Today we’d like to introduce you to Artist name: Gaprae, Real name: Dakota Vaughan.
Hi Gaprae, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was a military kid, so I got moved around a lot. I started playing the guitar when I was 8 or 9, which was great because it was hard to make many friends when I was always the new kid in town, so now I had something to fill the time. I moved back to KC in 2012, where I completed middle and high school. I started a band called “Quasar” in 2015 with the artist BABEBONESY playing drums. We released an EP in 2015 and an album in 2018. Around 2019 I decided to start fleshing out many of the songs I’d written that didn’t work well with the band. I wanted to delve into electronic music and had built up a collection of synths and drum machines for quite some time. I needed to introduce this new sound while retaining some of the Psych-Rock aspects of Quasar. I released “State Your Case” and “Too Late, Too Little” in early 2020 before Covid shut down the music world. Upon coming back into live music playing, I have released two new songs; “tell ME how” and “World We Created.” I’ve been working with local artists and putting on shows in different DIY venues.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Covid was, for me, and everyone else, a difficult time. With the band breaking apart and my inability to play shows as Gaprae, it didn’t feel like there was a purpose to making more music. There have not been too many struggles besides that; many great things came out of Covid in this city regarding the music scene. Many new artists and house venues have accepted the new music I’m making!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make Electronic—Rock music. I’m known for heavy bass lines and raucous shows, Also the mask and outfit I wear during performances. I’m interested in fusing punk rock with electronic pop. I decided early on that I wanted to have this imagery around my music that was like chaotic AI art to feed into that. I have a lot of songs that I want people to sing along with and dance to, but there’s another side of my music that’s a lot darker and more aggressive. I’m honestly the proudest of the album I’m working on. I think there will be a lot of music that people can relate to on there, and hopefully, a lot of music that people want to listen to at total volume. I’m also really proud of how the crowds moved during my shows. It’s a nice payoff to all the work I put into my music and performance.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Reach out! I love collaborating with other artists, and I’m currently looking to work with a director/videographer for some video ideas! And make sure to support all local artists and shows! My email is gapraeofficial@gmail.com. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram at @gapr.ae.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/gapr.ae
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/gapraeofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzVpuOUSrL4Zlm-myW3wUAw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/gapraeofficial
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ASmkb6MOlShjG7H3jhARW?si=nORpZYttQ4WQFnD2KG2rJA
Image Credits
Reilly Bowes @reillycbowes
