How easy it is to succumb to the expectations of what others want you to be. Pushed to climb the wrong ladder in life, Vines realized he was lost in a world where he didn’t belong. “One day you look around and recognize you’re surrounded by people who are shadows of who they set out to be,” Vines states. Not content with his career in corporate America, he began to chart his own creative path.  Vines spent the back half of his 20s splitting time between a cubicle and kicking around in rock bands, including local outfit The Bandoliers, before deciding to fully commit to his craft. The inclination was to dive deep, work fast—make up for time wasted—but the fear and expectations still loomed large. Born and raised in the buckle of the bible belt, fear was always a central theme. Fear of God, fear of judgement, fear of failure. You can hear the ghosts of each resonate in lyrics across his catalog.  He released his first full-length record in 2019, the roots rock labeled Family Business, followed by the atmospheric alt rock/indie Through the Mirror in 2021 earning attention from NPR, Rolling Stone, and Billboard. Following those up was his 2023 alt rock leaning release, Dance Moves, all while playing 125+ dates from Texas to New England.  Offering a sonic depth not seen in his previous releases, the upcoming 4th album, Kaleidoscope Dream, brought together an all-star cast including bassist Jimbo Hart, and the late Tim Very on Drums—guided by Vines and co-producer Dan Hannon. The result is a flurry of emotions, dripping with grit, and wrapped in 90s melodic guitars.  Ever the lyricist, Vines tackles the ills of the world with a deep sense of empathy, each song on the album a reflection of its inspiration—some combination of personal experience and a deep desire to know and understand each person behind the mask. He manages to capture not only his own vulnerabilities but simultaneously reflects a mirror to yours as well.