Since 2017, ear-catchy Arizona post-hardcore band Dreaming Awake has been bringing their standout flavor and fire to the scene since the release of their first album, Friction Lives. Having also put out a successful stint of singles throughout 2020, it seems that Dreaming Awake isn't done bringing the heat just yet. With their latest single "Sea Salt & Vinegar" featuring Andy Cizek of Monuments, recently causing a stir in December, this brutal, high-octane, melodic-frenzied track proves the band is chomping at the bit to give us more of where that came from last year. Here to tell us where some of that inspiration comes from is vocalist Vaughn Bell to share his musical interest in the latest edition of Visions of an Artist! 

The first album I ever bought was? 

8701 by Usher, I remember how stoked I was to throw it in my CD Walkman as a kid, clutching my fanny pack full of Happy Meal toys and Dragon Ball Z cards. 

An album I wish I created was? 

Happiness by Dance Gavin Dance. I love every era of that band's music, but the lyrical content of that entire album resonates with me deeply, and it's just so groovy. I love a good groove, and if I could've been apart of that album, I would've screamed myself in circles.

Favorite Album Art? 

Downtown Battle Mountain II, it's literally a piece of refined art. I've always wanted that album artwork tattooed on me in some capacity. The style mixed with the extensive amount of detail is mesmerizing. So far, I'm thinking it might be the only tattoo I'll eventually get that doesn't involve kingdom hearts.

Someone asked what my definition of post-hardcore was, the album I told them to listen to was?

 Number[s] by Woe, Is Me. It's an absolute hidden gem of an album. Way ahead of its time too. I still listen to it weekly, and I get lost in particularly the guitar work, along with the vocal melodies. It was too good for its time. 

An album I can drive around to nonstop is? 

Emarosa's self-titled album, I don't know how many times I've driven with it on from start to finish, either that or All Eyez On Me, by Tupac. I very much so dig some 90s classics rap. It adds an element of edginess to my persona, like, "he listens to Rhianna, but also likes edgy non politically correct music from the ‘90s, like who is this guy even?!" So there's that.

An album I'm addicted to listening to is? 

Awaken My Love by Childish Gambino. I've been stuck on that album for years now, and it never ceases to make me feel so many different things all at the same time. It's literally perfect.

An album no one will believe I listen to or own is? 

Anti by Rhianna. I won't even call it a guilty pleasure, I just really dig it. It has so many tidbits of 90's RnB and soul, and it rustles my jimmies in the best way imaginable. Like, who told her she could drop such a masterpiece of an album, and then not come out with a follow-up? But could it even be topped?

An album I detest most is? 

I can't think of an entire album I detest. There's some that I just can't vibe with, but truth be told, in any situation, there are little bits of good in the bad, we just have to open our minds a little bit to see it.

An album that takes me back to my childhood is? 

Perhaps not my childhood per se, but my early angsty teen years, it would totally be Subliminal Verses by Slipknot. That was the first heavy album I ever owned. I got it for Christmas, the year was 2005, and from that moment forward, I only started wearing converse. Of course, at some point in 2011, I graduated to Tom's. I had to stay trendy.

An album that got me got me into my career as a musician? 

This War Is Ours by Escape The Fate. I practically idolized Craig Mabbitt growing up, and if ever an opportunity arises to tour with either of his bands, I will happily execute 11 backflips, drop everything I'm doing, and be on that tour in a heartbeat. Fun fact, I met him for the first time in 2014, he was touring with Dead Rabbits. We talked for a bit and he said my cologne smelled amazing. If in any way he ever sees this, please take my band on tour with you. Thanks. #DontForgetTheCologne (Can we make this trend?) 

The soundtrack to my life would be? 

Definitely the entire Hercules soundtrack. It's a bit of a rollercoaster, innit? "I can go the distance, I don't care how far, somehow I'll be strong," would be the main theme. Songs of overcoming hardship, ostracization, triumphantly dispelling obstacles and hardship all while finding your place in the world, and gaining the admiration of those that matter. A hero's journey, but as someone who loves the movie and likes to think a lot, I like to call that food for the soul. Meg's cute sing-along as well, "no chance, no way," is staying in there too. I want the whole thing. 

An album that will always hold sentimental value is? 

Witness, by Blessthefall. That album shaped a lot of who I became during my late teens. Lots of memories I have are associated with that album, and even just imagining the sound of "five ninety," I can almost smell the same inexpensive cologne I wore (in generous amounts) during that time. 

If you were left stranded on an island with nothing but a CD player, batteries, and one album, which album would you want to be left with to pass the time?

 3.15.20 by Donald Glover, that album is like an Odyssey of the mind. It brings about more than just a curiosity about life and the realization of sonder, but brings forth the understanding of the power we possess as these beings of infinite consciousness made from love. Totally just dropped some "woo-woo" hippie vibes, but it is what it is. It's amazing. 11 out of 10 would recommend.

This album got me through 2020?

There were a few, but Beautiful Oblivion by Issues and Anti by Rhianna. I dare you, go check out the lyrics on both of those, and both are like watching a ridiculously dramatic emotional rollercoaster of a movie with some moments of upbeat vibes and light-heartedness, but like, all the comedy elements were dropped entirely and you're left there with, "Wow, that was a lot to feel." 

Listen to Dreaming Awake's latest single, "Sea Salt & Vinegar" featuring Andy Cizek of Monuments down below!