Exclusive Premiere: The Vanity, ‘Strangers’ EP

Based in Austin, Texas, the Vanity -- comprised of vocalist Alex Dugan, guitarists Mic Vrendenburg and Matt Sledge, bassist Augie Gmitter and drummer David Grayson -- are gearing up for the debut of their first official release, Strangers, tomorrow, March 3. We’ve had the honor of listening to the new EP and are beyond excited to share it with you a day ahead of its release. You can stream Strangers in its entirety in the audio below.

“Strangers is really the culmination of a lot of work, a lot of hours and a lot of destructive behavior,” Dugan tells us. That hard work sounds like it’s paid off as the EP is full of memorable, guitar-driven melodies laced with the frontman’s powerful vocals.

“We’ve been writing and developing this sound for almost a year now, but it’s time people heard us,” the lead singer explains. “I think on a subconscious level that’s why we named the EP Strangers, because at the end of the day, we’re all a bunch of f---ing strangers, and we’d love for you to hear our music ... and no longer be strangers.”

While all the songs will likely have something you gravitate toward, Dugan says his favorite “child” is “River.” Though, he admits, “It’s weirdly interesting that everyone in the band would probably have a different favorite as well.”

In addition to the new EP, the Vanity’s 2015 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for the quintet, thanks in part to their appearance at the Free Press Summer Festival. “Personally, I’ve been going almost every year since the festival started, so it’s very exciting to be able to finally get up there onstage,” Dugan humbly tells us. “It’ll be that classic Houston summer heat and it’ll be great to return to my hometown.”

You can get details on this year's Free Press Summer Festival -- as well as the Vanity's current tour itinerary, including a few dates opening for Cold War Kids -- at their official website here.