Welcome to The Vault Radio, Episode 1—a monthly curation dedicated to sharing authentic, hand-picked music we've genuinely been enjoying. Each episode will highlight not only fresh underground releases but also older music that might've flown under the radar yet still deserves your ears. While keeping you in tune with new artists and sounds is important, it's equally valuable to pause and give overlooked gems the attention they deserve.
Music is deeply personal, subjective, and shaped by our individual experiences. This playlist isn't about chasing trends or viral hits; it’s about real music we've connected with personally and sincerely want to share. Every selection here is intentional—tracks and albums that resonate with our current experiences, moods, and inspirations. You might connect with some immediately or grow to appreciate others over time. Either way, there's something real here to discover. So, welcome to Episode 1 of The Vault Radio. Sit back, relax, and dive in. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite track here.
AIR GUITAR by $avvy
$avvy’s latest album, AIR GUITAR, represents a significant sonic shift from his previous projects, inspired by his move from Nashville to Los Angeles. This transition wasn't just geographical it was creative, personal, and deeply transformative. Embracing a DIY mentality, many tracks started as raw bedroom recordings, later refined in professional settings. The process mirrors the album’s overall theme: experimentation, reinvention, and pushing past boundaries. Tracks like "Whiplash" and "JESUS BBQ" are prime examples of this boldness, showcasing his ability to blend raw emotion with structured artistry.
The album draws influence from a variety of sources Michael Jackson’s meticulous musicality, the psychological tension of films like Whiplash, and personal experiences of love, loss, and self-discovery. Each track builds upon these inspirations to create a project that is both personal and universal. The title AIR GUITAR itself symbolizes uninhibited expression, capturing that childhood joy of pretending to play along to your favorite songs, embodying the idea of feeling the music in its purest form.
Notably, Teezo Touchdown, known for his genre-blending artistry, further validated the album’s reach by incorporating some of these tracks into his live performances. This kind of organic recognition underscores how AIR GUITAR resonates beyond just its core audience, highlighting its authenticity and staying power.
Listeners are encouraged to experience the album front-to-back without distractions, allowing themselves to sink into the sonic textures and narratives woven throughout. Ideally, AIR GUITAR is best heard on warm, reflective evenings, with the California sunset in view a fitting backdrop for a project that captures both nostalgia and forward motion, personal reflection and universal connection.
STRIVE FOR BETTER by Lango
Lango’s STRIVE FOR BETTER is more than just an album, it’s a deeply personal reflection of growth, transition, and self-awareness. Emerging organically from a period spent pursuing a master's in Biotechnology, this project captures the duality of chasing new dreams while navigating emotional complexities. Lango steps away from overproduction, opting instead for a sample-heavy, mellow soundscape that enhances the project’s raw and introspective nature. It’s music for moments of solitude, deep thought, and personal evolution.
Tracks like "Never Be" and "Thinking Bout Me" dig into themes of insecurity, the fear of not being enough, and the emotional weight of personal relationships. Lango’s willingness to explore these unfiltered emotions gives the album a sense of relatability and honesty, making it easy for listeners to see reflections of their own experiences within his words.
"Safety," a particularly powerful track, was shaped by a personal tragedy, revealing a shift in perspective regarding life, loss, and the unpredictability of the world. "Pushin 30" serves as both a declaration and a reflection—acknowledging how time changes us, yet also reaffirming that personal growth doesn’t come with an expiration date. Instead of viewing aging as a limitation, Lango embraces it as an opportunity to evolve, explore new ambitions, and redefine what success looks like.
What makes STRIVE FOR BETTER stand out is Lango’s approach to emotional openness not as vulnerability, but as a tool for connection. He presents his emotions not as weaknesses but as stepping stones toward understanding himself and the world around him. Free from the pressures of mainstream appeal, this album serves as a reminder that personal expression holds its own weight and impact. STRIVE FOR BETTER is a project that doesn't demand attention; instead, it quietly invites listeners in, allowing them to take what they need from its message.
COASTLANDS by Mekhi Fayson
Mekhi Fayson's COASTLANDS is a sonic voyage through self-discovery, existential reflection, and deeply personal storytelling. Blending hip-hop, R&B, and indie influences, the album is a carefully woven narrative that mirrors Mekhi’s own journey shaped by personal challenges, relocations, and a desire to explore identity beyond surface-level understanding.
At its core, COASTLANDS is a meditation on fate, choice, and the unseen forces shaping our lives. "R33" is a powerful example of this, where Mekhi reflects on the unpredictability of life through the lens of an experience with his dream car capturing themes of control, luck, and the inescapable nature of cause and effect. "Traffic" and "Aksumite" highlight Mekhi’s ability to shift between personal experiences and grander philosophical themes, making the project feel both intimate and expansive.
