VAM is Slate Wilder’s modern hard rock project with deep roots in 80s hair metal, hard rock, and analog synthesizers.

Slate Wilder is the one man army behind VAM. He handles every aspect of his project including each guitar riff, synth arpeggio, beat, video and post. Born in California, he grew up cruising in an 80s Pontiac Trans Am with a huge stereo system, proudly blasting Def Leppard, Ratt, and Van Halen.

VAM’s name is a nod to the mood and emotion of 1980s TV, music, and film. It pays homage to an era when everything felt larger than life. It means something different to every listener. For Slate, his vice is crafting head banging riffs deep into the midnight hour, lit by the glow of neon lights.

VAM recently released its first single, Hot City Nights, on all major streaming platforms (links are at the top of the page).

VAM’s second single, On the Prowl, releases on Feb. 13th, 2026 and is now available for preorder.

If you’re working on a film, series, or visual project and want to use Vice After Midnight music, licensing is available. Use the contact form to share details, project type, timeframe, and what track you’re interested in and we’ll go from there.

VAM is inspired by the iconic hair metal guitar riffs of many artists from the 80s including Ratt, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Whitesnake, Scorpions, and Y&T.

VAM’s inspiration also reaches beyond the typical rock scene. VAM is heavily influenced by the movie soundtracks of the 80s including the work of composers such as Jan Hammer, Vangelis.

Note: The artists mentioned above are referenced solely as musical inspiration and are not affiliated with Vice After Midnight.