Nicole Vaughn

I actually first heard about Nicole Vaughn when Jolyn, a reader, commented on one of my music posts about her. I went to her website to take a listen and I loved what I heard. A peaceful voice, relatable lyrics, and emotionally charged melodies are what make up her tracks. It just so happens that the singer/songwriter is also a huge Free People fan! She sent in an FPme photo that we recently posted on the blog (she’s the third one down). It’s hard to believe she’s not already a huge sensation. Nicole is one of the music scene’s best kept secrets that needs to be let out of the bag.

Nicole gladly answered a few questions for you all to get to know her better. She’s also made her song, “Stuck on You,” available for free download to you all! (Thank you, Nicole!) Read up on our interview with the inspirational woman and take a listen to her music!

Where were you when you wrote your first song?

I wrote my first official song on guitar at 13, I was sitting on the floor of my room with my guitar and a notebook of some poetry (not very good poetry), and sort of just started to put the pieces together.

What is your favorite song off of your most recent album, “Say It,” and why?

I think that my favorite song off of album would be “Everything We’ve Built” or the title track itself, “Say it”.  These are the most personal and soul-bearing songs on the album and are extremely raw and honest in their story-telling and how I felt about the subject matter.

What is your picture of success?

Success to me would be to continue creating quality music and lyrics that I’m excited about and playing and collaborating with talented musicians that I admire. If I get some fans and make people smile, feel, connect, or dance along the way, I am happy. I’d also like to open for Wilco or Mason Jennings one day, but that might be pushing it ;)

What’s the last album you bought? What else is on your iPod right now?

I recently bought Paul Simons greatest hits, Dawes’ new album, and Barrett Johnson’s album “In Case I went Missing”. Some of my iPod go-to’s are: Mason Jennings, Neko Case, Cass McCombs, Alexander, Rolling Stones, Lissie, Muddy Waters, Bon Iver, Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn, Arcade Fire, Patsy Cline,  Wilco, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Randy Newman, Sharon Van Etten…just to name a few! I love it all.

What is your signature look?

I’m not even sure, I think I’d have to ask someone else, hah!  I just wear what I like and I’m comfortable in. Fancy stuff when I’m on stage, but lately off stage I’ve been really casual. I just like jeans, plain T, some turquoise or native american jewelry, and some boots. I like simplicity more and more these days.

What sort of hobbies do you have besides your music?

I love reading a good book, surfing, camping, going to shows, road-trips, hiking, running, rock-climbing, spending time with my pups, anything adventurous and spontaneous. I like to keep life interesting and unpredictable.

What is your favorite book?

East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I’m a big fan of Steinbeck.

One thing you cannot live without is?

Guitar. Or my wonderful mom. Or my dogs. I mean that’s a pretty tough question. haha

What does Free mean to you?

Free means having a free state of mind, not being confined by status quos or trends-free of influence, loving what you love just because YOU love it! Doing what you want, because it’s what YOU want to do.

Nicole Vaughn

Listen to the rest of Nicole’s Music Here

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kelly walsh
12 years ago

i love nicole’s music! she is one of the many awesome female performers coming out of oc…i will also suggest another artist for you like jolyn did…aloha radio. i saw nicole perform with them a while back. another amazing female fronted surf band. go oc girls.

12 years ago

Heck yes she is amazing! I can’t believe she hasn’t had a record deal yet- I cannot stop listening to these tracks :) Amazing!

12 years ago

Woops I guess she has- regardless this is one of the best music posts you guys have put on the blog :)

marianne
12 years ago

“Fall” makes me wanna cruise anywhere with the top down…”Say it”…we can ALL relate to and “Too young”….surf vibe and hit the dance~floor! LOVE XOXO

annie
12 years ago

loved her! similar: http://www.myspace.com/carolinesmithmusic
just saw caroline smith live in st.louis, she was awesome. :)

kelly walsh
12 years ago
Diana
12 years ago

omg I love her sound! and OMG she’s playing IN MY TOWN, in 4 HOURS!!! omg fate.
thanks for the hot tip free peeps!

12 years ago

Oh my goodness, i love this girl! She used to play the open mic at the coffee shop I worked out every week! She is a sweetheart and wonderful live!