Exploring Life & Business with Vickie Vaughn of Della Mae

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vickie Vaughn.

Hi Vickie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started out singing at a music venue near my hometown in Western Kentucky called The Kentucky Opry. I got hired full-time as a background vocalist and featured performer when I was nine years old. Continuing there for the next nine years was SUPER important to my development as a musician and an artist.

The value of learning how to collaborate with a band, how to conduct a successful rehearsal, and the importance of knowing how to treat an audience was priceless. Around thirteen, I picked up the upright bass for fun. At seventeen, I moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University’s Vocal Performance Program. Bass was still a part of my life, but more of an outlet instead of a musical priority.

Upon graduation, I got hired for my first touring gig playing bass and singing background vocals. It has taken a LOT of hard work and sleepless nights on the road to get to the relatively comfortable place I am now in my career, but I don’t think it would be near as sweet if it wasn’t such a beating at first.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
NOT A SMOOTH ROAD. AT ALL. I can say this with a smile on my face because it has undoubtedly all been worth it.

Some struggles include but are not limited to, serious musical disagreements with band personnel (One being, a girl I was in a band with a long time ago got in a fight with another girl saying she couldn’t wear a certain bracelet on stage because it was “childish”. COME ON.), financial struggles amongst band members (There have been times where gas station snacks were the only snacks.), and emotional turmoil.

That last one remains super close to me because as a touring musician, you want to be as professional as you possibly can on the road. It just makes people’s lives easier if you’re a trooper. However, I lost my Dad while I had a very heavy touring schedule.

If my bandmates and peers hadn’t been as cool as they were, that would have added to my grieving. They created a space that allowed me to grieve healthily and they were there for me the entire time.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Della Mae?
Della Mae is a Grammy-nominated all-female string band. It has been a dream of mine to be in this band since I was in my early twenties. They’re a cool-ass, strong, incredibly talented group of women that are unafraid of being who they are on and off stage. It’s the upper crust of female acoustic musicians.

I got hired three years ago to play bass and sing in the band and I still am pinching myself that they let me in. Hahaha. I think what set me apart from the other candidates when the bass position was open is that I can also sing harmonies confidently. Celia, our lead vocalist, has a very strong voice, and to sing with her is a total joy. I’ve never had a “mousy” voice myself, and I think the girls liked the idea of that kind of blend with Celia.

Della Mae has a mission statement that resonates with me because it’s to encourage and educate women of all backgrounds. To me, performing music isn’t and should never be self-serving. It is primarily for others to enjoy WITH us. Della Mae gives the audience a feeling that we’re all in this together and that is the most fulfilled anyone, band or audience, can be at a live show.

Also, we have some really dope merch and I think that’s cool. For example, we sell a hat that says “I Really Really Really Like Della Mae”.

I saw someone I didn’t know at a restaurant in the Melrose area of Nashville last weekend wearing that very hat and I walked up to them and said, “Hey! I’m in that band!” He politely replied, “Cool. I really like this hat.”

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Persistence is key.

There have been times I have seriously pondered quitting music and switching career paths entirely. Whether it’s been because of road struggles, financial hardships, or even a worldwide pandemic.

I had a friend tell me once, “If you stand in the road long enough, you’re gonna get hit.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @wickiewaughn
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/vickie.vaughn
• Twitter: @wickiewaughn
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/VickieVaughnBand