Mekhi is unafraid to bring listeners into his imaginative world, where reality and fantasy blend seamlessly. Characters like Sadiq Nasty, a persona embodying selfishness and emotional detachment, serve as contrasts to Mekhi’s more introspective, self-aware nature, creating a layered storytelling experience that goes beyond traditional autobiographical lyricism. The influence of films like ATL and Boyz N the Hood can be felt throughout, adding a cinematic quality to the project’s atmosphere.
Musically, COASTLANDS doesn’t settle into one specific sound. Instead, it pulls from a variety of influences, from Radiohead’s atmospheric production to Griselda’s gritty hip-hop textures, to the nostalgic warmth of 90s R&B icons like SWV and Aaliyah. This melting pot of inspirations allows the album to feel fluid, adapting to different moods while maintaining a cohesive emotional core.
Standout tracks like "Ocean/Summer" and "Obsidian" showcase Mekhi’s talent for crafting immersive soundscapes, blending lush instrumentation with poignant lyrics that feel as if they were pulled straight from late-night, introspective thoughts. There’s a dreamlike quality to COASTLANDS, making it feel less like an album and more like an experience—an invitation to reflect on where you’ve been, where you’re going, and the unseen forces guiding your path.
Ultimately, COASTLANDS is an album about perspective. It challenges listeners to look beyond the tangible and consider the connections between actions, emotions, and destiny. It’s an artistic milestone for Mekhi Fayson, solidifying his ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Spotlight Tracks - Curator's Favorites:
"Whiplash" by $avvy – $avvy continues to push boundaries with "Whiplash," a standout track that fuses raw emotion with dynamic production. The song encapsulates his fearless artistic reinvention, blending introspective lyrics with high-energy instrumentation. It represents the moment where his creative risks fully pay off, offering a glimpse into his sonic evolution.
"Safety" by Lango – Lango delivers an emotionally weighty track in "Safety," a song inspired by real-life fear and reflection on personal loss. The lyrics depict the unease that lingers after experiencing tragedy, giving listeners a deeply personal yet universally relatable moment. Its understated production makes space for Lango’s storytelling, making it one of the most intimate and powerful moments on Strive for Better.
"Obsidian" by Mekhi Fayson – "Obsidian" is a masterclass in haunting, poetic lyricism. Mekhi Fayson’s introspective storytelling shines as he explores themes of resilience, self-reflection, and transformation. The track stands as a pivotal moment in Coastlands, highlighting his ability to weave deeply personal experiences into larger philosophical reflections, all within a genre-blending soundscape.
"Father" by Jim Legxacy – Jim Legxacy presents a raw and deeply personal narrative in "Father," a track that delves into generational cycles, identity, and emotional vulnerability. His fusion of alternative influences and hip-hop elements gives the track a layered complexity, making it a must-listen for those who appreciate music that prioritizes both sound and substance.
"Flight or Flight" by Three65 – This track captures the tension of high-stakes decision-making, embodying the chaotic energy of life’s turning points. Three65’s urgent delivery and charged production mirror the intensity of facing one’s fears, making "Flight or Flight" an adrenaline-fueled, thought-provoking listen.
"What You Wish For" by Lexa Gates – Lexa Gates crafts a dreamlike soundscape in "What You Wish For," a track that feels like a hazy reflection on ambition and longing. Ethereal production, layered vocals, and deep introspection create an immersive listening experience that lingers long after the song ends.
"The Tan Commandments" by Yung Manny – Yung Manny’s signature wit and sharp lyricism are on full display in "The Tan Commandments." The track is packed with clever wordplay and high-energy production, making it an undeniable anthem. It’s a prime example of his ability to balance humor, technical skill, and social commentary all in one song.
"Nag Champa" by Sincere Hunte – "Nag Champa" is a soulful, meditative track that radiates warmth and introspection. Sincere Hunte’s laid-back yet intentional delivery, combined with smooth, jazzy production, makes it a perfect soundtrack for late-night reflection or relaxed contemplation.
Thank you for checking out this edition of The Vault Radio. We appreciate you taking the time to explore these artists and tracks with us. Music discovery is a collective experience, and we'd love to hear what’s been in your personal rotation lately. Tag us @NefariousSupply with your favorite underground finds so we can check them out and continue curating sounds that deserve to be heard. Your picks might inspire future episodes and help spotlight even more deserving artists.
Are you an artist looking to get featured on The Vault Radio or even have a full write-up with us? We’re always on the lookout for fresh talent. Submit your music here, and let’s build something great together!