Life can change pretty quickly, and vaultboy’s story is a prime example of it. In January 2021, the Florida-born and bred artist was as focused as can be participating in a daily songwriting challenge on TikTok. After posting a clip of a song that would come to be “everything sucks,” the gamer/musician found himself living a viral moment! The track has now been featured in over half a million videos on TikTok, and has amassed over 60 million streams on Spotify alone.
Of course, the excitement didn’t stop there. After co-writing Sarah Barrios and Eric Nam’s swoon-worthy single “Have We Met Before,” vaultboy teamed up with Eric Nam again for a remix of “everything sucks.” Later in the year, vaultboy also released his own original singles “aftermath” and “rocket science.” With each song packed with as much heart and soul possible, it’s no surprise that fans have eagerly awaited more music from the rising star.
At last, the time has come for vaultboy to share his debut EP with the world! The self-titled project invites listeners to have a heart-to-heart moment with vaultboy, as he opens up about the emotional rollercoaster he’s been riding lately. vaultboy also has some tea for you on a few things you’ll want to know about the EP, so read on!
2021 was full of surprises for you, and plenty of “pinch me, I must be dreaming!” moments. If there’s one particular moment from the past year that you could re-live, what would it be?
V: I would love to relive the night “everything sucks” came out. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of doing something as special as releasing your first song, for the first time.
Perhaps it’s fair to say it all started on TikTok for you! As your content started reaching more and more people globally, how did the exposure influence your perspective towards making music?
V: Totally, TikTok has been the catalyst for a lot! I would say it’s definitely got me in my head a lot more, and constantly thinking about making songs that could go viral. However, when I’m writing a song, I like to try and focus on just making the best song, regardless of how well it might do on TikTok, and that usually yields the best results.
Releasing a new EP (especially a debut EP!) is a great way to kick off the new year. What are some of the biggest things you hope listeners will take away from this body of work?
V: It’s been so exciting! I just hope that people connect with it, and when they do, that the songs can help them get through the things they’re feeling. Music is the thing that connects us, so I hope they feel a little less alone when they’re listening!
Since this is your first EP, were there any moments throughout the assembly process that you found particularly difficult?
V: Not specifically, but overall, producing songs takes a lot of thought and attention. It can get quite stressful sometimes and is often a long process, so that was probably the most difficult part of the process!
This EP introduces us to two new tracks. “i think i wanna text u” is all about the urge to hit up someone who has been on your mind. Who was the first person you texted when you completed your EP?
V: Probably my best pals Alexis and Cody, but honestly I’m not sure. Feeling like you are “finished” is a weird moment, because until the songs are actually out, it never feels real to me.
If you were only allowed to text or DM one public figure with a link to listen to your EP, who would it be?
V: Okay, so it would be Barrack Obama, because every year he puts out a playlist of his favorite songs from that year and I don’t know why but I really want to be on it, haha.
In “feel anything,” you mention experiencing a sense of cabin fever and an overall feeling of being held back. What are some of the things that have helped you cope, or even overcome such feelings – especially in the past year?
V: Traveling has been super helpful. Every time I’m out of my hometown, I try to put myself out there more, and experience things more. I tend to be a bit of a hermit when I’m at home, so leaving helps a ton.
Do you have any advice for anyone who may be going through the same emotions described in “feel anything”?
V: Take risks and try your best to do things outside of your comfort zone!
What are some of the most important things you’ve learned about your own self since you started your artistic journey?
V: That I am very emotional and sensitive when it comes to my music. Everyone likes to think that they have thick skin, but when it comes to music I’m proud of, I’m a bit of a softie.
Create a short elevator pitch for this project! How would you describe your EP to a stranger, and make them eager to become a vaultboy fan?
V: I’m bad a pitching, but here we go: Listen to this EP if you are alive and feel human emotion and it will make you feel less alone and help you work through all your bad thoughts. Catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and a dash of nostalgic vibes. That’s what you can expect from vaultboy on this EP!
Now that you really now what to expect, why not give vaultboy’s self-titled debut EP a listen? Check it out below, and be sure to say hey to vaultboy on Twitter/Instagram @vaultboy + TikTok @vaultboymusic.
