Fearless Singer Podcast is about redefining fear one song at a time. Join your painfully honest, humorous, big-hearted host, Mel Lathouras, to talk about what’s holding us back from living our creative, musical dream lives. We will undo untrue narratives that stop us from singing and expressing ourselves fully. And talk to absolute bosses who are doing this work and succeeding. We’re going to rise with them. And use these unique voices of ours. Make sure you head over to www.mellathouras.com for the show notes. Or go to www.fearlesssinger.com.au for a treasure chest of free resources to get you singing to your full potential.
In this inspiring episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Alex Van den Broek—arranger, choral director, singer-songwriter, and vocal harmony legend. We chat about everything from: ✨ Her creative process and how she builds those spine-tingling vocal arrangements ✨ Growing a TikTok following of nearly 300K (!!) through viral harmony videos ✨ The knock-backs, imposter syndrome and how she's navigated them with grace ✨ Her epic work with The Little Red Company and Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols ✨ Plus, she's joining us as one of our stellar line up of jazz vocalists at Femme Jazz on May 9
Show Notes: In this episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast, I dive deep into what it really means to love your voice and how that love can literally take you places—on stage, in life, and in your creative career. ❤️
This episode is a deep dive into the new era of Fearless Singer—a movement dedicated to emboldening the femme voice, taking up space, and redefining fear. I'm sharing what's been happening behind the scenes, why I've gone ALL IN on uplifting femme-identifying singers, and what's coming up next (spoiler alert: it's bloody exciting). In this episode, we cover: ✨ The shift in Fearless Singer—why this movement is now laser-focused on empowering femme voices ✨ Lessons from my FREE masterclass—how to navigate fear & step into your vocal power (replay available for a limited time!) ✨ Femme Jazz is BACK! A night of jazz rebellion & femme excellence—get your tickets! ✨ The Girl From Greece Show—celebrating bold women, music & culture ✨ The real reason so many singers struggle with confidence (and how to break free) ✨ Why NOW is the time to step up & share your voice—no more waiting, no more playing small This is for you if: ✔️ You've ever felt like your voice wasn't “good enough” or “too much” ✔️ You want to take up space in the music industry (without apology) ✔️ You're ready to OWN your artistry & start that big, bold project you've been dreaming about
Tune in to this week's Fearless Singer chat with jazz vocalist Paula Hackney. Her journey, from discovering a Billie Holiday boxset in a thrift shop to fronting her own band - Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption - and creating the Jazz Hive, is INSPIRING! Early in her performing career, Paula grappled with her inner critic, which fueled her fear of the spotlight. A pivotal moment led her to reframe her mindset, propelling her from occasional gigs to headlining festivals. Learn how Paula hones her craft, from mastering songs to exploring new vocal styles, ensuring vocal longevity and a vibrant colour palette. This episode is a must-listen! As always, I LOVE to hear your takeaways, please leave us a comment! And share this one with your mates! If you like what you hear, subscribe now! And leave a review for others like yourself to find this podcast. Links: Book in to see the Jazz Hive at the Brisbane Jazz Club Sat 4 May Follow Paula's band on: Facebook Instagram The Jazz Hive Facebook Instagram Book into the Femme Voice Workshop Join the Fearless Singer Membership Follow Mel Fearless Singer:
In this episode of Fearless Singer, join me (Mel Lathouras) in a conversation with Ella Doneman, a Singer, Educator, and Advocate for people, especially performers, living with a disability, including the less spoken about invisible ones. Ella shares her firsthand experiences with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, shedding light on the challenges of navigating life and the stage as a performer. She also discusses her journey in creating a tribute show to celebrate and honour Blossom Dearie on her 100th birthday. Tune in for insights and wisdom from Ella's remarkable journey! Follow Ella: Facebook InstagramBook Your Tickets to Blossoming Ella Tribute to Blossom Dearie on Sunday 28 April 3 pm. Follow Mel: FacebookInstagram Website Enrol in the Fearless Singer Membership
How can you be creative when life feels a bit FKN crunchy? Tune into our Fearless Singer episode with the AMAZING @emmadeanmusic and me (Fearless Singer - Mel Lathouras)! ❤️
Unlock the unsexy (or sexy—depending on what you're into) truth about building confidence on the Fearless Singer Podcast! Mel Lathouras (that's me) explores practical strategies for cultivating confidence, which is essential for every singer's journey. Tune in for insights and actionable steps. Plus, upcoming workshop details! Her Voice: Vocal Confidence & Power Workshop - enrol here: Get started with the Fearless Singer Membership here. Follow Me:
htIn the latest episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast, host Mel Lathouras overcomes her own fear of speaking about the political and social division as well as the atrocities happening around the world. Mel dives deep into the interconnectedness of humanity, emphasising the importance of unity and peace. She candidly shares her own fear about addressing these crucial issues but realises that her yearning for positive change surpasses any fear of ‘getting things wrong'. She urges Singers and Professional Voice Users to step into their “healing” roles and use their voices for positive change. Follow Mel on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website
G'day Singer!
