If you’ve been to Jack Sprat’s open mic night on Monday you’ve likely seen Peter Vance. Vance, a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill, performs there all the time. (He almost never missed a week last year!) Initially inspired by artists like Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews, Vance taught himself to play guitar at a young age, and began seriously writing music in high school. He says he learned music mostly by getting out there and doing it, playing around with friends or in his high school band class. This informal “do-it-yourself” aesthetic translates to the songs he plays now. The personal, acoustic music Peter writes lends itself to comparisons from the likes of M. Ward to Mumford and Sons, but his hushed voice gives the songs a real lo-fi quality that distinguishes him from others. And while the acoustic guitar is certainly the heart of these songs, they are embellished with more experimental details. From lush string arrangements in parts, to unexpected synth riffs, his music doesn’t fail to surprise.
In the past 6 to 7 months he says he’s been really inspired and has written a bunch of songs, some of which are featured here. He’s currently working on an album titled YellowGreen and trying to get it done by the end of the year. In the meantime though, check out these songs he recorded for VR Presents.
Click here to download the songs!
Photos by Mary-Alice Warren