Vaughn Ahrens, the vibrant musical talent, recently had an interview with unWrap.online to delve into the heart of his latest EP, “Sub Saharan.” With a genuine enthusiasm, Vaughn shared the essence of his creative process, the cultural inspirations fueling his music, and the transformative experiences from his travels across Sub Saharan Africa.
“The name was inspired by my travels around Sub Saharan Africa in the last year and a half and the common identity I’ve found between my Sub Saharans.” This connection to the region’s diverse cultures and soundscape served as the cornerstone of his musical journey.
In discussing the evolution of his musical style, Vaughn described “Sub Saharan” as a concept EP, influenced by the rich soundscapes encountered during his travels through countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
“It was inspired by the soundscapes I encountered,” he shared, highlighting the fusion of cultural elements woven into his music.
Navigating through his creative process, Vaughn unveiled the nomadic nature of “Sub Saharan,” crafted amidst his adventures on the road.
“I would produce grooves on my launchpad and do field recordings on the road,” he explained. The EP’s raw energy was then refined in the studio, resulting in a captivating blend of organic and polished sounds.
When asked about the impact of streaming and social media on his approach to music, Vaughn admitted to still adapting to the ever-changing landscape. “At the moment I’m just focusing on making good music and figuring the new social media landscape out as I go,” he confessed, showcasing a dedication to authenticity amidst digital evolution.
Reflecting on standout moments from his performances abroad, Vaughn reminisced about electrifying shows at festivals like Splashy Fen in South Africa and Miombo Magic in Zimbabwe. These experiences, he revealed, deepened his understanding of different cultures and enriched his perspective as an artist.
Despite the challenges of international performances, Vaughn emphasized the importance of unity within his band. “Obviously, logistics are tough. We drove to all these countries, so getting your vehicle and headspace ready was important. You sit in a van with your bandmates for 5000 odd kms per trip and it takes a special team to not want to rip each others throats out every time, because it doesn’t matter how well you get along, the road is unforgiving. All in all, I think the experiences made us stronger as a band, he added.
Looking ahead, Vaughn teased exciting collaborations with artists from Zimbabwe and hinted at upcoming tours in Botswana. As for his fans eagerly anticipating new releases, Vaughn assured them to stay tuned for updates on social media and hinted at the production of his third album slated for a mid-2025 release.
With “Sub Saharan,” Vaughn Ahrens invites listeners on a musical odyssey infused with the spirit of Sub Saharan Africa a journey marked by cultural exploration, sonic innovation, and unwavering passion for authentic expression.
