For Alex Vaughn, a song isn’t just a vibe, it’s a story. The DMV native is known for her infectious melodies and effusive tone. Channeling real life events, her music conveys profound reflectiveness and realness.

As a teen, she attended Suitland High School, where she was trained to do classical music. After graduating, she was offered a scholarship to pursue classical music, but her heart led her to rhythm and blues. Vaughn built her fanbase locally by collaborating with different artists and uploading covers on Youtube.

Last October, it was announced that Alex signed to the ATL based label LVRN. To celebrate the occasion, she released her latest single entitled “Mirage” which received over 1.2 million views on tik tok.

Influenced by artists such as Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, and Amy Winehouse, she is ready to show the world what she is capable of. We had the chance to speak with Vaughn on what led her to creating music, the importance of trusting your gut, her love for her hometown and more. Check out the full interview below:

Meet Alex Vaughn

DMV based singer/songwriter/pianist/producer

How did you get your start in music?

It all started at my grandmother’s piano :) I used to crawl onto it when I was young, and singing has always naturally been a part of me. It’s almost as if myself & music grew up together lol

What RARE qualities do you possess that will set you apart from other R&B acts?

I think what’s rare is that I’m ME. I’m not aiming to be anything other than my natural self. I’m not afraid to be dead honest with myself and “feel the feels” that come with it to move forward. It can get painful, but it’s always rewarding in the end. I feel like artists (people) aren’t ready to tell themselves the truth. The TRUTH TRUTH.

Your latest single, Mirage was inspired by a situationship gone wrong…what type of advice would you give your younger self/other women when it comes to dating & self-love?

Trust your gut. You’re not tripping! You DO deserve better. Call him/her/them tf OUT! Most importantly tho check YOURSELF! That doesn’t have to be a negative thing, either. Check yourself, figure out how you can grow from it & move ON.

I feel like your music has a poetic storytelling element that I love. Walk us through your creative process?

It varies lol. I’m always learning new methods of creating, but it’ll always boil down to a voice memo and my notes. Whether it’s a conversation with friends (or myself), a key word, even a tiny idea, I just jot it down/ record it. It doesn’t matter the circumstances. Usually if the idea drives me crazy, I’ll naturally just complete it. Like a fun rubix cube lol idk

LVRN has a hard hitting roster full of talent, what do you want future fans to take away from your music?

I want my fans to know that I really care and believe in us discovering/ tapping into our superpowers because we all have them. I want it to be known that this is my real life. I’m not making up words in these songs - I WAS THERE. Lol, I’m not perfect, Tuh. I’m forever a student of life, but I’m always committed to spreading the wealth as I learn on this journey and making sure it’s as fun and impactful as long as we’re here. :)

Dream collabs?

I mean, I’m down for whoever’s tight & down to work with me, but DREAM collabs would have to be Kanye, Pharrell, Missy. Definitely my top 3. And Jean Paul Gaultier (u didn’t say it just had to be music lol)

How has your DMV upbringing influenced your music?

Being from the DMV inspired my perspective, personality, attitude lol, my rhythm, literally everything. Growing up in the DMV was wild but always FUN! The music scene in the DMV always encouraged community & coming together & with good vibes. I love that!!!!! I’m so glad I was raised in that! There was so much black culture in so many forms & I was exposed to all of them at all times while still learning real-life skills & having FUN. My upbringing literally felt like one big lit cookout, & it’s been ingrained in me to make everything I do feel like just that lol. Did I mention it was fun?

What’s next for you?

So much. I know that seems vague but so much. More than just music FOR SURE. Listen I just got here (signed & on the scene) and I have no intentions on leaving nor playing it safe! Nothing is off limits! Keep your eyes open!

Follow Alex on all socials @AlexVaughn to stay updated with what’s next for her.

Check Out Our Alex Vaughn Essentials Playlist

#OnOurRadar: Alex Vaughn Talks The Importance of Trusting Your Gut, Dream Collabs and More