This is my story on how deadlines and I became friends after a tumultuous relationship, starting back when I was 10. Yes, I have been deadline-resistant for most of my adult life until now. A few years ago, I had finished my music degrees, and the gigs that had come so easily to me stopped. I went quite a while without performing. And my self-confidence dwindled – I was a fish out of water. I then realised I had to take responsibility for making my opportunities. These brilliant ideas I kept telling people about (mostly my Mum and my best friend Amy, who I FaceTime daily) wouldn't be manifested without action. So, I reached out to JMI Live and asked for a gig. It was a few months into the future, so there was enough space not to freak out but a clear deadline. And I found my new method to make things happen – book the show even when you're not ready! This method can apply to any project really. Set a date and tell people about it! In this episode, you can learn about how to: ✨ Bite the bullet and give yourself a clear date (even if you don't feel ready), and then reverse engineer your project. ✨How to ask for a gig at a Venue - ask for what you want! ✨Uncover resistance and coach yourself out of it. I also let you know about all of our exciting Fearless Singer Events. If you want to stay posted, go to www.fearlesssinger.com/events As always, let me know what resonates with you!! Lots of love Mel ❤️
As a long-time admirer of Singer-Songwriter Emma Dean, welcoming her to the Fearless Singer Podcast was an exciting fan-girl moment. Emma's impressive accolades includes multiple albums, iconic projects like the Cheap Trill community choir, and a standout appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Beyond her thriving performing career, Emma is now a creativity coach, offering an upcoming 8-week course that delves into creative expression. In this episode, we explore Emma's journey, temporarily stifled by pre-teen bullying. She shares how her high school music teacher helped her reclaim the stage, leading to her role as Audrey in The Little Shop of Horrors. Emma discusses how bullying can foster a fear of standing out and stifling creativity, which ties into managing the inner critic. She offers practical techniques for breaking free from self-doubt and rediscovering creative flow. 'We also talk about the importance of creative communities, self-acceptance, the power of storytelling, pursuing happiness, and reframing success. Emma also shares how her creative output now looks different with baby twinnies and how she has learnt to embrace her new pace. Don't miss this beautiful episode! You can also watch it on Youtube here. And if you've ever doubted your creative abilities, Emma's 8-week course, Exploring Creativity, might be your answer – with early bird pricing ending today. Follow Emma on Insta. Love Mel ❤️
Join us as we reunite with the AMAZING Katerini Manolatos, a singer, music therapist, now producer, and my dear friend. If you tuned into her episode last year, you might remember her story and insights into her Greek heritage and her music therapy journey. Since then, we've embarked on musical adventures together, including performances in Brisbane's Greek Choir, Ellinikes Fones, and the creation of our very own production company, Girl From Greece.
Laine Loxlea-Danann is the epitome of a Renaissance Woman – not only is she a Singer, Musician, Writer, Producer and Talent Manager – she even makes her wine out at her Cleveland Artists' Retreat. I first met Laine back in 2015 at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music when we were both studying Vocal Pedagogy. And not sure whether it was the Universe or the Instagram algorithm (I'm grateful either way!) – she came back into my orbit at the end of last year via Instagram stories. I was captivated by her and her story! She was living her version of Eat Pray Love as she went on a European Tour starting in Germany to watch a theatre company perform her self-penned musical theatre show – Critical Last Chance Years. The one-woman musical is based on Laine's experience of navigating societal pressure to find a partner in her 30s. The musical examines the social pressures of being single in a culture where couple relationships define the norm and where you're told at an incredible volume that if you try hard enough, wishes can come true. We spoke extensively about this and how a few years ago, while performing Laine discovered that she was not hearing sound the same way she used to. After multiple trips to health professionals, she finally got the diagnosis that she had Semicircular Canal Dehiscence - a rare opening between the uppermost semicircular canal in the upper part of the inner ear and the brain. The condition causes problems with hearing and balance. Laine talks about how this prompted her to pursue her many other talents and skills, including talent management. She now runs a boutique agency nurturing and booking work for actors from all walks of life, age groups and acting experience. Laine said helping other artists on their creative journey is something she has always naturally done and enjoyed but gave her an enormous sense of purpose after her diagnosis. Resilient, resourceful and downright inspirational – Laine is making her way back to performing again – and will start by being the accompanist (she's a killer piano player) in Critical Last Chance Years when it is performed again here in Australia. The German Theatre company will be coming over to direct it next year! Please enjoy this episode – and as always, let me know what resonates for you!? If you are comfortable with sharing with me, have you had a condition that has made it difficult for you to sing? Would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment! Love Mel ❤️
