M. Vaughan: Keep In Touch (EP)
M. Vaughan’s musical evolution is a story of reinvention and self-discovery. Originally from Lisbon but having spent much of his adult life in New York, Vaughan first rose to prominence in the Indie Rock scene, playing in bands and honing his skills as a guitarist. But after a decade immersed in the raw energy of rock, he shifted gears, delving deep into the world of electronic music.
His productions, released on labels like Freerange, Monologues, and his own Super Tuff Records, showcased a unique blend of distorted synthesizers, gritty percussion, and innovative house rhythms. This fresh take on dance music caught the attention of prominent outlets such as Resident Advisor and DJ Mag, earning him accolades from critics and support from heavyweights like Axel Boman and Laurent Garnier.
However, after achieving early success, Vaughan found himself in need of a change. In 2021, he made the decision to relocate to Berlin—often referred to as the "Mecca of Dance Music"—hoping to immerse himself in the city’s world-renowned techno scene. But instead of finding belonging among the underground club culture, Vaughan felt increasingly out of place. Surrounded by stoic ravers in their signature black attire, he became detached from the very world he had sought to be a part of. The more he tried to assimilate, the more alienated he felt.
This sense of foreignness became a catalyst for Vaughan’s creative shift. Rather than dive deeper into the Berlin techno scene, he found himself retreating into the music that had first inspired him years ago—artists like The Microphones, Mark Kozelek, and Alex G, whose emotionally raw and introspective sounds resonated deeply. In response to his growing disconnection from the dance music world, Vaughan made several significant changes: he stopped DJing, put his label Super Tuff Records on hiatus, and began focusing entirely on creating new material. The result of this introspective period is his latest EP, Keep in Touch, released in June 2024.
One of the standout tracks from the EP, “Cold Read,” encapsulates Vaughan’s emotional journey. The track is a heartfelt expression of longing and homesickness, capturing the essence of feeling disconnected from both the place you left behind and the world you’ve tried to enter. With its understated electronic backdrop and poignant lyrics, “Cold Read” is a reflection of the personal growth Vaughan has experienced in the wake of his move to Berlin.
Keep in Touch is a testament to Vaughan’s ability to embrace change while staying true to the essence of his artistic identity. It’s an EP that bridges the gap between his early indie influences and his electronic past, drawing on the sounds of both worlds to create something entirely new. For Vaughan, this is not just a musical shift—it’s a rediscovery of self, a journey that moves beyond the dance floor to something more personal and introspective.
As he continues to explore this new direction, M. Vaughan proves that sometimes, the most profound artistic evolution comes from stepping away from the familiar and confronting the emotions that reside within. And with Keep in Touch, he’s inviting us all to join him on that journey.