Vanishing Peoples of the Earth (VPE) is a duo formed by Keisha Hutchins and Doug Hirlinger. In the winter of 2002-03 VPE gained recognition for their debut CD You Might Be One of Us... on NotNice Records. The music on the CD began taking shape in early 2000 after the two met in New York City where both lived at the time. The music survived various tribulations, none more profound then the death of Keisha's Mother, Sandra Hutchins, six months prior to the projects start. The effects of this event resonate throughout the album. The two moved to Hutchins' hometown of Philadelphia in September 2001 just before the 11th where they later finished the recording. Most of the music was recorded and mixed in various bedrooms until a relationship was formed with engineer Craig White at Philadelphia International Records (Gamble/Huff Studios) where the duo finished up recording and mixing. The material from You Might Be One of Us... draws mostly on the heavy influences of electronic music as well as individual interests with hip-hop, world music, jazz, and 20th century classical music. Nonetheless VPE managed to create an accessible product with a sound capable of popular music status.

Both musicians come from extensive musical training. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, Hutchins has worked with such talents as composer/trumpeter Hannibal Lokumbe, Santi White (of Stiffed), Ivan Ross (Skin Deep, UK), bassist Mike Boone, bassist Cecil McBee, Philadelphia Singers, and most recently composer Andrew Shapiro. Keisha was featured on Shapiro's debut commercial release Invisible Days on Air Box Music in 2002.
At age 16 Hirlinger left St. Louis, MO for Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. There he studied music for two years before eventually making his way to New York where he would later graduate from Manhattan School of Music. As an engineer and/or producer Doug has worked with Hollis P. Monroe, Ivan Ross, Lorne, Double L and Zaqaun. As a drummer he has worked with artists such as Jason Moran, Tim Motzer, Ursula Rucker, Keisha Hutchins, Stanley Jordan, Dave Grusin, Gutbucket, Lazlo, Phillip Harper, Anthony Mills, Pete Kuzma, Dave Manley, Luis Perdomo, Sid Simmons, Neil Podgurski, Mike Boone, Hans Glawishnig, Ben Gerstein,Larry McKenna, Duane Eubanks, Rudy Linka, Miles Evans, Jason Fraticelli,Tim Conley, Jeff Pedraz, and Jimmy Oliver.