I’ve been waiting oh so patiently to share ‘Lost & Found’ with you and finally the day has arrived! It’s the debut single from an artist based in Atlanta known only as The Vigilante and it deals with the musician’s first-hand experience of the foster system. It’s an unbelievably good debut tune, and I just knew The Vigilante had an interesting story to tell.
Honoured that agreed to an interview, The Vigilante chats with us about his debut track, how he takes an idea and turns it into a song, and what he believes music’s role is in society. Please give a big welcome to our brand new friend The Vigilante!
Welcome welcome, thanks a lot for chatting with us! Firstly, congratulations on your brand new single! ‘Lost & Found’ is an absolute smash from start to finish! What does the song mean to you?
Well personally, it means a lot to me. As someone who spent time in multiple foster homes as a child, and has seen hundreds of children first-hand in and out of the system, I wrote this song from that perspective. The perspective of the children – lost and stuck in a world that has essentially forgotten them. That feeling of knowing that essentially there might not be someone who is ever going to come get you and we have to be that someone for ourselves so we can simply just make it through and survive. In a way, it’s hope for the hopeless. So in short this song is very dear and special to me. This is why I decided to lead off my career with it and set the tone for what kind of artist I want to be.
To expand on that I would love for anyone to check out these sites (or others) to help any foster children in need.
https://www.fosterlove.com/checkout/
https://www.thinkofus.org/donate/donate
When did your love affair with music start and how did you get to where you are today?
Very young I would say. I would only fall asleep to music when I was younger. I had a Prince and David Bowie cassette that I would listen to to fall asleep at 4 years old. I started writing lyrics at a young age and kept that with me as I gradually learned music theory and how to play certain instruments on my own. I’ve had this persona in me for a long time and I thought now is the best time for me to just let go and start releasing music. Being a perfectionist has hindered my progress a lot and I’m learning how to let that go, slightly.
We’re always intrigued by the different approaches that artists take when it comes to their creative process. Can you tell our readers a bit about yours? How do you take an idea and turn it into a complete song?
Well, it depends but I do have a bit of a formula. I come from a bit of a technical standpoint. But I start with an idea, how it makes me feel, or how I feel in that moment in general. I have a chart that shows the keys that emulate each feeling. So I find that key, come up with my chord progression, and build a base with that. Then I build around those few chords to expand the sounds and then I finish with melody and lyrics. I typically already have an idea for the melody and lyrics but for some reason, I can’t start with that, my mind has to build the music first. I also like to throw in a lot of real-life sounds like the waves crashing in this one because I feel like it takes the listener somewhere else. I’ve always enjoyed that myself.
Who would you put down as some of your biggest musical influences and who would you ultimately credit for helping shape and mould your overall sound?
This is tough because I feel like I take inspiration from so many artists. David Bowie for sure. Depeche Mode and Duran Duran because I love the vibe and messaging. Nine Inch Nails, like Depeche Mode, for their unique uses of different sounds. I would also say Thirty Seconds To Mars because I love the anthemic power and lyrics that promote how we feel as humans. If I could put them all together that would be amazing!
What, to you, is music’s role in society?
It’s literally everything. It is the extension of our feelings. The pure act of being human and being able to speak to others or have others speak to you in a way that can never be replicated. It speaks to your happiness, your sadness, your anger, your love, it can literally be whatever you want it to be. The best therapy in my opinion.
OK, it’s desert island time! You’re allowed to grab 3 albums before being stranded on an island. Which do you choose?
This is hard! Hmmm… ‘Wildflowers’ by Tom Petty. ‘Violator’ by Depeche Mode. ‘Love Lust Faith + Dreams’ by Thirty Seconds to Mars. I’m already second-guessing because I want more!
What would success look like for you in the music industry? And what are your overall thoughts on the current state of the industry?
If I can move or help one person with my music then I have succeeded. I just simply want to bring light and be a voice for those who don’t have one and tell those stories. Who knows where that will take me but I am ready for that journey.
My thoughts on the industry are unique I feel like. There is a place in this world for every song ever made. I lean towards music with meaning but if the people like it, they like it. In a way, it is a bit of a popularity contest but I feel like if done right, any music will reach the surface eventually.
Thanks so much for chatting with us! I have no doubt that there are many more songs up your sleeve, and I truly can’t wait to hear what else you have in store! In a broader sense though, what do you hope for in your musical future?
Of course! Thank you for taking the time to have me. In a broader sense, I want to be a voice for the voiceless. I want to help them tell those stories as I can relate to a lot of them myself. Empathy is what drives this passion for me. Hence my name The Vigilante. I want to fight for them and speak on things this ever-changing world wants to ignore. If I can deliver those messages and success follows so more can hear those messages then terrific! But I have a lot more in store and I cannot wait to share it.
