Alex Vaughn - The Hurtbook (2022) Hi-Res

A multi-talented singer, songwriter, pianist, and producer, Alex Vaughn applies her classically trained voice and music theory expertise to a forward-thinking style built on a foundation of soulful R&B and honest and relatable lyrics. Based out of Prince George County, Maryland, Vaughn honed her skills as a background singer for artists such as Goapele, Cece Peniston, and MuMu Fresh. She released her debut EP, The 4pm Mix, independently in 2017, followed by the full-length Shift in 2018. In 2021 she inked a deal with Interscope Records imprint Love Renaissance, culminating in the release of a string of wide-ranging 2022 singles, including the streaming hit "Mirage." An EP, Voice Notes, arrived later that year.

Something is certainly in the water down in the nation’s capital. Just a few weeks ago, Washington, D.C. native Ari Lennox shared her sophomore album. Shortly thereafter, PG County native Reggie Becton returned with the second single from his upcoming project, Sad Boy Vol. 1. Now, LVRN’s Alex Vaughn is carrying the baton with her new project, The Hurtbook.

The eight-track project offers a window into how the evolving artist views past relationships, love and self-improvement. Alex Vaughn manages to be both honest and vulnerable while taking fans along this emotive journey.

“All the songs that I’ve ever created started with me recording myself at the piano,” Alex Vaughn told Essence about her process of creating relatable, vulnerable music.

“It’s there that I’m always the most vulnerable when I’m articulating my feelings. I wanted to show the world me, in my rawest form, and to show people that it isn’t wrong to own your feelings because it can be quite powerful.”

Alex Vaughn is not done here. She is set to perform at the ONE Musicfest in Atlanta, Georgia this week. The Washington, D.C. native also has plans to reschedule her album listening event at a later date. Not to mention, more live shows could be in the works for this fall or winter. In the meantime, check out The Hurtbook below.