you gain your musicality from? Who are some of your musical inspirations?
I think New York has really instilled a go-getter energy in me, and that fast-paced mentality has definitely influenced my songwriting. Growing up, I honestly used to stupidly strut around the city aimlessly with my headphones in and write lyrics to my next song. So New York is really ingrained in my music, and I think the rapid energy of the city translates into my songs.
Also growing up, I was a HUGE fan of P!nk, Avril Lavigne, Kes$ha, Joan Jette, and other Pop and Punk-Rock musicians. I’m really inspired by the no-nonsense attitude of their music – it’s like ear candy with a side of deep wisdom.
You started writing music at such a young age. Can you tell us a bit about how you got started and your process?
Growing up, I always listened to music as a way to cope with feelings, and so I think that writing songs was just the natural next step to dealing with emotions. I had this tiny keyboard in my room during middle school, and that’s where I kicked off my songwriting journey, even if those early songs were cringe-worthy at best. I became obsessed with songwriting, and still can’t believe I get to do it as a job now.
My writing process is pretty flexible and depends on the song and my mood. There are moments when a killer concept or lyric strikes, and I immediately jot it down in my notes app. Alternatively, I might spontaneously record a melody on my voice memos app – some of these morph into full-fledged songs, while others are just shower thoughts. Or, I’ll sit at the piano, tinkering with chords until I find something that sticks. In those instances, the melody takes the lead, and the lyrics follow suit.
We saw you recently worked with Loren Gray on your song “Breadcrumbs.” What was that like?
Working with Loren was the best. She’s so funny, and we have the best time joking around, but she’s also so professional. I really think we nailed a balance between having fun and getting things done. The whole process of making Breadcrumbs was by far my favorite project ever, and we’ve become super close friends through collaborating.
Loren and I met when we both found out we were unknowingly being cheated on by the same person. So, we turned that wild situation into “Breadcrumbs.” What I love about the song is that the whole playful vibe we had making the song totally shines through. It’s like our fun energy got baked right into the track.
Can you mention a few artists on your wishlist to work with in the near future?
I have been obsessed with Chappell Roan’s newest album, The Rise and Fall of A Midwest Princess. I would LOVE to collaborate with her. I would also die to collaborate with Hayley Williams and Paramore. I’m absolutely obsessed with her energy on stage. She has such a powerful voice, and is able to belt out crazy notes while bopping around the stage with so much energy.
Is there any words of encouragement or advice you can offer an aspiring recording artist?
I think the best advice that people gave me when I first started releasing music was to stop caring about other peoples’ judgements. Self-criticism is already on autopilot, and stressing over opinions can straight-up paralyze you. At the end of the day, what matters is making music that’s authentic to you. Sure, not everyone might jump on your vibe when you drop a song, but the right audience will find it if it’s authentically you. Letting go of people’s opinions is so much easier said than done. I mean, I’ve stumbled upon a few nasty comments on my TikTok that definitely took me back. But being a recording artist has become so much more fun the second I let go of other people’s opinions and became more of myself!
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