Nashville artist Gabrielle Vaughn releases new single “TWENTY-THREE.” The single is out now and available on all digital streaming platforms.
Gabrielle Vaughn confronts the realities of mental illness and survival on her deeply personal new single, “TWENTY-THREE.” Written over three years, from ages 23 to 26, the track offers an unflinching look at continuing to carry battles that many assume should have been left behind in youth.
Vaughn doesn’t shy away from the darkest corners of her experience. She sings, “Do I hear and see things that aren’t quite real / I’m going insane for the things I feel / Wanna run away from who I am right here,” laying bare the fear, self-doubt, and isolation that can accompany mental illness. Later, she reflects on the lingering impact of those struggles with the poignant admission, “Because I’m still the person I was ten years ago, broken with no seeds sown,” capturing the frustration of feeling unable to escape old wounds or move beyond them. The song’s unflinching lyricism gives voice to intrusive thoughts and emotional exhaustion without losing sight of the humanity behind them.
Yet “TWENTY-THREE” is not defined solely by its pain. The chorus shifts toward perseverance with the confession, “23, and still here fighting / fighting for my life,” acknowledging that survival itself can be an act of courage. Even in one of the song’s most striking closing images, “Put my body on ice and my soul on loan,” Vaughn conveys the emotional numbness and disconnect that can accompany prolonged struggle while leaving room for the possibility of healing. By pairing stark honesty with quiet resilience, “TWENTY-THREE” transforms deeply personal experiences into a song that offers recognition, solidarity, and hope to anyone who has faced similar battles.
Speaking about the release, Vaughn shares, “It’s about realizing that mental illness and the urge to hurt yourself don’t always disappear just because you get older. There can be so much shame in still carrying those battles into adulthood, like you should’ve left them behind years ago. I hope this song reminds anyone who’s ever felt that way that they’re not the only one. Sometimes surviving doesn’t look like moving on — it looks like choosing to stay, one day at a time.” Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Jesse Brock, “TWENTY-THREE” pairs Vaughn’s raw vocal performance with an immersive sonic landscape of ethereal synths and layered harmonies, resulting in one of her most honest and impactful releases to date.
“TWENTY-THREE” was written by Gabrielle Vaughn and Jesse Brock, produced by Jesse Brock, mixed by Chris Baldani, and mastered by Raelynn Janicke at Infrasonic Sound, with album artwork illustrated by Maddie Harlin.
ABOUT GABRIELLE VAUGHN | Gabrielle Vaughn has created a distinct sound that weaves through pop, rock, soul, R&B, and alternative music without ever allowing itself to be confined to a single genre. Known for her electrifying vocals, heavy riffs, and emotionally driven songwriting, Vaughn continues to establish herself as one of Nashville’s most compelling independent artists.
Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Jesse Brock, Vaughn’s recent releases showcase an artist committed to fearless storytelling and sonic experimentation. She has performed at notable venues including City Winery, The End, Eastside Bowl, and EXIT/IN, in addition to touring across the country.
Beyond her original music, Vaughn serves as the lead vocalist of Space Radio, a Nashville-based touring band with residencies at Ole Red and Tin Roof, and serves as the house band for Nashville staple rock venue Hit Parader. She has also collaborated with The Bacon Brothers (Kevin and Michael Bacon) and Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge fame, further demonstrating her versatility and broad artistic reach.
