VagueEightySix - 10 Questions
Introducing VagueEightySix... the brand-new alt R&B and neo Soul artist. He is embarking on a journey to reveal a series of personal works. VagueEightySix’s lyricism is emotionally raw and inspiring just like old-time love songs that he’s instead made for the contemporary and modern world. His soulful vocal resonates above a chugging hip hop beat in an elating yet emotive twist, resulting in a feeling of gliding euphoria. Generating influence from classic Motown, 90s era, Hip Hop, RnB and Deep House, VagueEightySix achieves his sound by reworking his own never heard before lo-fi house productions and adding a paradigm of song structures on top. It’s British yet with US influence and also incorporates his Jamaican and Bajan roots–a vast, delicate and very much individual articulation of music as an art form.
VagueEightySix sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So, tell us, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music and how did that turn into creation?
What inspired me growing up was finding my parents’ records and listening to vinyl on my dad's stereo that was built into the wall. I've been fortunate to grow up around a lot of talented people, and family members were always involved in recording, making literal tapes back in the day, so it was only natural I think at some point to give it a try myself. I had a lot of friends who had their bedroom studios, making music right there, and I started singing with them as well. My cousin left a tape at my house once that had this cover with a real classic 90s-00s-looking cover on it with him right in the middle, and that really inspired me, made me feel like “I wanna make a tape”. I also had an auntie who had loads of Source magazines at her house that I would go through, looking at all the photos and that really inspired me. I wanted to belike those guys. I think that’s also where I get a lot of my style from.
2. How would you describe your sound to someone who has not heard you before?
I feel like my sound is kinda like a dream constantly floating with the wind, sometimes in limbo, gliding on an invisible wave. Sonically, I like to mix things up, but I lean heavily on all of my influences: 90s Hip Hop, old school Garage Music, Electronic, with some R&B and Motown all mixed together. When I write a track, I’m not even sure what’s gonna come out, I just let the song kinda manifest.
3. What have been the highlights for VagueEightySix so far and what are your goals?
Well if I'm being honest, the highlight for me has been being able to connect with complete strangers who are absolutely beautiful all in their own way. Being able to meet them just because of the reflection of the music and by the platform and vibes me and SUN/MGNETK, who I do all of my videos with, have built is more than a highlight for me so far. As far as goals, I don’t really have any specific ones. I’d just like to carry on really, express myself through my music and continue to spread as much love as I can.
4. What inspires / influences you to make music?
Well, anyone who knows me personally knows I'm quite a sensitive guy, so I’m constantly inspired by the scenarios of life and love... love inspires me a lot. I like to let things flow organically when I write, so I go off life experiences and how I’m feeling in the moment that I’m writing. Just being surrounded by beautiful, genuine people who are super talented in their own way always sparks something in me and provokes me to write.
5. Are there some artists that influence you that you would want to work with in the future?
Right now I’m really living in the moment and focusing on making my first album the truest expression of me, so it’s hard to really think of anyone specific that I’d like to work with in the future. But honestly I’d be honoured to work with any of the artists who I’ve been influenced by, from legends like Q-Tip to newer artists like Navy Blue.
6. You’ve a long line of Vague Tapes & music videos, can you explain your ideas behind these?
I purposely wanted to create a sort of jukebox of material, so that when new people discover VagueEightySix, they have a large catalogue of material they can delve in and begin to dig the vibe with. Specifically, regarding the videos, Homeboy Sandman is a massive inspiration for this method of my expression and gives me inspiration to just create and shoot art that you love, that's straight from the heart in an authentic and genuine way. 90s Hip Hop is also a huge inspiration for both the Tape and the videos, I watch a lot of old videos andI wanted to do things that really pay homage to that era visually and sonically. The whole Tape was created as a way to find my voice while showing respect to some of the artists and the music that I grew up with and around, and any accompanying visuals had to match that.
7. What are you listening to at the moment?
Right now, it's summertime, so I'm listening to Roy Ayers’ “Everybody Loves TheSunshine,” which I still believe is an untouchable record. I’ve also got that brand new Joey Bada$$ album “2000” on rotation. Q Tip is still my favourite producer and an absolute genius, and I occasionally listen to anything that's been produced byAlchemist. I’ve also been listening to Galcher Lustwerk, Mr. Fingers, Channel Tres, Ross From Friends, IvanAve, MNDSGN, Sampha, Blood Orange, HomeboySandman, Namir Blade, Quelle Chris, Knxwledge, Earl Sweatshirt, and ELUCID among a host of others.
8. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
When I'm not making music I like to go on long solo walks through nature and reflect with a nice beer waiting for me at the end. It’s either that or skating with my headphones on.Also, I love football/soccer and Arsenal is my team so if I'm not watching football I'm playing it with friends.
9. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio & three things when you’re not In the studio?
I can’t live without dimmed lights to set the mood, air conditioning, and a random chair SUN/MGNETK found somewhere that’s incredibly comfortable. I like to be relaxed whenI sing. When I’m not in the studio I can’t live without some music in the background, some sweat-inducing physical activities, and some good comedy of some description.
10. What projects do you have in the pipeline, and can you tell us a bit about them?
Right now I'm currently working on my first full-length album which I'm so excited about.It's not only my first proper solo album that I'll be releasing, but I feel that the listener will get to know me a tad more and not only see, but also hear another side of me. I’ve also finished the full VagueTape which should be dropping on a limited run in September. Also,I’ve been working on the production-side with an artist called Jupiter Grey, whose album should be dropping soon.