The music is fast and loud when Divided Youth commands the stage. The punk band was formed two years ago by Rio Americano juniors guitarist Nicky Vaughan and drummer Layne Perkins Saavedra. Since then, they have dropped a demo album, “Demo ‘24,” (available on multiple platforms), played with more well-known bands and performed often at Cafe Colonial. Vaughan recently sat down with Mirada reporter Lucca McPoil to discuss the band’s progression.
When did you first pick up the guitar, and what inspired you to start playing?
I first started playing guitar when I was about 8. My dad has been playing guitar all his life so watching him play around the house inspired me, but Johnny Ramone was another one of my biggest influences to start playing guitar.
What made you want to start a punk band specifically?
One thing that really inspired me to start a punk band was watching the 1981 documentary “The Decline of Western Civilization.” That documentary is about LA punk in the early 80s and features bands like Black Flag and Fear who were big influences for me to start playing hardcore punk.
How did Divided Youth get started, and how did you come up with the name?
It was started by me trying to find other members who enjoyed the same music I did. I asked around school and other places to find people who were interested in playing in a punk band. I found our drummer Layne at school and our first bass player at a skate punk show at Power Inn Skate Park. I came up with the name at practice when we were having a discussion on what the name should be called. I suggested it and everyone liked it, so it stuck.
Where could someone find your music and shows?
You can find our demo “Demo ‘24”that we just put out on all streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. You can see when we are playing on our instagram account @divided.youth.punx. Our shows are usually at the Cafe Colonial on Stockton Blvd.
Who are your biggest musical influences as a guitarist?
My biggest musical influences as a guitarist include people such as Johnny Ramone from the Ramones, George Harrison from The Beatles, Greg Ginn from Black Flag, Brian Baker from Minor Threat and many more.
What’s your dream venue to play at and why?
My dream venue to play at is the Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood because of its many historical and amazing hardcore shows over the years.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own band?
Spend time figuring out what music you want to play and find others who have the same interest. Find people that you enjoy being with and have the same interests as you. If you don’t get along with your bandmates it is not a pleasant experience. Really, the best advice is just to keep playing. Don’t give up and always follow your gut to do what you want to do with your band.
What’s the story behind your first live performance with Divided Youth?
We were writing songs and getting used to playing music together when we were asked to play someone’s party. We agreed and played about a seven-minute set. But from that show, we were hooked on playing live and just wanted to do more. So we kept writing songs and practicing and pretty soon we were getting shows on the regular.
