First Class by Vauus is moody RnB with lyrical bite, posing difficult questions, with a soundscape of dripping synths and reverb.
The last time I listened to multi-disciplinary act Vauus, he was talking end of the world angst with red wine in hand. Now, he’s back with First Class, a harrowing track of euphoric vulnerability, accompanied by a spine-tingling music video.
Vauus’ ear for arrangement and production, paired with his eye for visual storytelling has created a deeply emotional message for our increasingly disconnected lives. There’s a lot to unpack here so let’s start from the beginning.
If you’re not around Vauus yet, he’s a Melbourne-based indie dance artist, producer, filmmaker, and party aficionado. His influences span from Drake to The 1975, and his style is remembered by its classy, club-ready production and silky inflections.
On his latest, First Class, Vauus features the seductive vocals of Mikhaell, after vibing with his performance at an Open Mic Night. Vauus wanted to “mix in something sentimental and sweet [Mikhaell] with my chorus that is introspective and sad”.
The introspective chorus Vauus mentions is about class (go figure). He asks whether our desire for luxury and the high life ever disappears, or does it remain an unobtainable goal? “Does it ever really go away?” — he lingers on the last lyric, implying that it doesn’t.
The music video, directed by Vauus, explores another issue altogether, in a dramatic, heartfelt fashion. The video showcases two friends suspecting that one of their friends is about to harm themselves, as they jump in the car to find him before it’s too late.
I won’t spoil it for you, but prepare to be hit in the feels with its message that friendship and connection are essential for mental health. Vauus mentions the damages of being online too long, especially during the lockdown last year, that lead to vulnerability and isolation. “Looking out for your friends means more to them than you realise”, he states. Vauus is an artist who injects meaningful purpose into everything he creates. First Class goes further than ever before.
Listen to First Class below.
If you’re feeling like you need help, Lifeline is open 24/7 for a chat on 13 11 14.
