Every artist has a story. One shaped by unexpected turns, life-changing adventures, and the communities that push them forward and inspire them to go on. Your Story Starts Here is a series dedicated to capturing these journeys. For this chapter, we handed Vintz Desert a disposable camera and asked him to capture the world behind his music. Through his lens, you’ll catch glimpses of a life rooted in late-night writing sessions, unplugged shows, and a deep appreciation for the people who keep music alive in their city. Alongside the photos, we spoke with him about how a love for pop-punk evolved into folk-inspired storytelling, how the DC scene continues to challenge and inspire his sound, and why music has always been more than just a hobby. 🌆 🎶 Here’s how his story began…
Your Story Starts Here: A Chapter of Vintz Desert
The Story of Vintz Desert
Vintz Desert is an indie-folk singer-songwriter whose music blends vulnerability, storytelling, and a deep sense of connection. Originally from Boston and now based in the D.C. area, his journey began in marching band and jazz ensembles before shifting into a more personal space, bedroom songwriting sessions, late-night guitar riffs, and eventually, a catalog of heartfelt folk songs. What started as a hobby in San Diego quickly grew into something more: a path that transformed his early love of pop-punk and blues rock into the warm, introspective indie-folk sound he shares today.
For Vintz, music is both solitary and communal. While many songs are written alone, they find new life in live spaces, whether unplugging completely to play alongside the crowd or sharing moments of connection at local shows. His work carries a beautifully melancholic edge, tackling themes of love, mental health, and resilience, while always striving to remind listeners that they’re not alone.
Releases like Everyone’s Favorite Letdown (2024), Made of Glass (2023), and Calico Dress (2023) showcase that blend of intimacy and expansiveness, pairing raw lyricism with layered instrumentation that feels cinematic yet deeply personal. And with each new project, he continues to push his sound outward, inspired by the eclectic energy of the D.C. scene and the artists who challenge him to think beyond the page.
At its core, Vintz Desert’s music is an invitation into a world of emotional honesty and connection with songs that offer the much-needed reminder… You are not alone.
🎙️ We talked with Vintz Desert about his story, what inspires him, and more. Check out what he said below…
How does your community inspire you?
“I think the community reminds me that there’s so much more to music than just notes on a staff or vocals over a guitar piece. Almost all of my songs are written alone in my bedroom and don’t see the light of day until they are released. But going to shows, music parties/jams, and other community events reminds me that music is just as much a social experience as it is a personal one. A lot of times in my shows, I’ll unplug completely and play with the crowd just to try and implement that social aspect in my set.”
Why do you create music in DC? (Why here, vs. another city?)
“Long story short – I had to move here, haha. This is where my wife and I ended up after undergrad. But if I had a choice, I would move out here again for music. DC (and Maryland and northern Virginia since they’re typically grouped together) has a very eclectic and wide music scene, and the fans and community are always some of the best to play for.”
What influence does your city have on your music?
“The biggest influence is that it forces me to consider how performances may go when writing songs. There are some phenomenal local artists in this city. Bands like Rock Creek Kings, The Wrizzards, and Rahel Brassie are some of the best musicians in the area, and seeing them perform such incredible interactive shows inspires me every time…”
“They remind me that I should consider more than complex lyrics, emotional chord progressions, and delicate playing style. That doesn’t mean I’m changing my music for the sake of other people, but I’m trying to create more music that is interactive, fun to listen to, and/or just different than my normal stuff. And the reception to that has been phenomenal! I’ve created some amazing memories and experiences with people who really connected with some of these newer songs, and I have nothing other than the amazing DC scene to thank for those amazing memories.”
What are your favorite venues to see live music in your area?
“I think my all-time favorite venue in the area is Songbyrd. It has a large stage but still has enough intimate space to make it feel like you’re right there with the artist. And the staff there are so ridiculously kind to us artists. Another favorite is 9:30 Club. That is a legendary DC venue, and their famous “9:30” cupcakes are so ridiculously good, too! Some other great ones are Jammin Java in VA and Merriweather Pavilion in MD.”
Got any favorite record stores in your city?
“Smash Records is probably one of the best record stores in the country. Some crazy classic deep cut gems there. I would also hit up SongByrd’s record store, Brydland Records. Doubling as a venue and as a record store is just incredible!”
What about favorite local music festivals?
“I think the best one is All Things Go. Which is held just outside of DC. The lineup is always so top-tier with artists like Noah Kahan and Lucy Dacus being featured. Another favorite of mine is the Annapolis Songwriters Festival.”
This is just a chapter of their story… where does yours begin?
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If that’s not convincing enough, how about 50% off to try it out for yourself? Use code MYSTORY50 to get half off your first year of Starter and get your music heard by new fans all over the world.
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