Alt-pop singer-songwriter and Billboard-recognized queer music executive LACES, aka Jessica Vaughn, recently released her new single, “Salt,” a song that confronts capitalism and the chimera of the American Dream.
Akin to aphorisms, biting lyrics criticize the self-centered pretenders and “emotional and greedy vampires” who, for their own benefit, deceive and exploit others.
“All the prettiest ponies at the top / Tell you to work until you drop / Go on give it all you got / Babe, it doesn’t matter how fast you trot.”
Under her given name, Vaughn writes and produces music for Hasbro cartoons, including Jem & the Holograms, Littlest Pet Shop, Equestria Girls, and Baby Alive. Her music has also been featured in series and films on The CW, Netflix, and ABC.
Before her LACES project, Vaughn released music as Charlotte Sometimes, who signed with Geffen/Interscope. In 2019, Vaughn co-founded Head Bitch Music, a creative haven for independent artists, focusing on women and LGBTQIA+ creatives.
LACES’ uniquely flavored vocals set her apart – at once cashmere and evocative, there’s a delicate, whispery aura to her voice that makes it irresistibly beguiling.
Guitar Girl Magazine spoke with LACES to discuss the inspiration behind “Salt,” her influences, and her creative process.
What three things can’t you live without?
Buffy The Vampire Slayer, my cat, and my husband! That was easy!!
What inspired your new single “Salt?”
Working, the music industry, my experience as a female creator and executive, being an American, gosh… I could go on!! Things that clothes have promised me, told to me behind closed doors, and my own disappointment. I think in some ways we’ve been sold a lie that if you work hard it’ll pay off and in some ways that can be true, but we have a real working-class problem and tensions are at an all-time high. I think people have a right to be salty, and there’s nothing wrong with allowing that emotion to pass through from time to time. It doesn’t have to be the destination.
How did you get started in music?
I honestly asked Jeeves or google how to be an artist when I was 14 and never looked back. I didn’t have stage parents, but I stayed curious and determined and back then I was scrappy. I’ve never let any of my dreams stay dreams, I work to make them happen even if I don’t have the means, the know-how, and others think I am delusional.
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
I am such a song fan and what influences my sound changes based on what I am making or want to make at the time. My upcoming record was inspired by Bruce Springsteen, Phil Collins, Muna, Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Fountains of Wayne, Francis and the Lights, and Bo Burnham! I had a lot of fun listening to songs I grew up with and listening to songs about the working man. I realized how those songs just stopped over the last decade and I think we need them now more than ever!
What’s the story behind the name LACES?
I was Charlotte Sometimes for so long, I needed to start a new chapter when I moved to LA. LACES felt like something that could tie all parts of me together and just felt right.
What kind of guitar do you play? Which amps and pedals are you using?
My vintage Guild guitar was my favorite, but I sold it when I first moved to LA for rent money. Still a huge regret of mine. I now play a Martin. I don’t play electric guitars … I just was never drawn to it. I like the feeling of an acoustic guitar in my hands – I feel closer to the song that way.
What is your definition of tone? And is your tone evolving?
That’s a great question, but I continue to just do the work and stay out of the results. I’ve never been someone who thinks about that.
What can you share about your creative process?
It changes all the time depending on what I am working on but I like to have an idea of what kind of song I am trying to write. I usually put together an entire document with emotions, concepts, lyrics, titles, and then put a playlist together. That being said, sometimes I just sit at my piano or grab my guitar and let it flow. Whatever I do, I try to get out of my own way. I am not afraid of bad ideas; I am afraid of no ideas.
Which do you enjoy the most: writing, recording, practicing, or playing live?
I prefer writing most and recording is a close second.
What do you think is your greatest accomplishment?
My ability to be authentic and true to myself.
What’s the most random fact you know?
HA! This is hard! That trauma can leave a mark on your genes and be passed to other generations.
What is your definition of success?
Not being controlled by societal norms so I can be professional weird forever but still pay my bills.
What’s next for LACES?
Finishing this concept record and having as much fun doing it as possible!
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