Defined by arena-sized hooks, retro 90’s aesthetics, and shoegaze-infused atmospheres, Vague Pains is the project of singer/songwriter Zachary Lemon.  Working out of his basement studio in Michigan, Zachary and his remote collaborators pay tribute to classic indie rock while pushing the genre into fresh new territory.  The group’s high energy sound has a timeless appeal, with bittersweet melodies clashing against walls of distortion and dissonance, all held together by Zachary’s evocative vocal performance. 

Released in 2021, the self titled debut album by Vague Pains was described as “A sheer force of nature” (Beach Sloth), “Stunning” (Just Fame), and an “Experience that is both unique and compelling” (Jukebox Time). The album features Zachary Lemon on rhythm guitar, bass and vocals, Chris Loocke on lead guitar, Nik Hughes on drums, and strings by Nathaniel Wolkstein (“Fallout”) and Michelle Packman (“On Ten”), with mixing by Daniel Salcido and mastering by Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters.

Defined by arena-sized hooks, retro 90’s aesthetics, and shoegaze-infused atmospheres, Vague Pains is the project of singer/songwriter Zachary Lemon. Working out of his basement studio in Michigan, Zachary and his remote collaborators pay tribute to classic indie rock while pushing the genre into fresh new territory. The group’s high energy sound has a timeless appeal, with bittersweet melodies clashing against walls of distortion and dissonance, all held together by Zachary’s evocative vocal performance.

Released in 2021, the self titled debut album by Vague Pains was described as “A sheer force of nature” (Beach Sloth), “Stunning” (Just Fame), and an “Experience that is both unique and compelling” (Jukebox Time). The album features Zachary Lemon on rhythm guitar, bass and vocals, Chris Loocke on lead guitar, Nik Hughes on drums, and strings by Nathaniel Wolkstein (“Fallout”) and Michelle Packman (“On Ten”), with mixing by Daniel Salcido and mastering by Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters.

2023’s follow up, “Fragile Rush,” took a more personal turn. Aside from Nik returning for drums, Zachary worked solo to create a hypnotic world of reverb, synth and distortion, with the results described as “majestic shoe-gaze” (Coyote Music) and “absolutely beautiful” (Ghost Echoes). Like the first album, “Fragile Rush” was mixed by Daniel Salcido and mastered by Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters.