Inside Look at Vincent Poag’s Latest Album ‘The Unknown’

If Vincent Poag’s latest album, The Unknown, feels like a walk through a dreamscape laced with Broadway lights and poetic unrest, that’s because it is—and then some. The elusive singer-songwriter, known for his gravelly voice and theater-kid soul, doesn’t just pen songs—he conjures them from the ether with a flick of wit and a whisper of wisdom. With themes that dance from whimsical to weighty and lyrics that pull you close like secrets told at midnight, Vincent Poag isn’t trying to play the fame game—he’s inviting you into the mystery. In this exclusive sit-down, we step beyond the curtain and into the unknown with the man himself to talk about inspiration, introspection, and the hidden haunt of “Golf Hell.”

Do you feel like you’ve finally revealed the real Vincent Poag in ‘The Unknown’?

I can tell you the songs are honest and straight from the heart. I think all songs are revealing in certain ways, like a peephole into the artist’s soul. At the end of the day, how much do you really know the artist? That’s the question, perhaps the intrigue.

Is there a track you almost didn’t include on The Unknown but now can’t imagine the album without?

My song “Billy” is somewhat unusual for me in that it might come off as haunting, scary, and alarming as opposed to having a positive energy. It was inspired by all the horrific random shootings in schools, malls, etc., often by psychologically disturbed kids. We should be able to do more to identify, help, and hopefully prevent more of this. I don’t have much control of my song inspirations, but I love the soundtrack to “Billy” alone, almost better than with the lyrics.

Are you still searching for answers—or just collecting better questions?
What’s your biggest unanswered question in life right now?

We never stop solving problems because troubles never cease. Our ability to solve problems might be what separates us. At this stage of my life, I’m intrigued by the unexpected, what we don’t know and what’s next. That said, I don’t worry or dwell on negativity. I’m just trying to stay aware of and appreciate the good things I’ve been blessed with in my life.

You grew up with Broadway in your bones. What’s your all-time favorite show tune?

I’m envious of all these great showtune composers. I think many of my songs lend themselves to Broadway. Maybe I missed my boat. There are too many favorites to count, but here are a few:

Something Wonderful

Send in the Clowns 

Night and Day

Someone to Watch Over Me

You’ll Never Walk Alone

If I Were a Rich Man

Smile

You Have to Be Carefully Taught

Thank Heaven For Little Girls

Are there Easter eggs in the album for your long-time listeners?

Yes, but I’m sworn to secrecy. This is highly subjective and a matter of interpretation. As much as we are the same, we all have different tastes.

Which track would you play for someone who’s never heard of you before?

I’m probably the worst judge of my best or most appealing songs. “Use It Or Lose It,” “Tabernacle Inn,” or “The Unknown” are my guesses.

If The Unknown had a secret 11th track, what would it be called?

“Golf Hell.”

You’ve never shied from social themes. Which current issue do you wish more songwriters tackled?

I wrote a song called “America” on my last album, Masquerade. I’m passionate about ideals like freedom, decency, fairness, opportunity, and hope, which I believe America has always stood for. Oppressed people who have come here from other countries and made a better life for their families have a different sense of appreciation. I wouldn’t mind hearing more songs from an immigrant’s standpoint.

How does The Unknown push you creatively in ways your past albums didn’t?

Each song is a creative journey. Every new idea for a melody or lyric is a different mystical experience. You never know where it’s going until it gets there. Writing a song is quite magical. Something otherworldly, crafted out of thin air with fairy dust. Abracadabra, voila!

Thanks for diving into the world of The Unknown with Vincent Poag. To keep up with his latest releases and behind-the-scenes moments, follow him on Instagram and stream his music on Spotify—every listen brings you closer to the heart of his story.