Get inspired by an incredible journey on this episode! Meet Josephine Lancuba, a Performing Arts Business Coach, Studio Owner, and Producer who turned her life around through music. From a turbulent childhood, Josephine's love for singing changed her life's course. Discover how she landed a studio scholarship and embarked on a career as a performer, even playing Sporty Spice in tribute shows. But when motherhood arrived, she seized the opportunity to build her own teaching studio with four locations in Sydney. Josephine shares her passion for giving back to aspiring young artists and her successful venture into talent management and creating her own children's musical theatre show, raking in $30,000 in profit. Tune in to hear Josephine's journey and love for coaching fellow artists. Also, explore topics like embracing innovation to stay relevant in the performing arts, monetizing talents with integrity, and the upcoming Studio Innovation Conference she's hosting for Performing Arts Studio Owners in Sydney. Plus, book early for her conference and get a 20% discount using code INNOVATE23. Don't miss this wisdom-packed episode! Love, Mel ❤️
In this episode, I share my personal story of how I discovered my love for Jazz and ventured into the world of jazz singing and how it has profoundly impacted my life. While my journey has been anything but linear, there were signs along the way that hinted at my affinity for this genre. It changed my life and can also change yours – if it hasn't already! The seed was planted at seven when my dad bought me a cassette tape of Nina Simone – the music did something visceral for me. I also talk about how Miles Davis – in particular – his Workin' album got me through homesickness when I lived in London. I didn't mention that my love for Theolonius Monk and my fraudulent piano playing ability in rock bands prompted me to get jazz lessons from Gabriel Latchin – a young, earnest jazz student at the Guildhall who is now Internationally renowned. Gabriel encouraged me to sing jazz, leading me to audition for Australia's best jazz tertiary program here in Brisbane, Jazz Music Institute, at the age of 27. I made this episode deliberately short – a new thing I'm trialling for solo episodes. Also, the next Private Podcast Live episode in the Fearless Singers Facebook group will be live on Thursday at 7:30 pm! I will discuss key signatures in music and how we work out our best keys, like a well-cut outfit. Come on over! By the way, in this episode I mentioned a listening suggestion playlist – I made one for you on Spotify.
“Lighthouses don't go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.” Anne Lamott It was these words that produced a seismic shift in this week's Fearless Singer Podcast guest – Karen Gunton. I am beyond thrilled to have my favourite hip sage from Radelaide (haha didn't mean for that to rhyme so hard) on our 30TH EPISODE!! I honestly can't believe I'm typing… 30th! This podcast has staying power - mainly because I've fallen in love with this medium. I strongly suggest you make one yourself - it's so much fun! Back to the amazing Karen - she is a Self-Leadership Coach, Author and Creator of Illuminate: the Lighthouse Oracle cards. I met her at Tash Corbin's Heart-Centred Business Conference in Noosa over a month ago. I was drawn to this aesthetically hip lady who turned out to be the creator and generous donator of the cards in our conference bag. I've been using them personally and here in the studio ever since. In this episode, you will learn: ❤️
Making the space to spend time with your creativity is tricky when navigating responsibilities – paying the mortgage, tending to family – let only making it your “life's work”. This Fearless Singer podcast episode featuring the multi-talented artist, musician, and founder of Spoony Joe – Amy Dzufer – uncovers the process it takes to make art daily. She says it all starts with giving yourself permission to do it – no matter the medium. There are so many great takeaways in this episode. ✨ Give yourself permission to create or be creative – and it can start with a quick doodle or making a recipe. ✨ It doesn't need to be good –aim for below-par. ✨ Keep things simple and fun. ✨ Follow your ideas through – give it a go – come back to it if you want or don't. ✨ Just in general, take the pressure off yourself. ✨ Learn to make peace with your critical mind. Anyway – there's heaps more. Listen to the episode. I know life is hectic – but spending time with your creativity is spending time with your soul. It's nourishing and reminds us of our true nature – making all the life admin stuff easier to deal with. And we don't need to spend much time doing it – 5 min, 10 min – the trick is returning to it daily. If anything in this episode resonates with you, please leave a comment! Please give Amy's Instagram some love, @spoonyjoe – it's one of the brightest, happiest feeds on the gram. Also I mention the brilliant Brisbane based poet Amanda Cooke - you can follow her on Instagram here - @iamamandala I love hearing from you. Lots of love, Mel X ❤️
This latest Fearless Singer episode is a tribute to the late great Tina Turner and the many reasons she was a living Saint. I've always been obsessed with her! She was a part of the soundtrack of my childhood – I think most Australians have a soft spot, especially as The Best was constantly blaring from our TV sets with that enduring Rugby League ad. But I remember watching the biopic film made about Tina (Angela Bassett played her) when I was ten and remembered drawing inspiration from her life way back then. She was a phenomenon – a black woman born into poverty and systemic racism, a survivor of abuse – ultimately emancipating herself from her captor Ike to rise to the extreme heights of stardom at the age of 50. In this episode, I delve into the core teachings from our Saint Tina: ❤️
You know that fear of making mistakes? And making them publicly… It's what holding us back from the stage or showing up in life as our full creative expression. In this episode, I encourage you to do the thing you're scared of (singing, telling your story, presenting, speaking up) and aim to make mistakes. Go on… Deliberately and purposefully make mistakes. Mistakes are fun. They're an opportunity. You could make something super cool out of them. A new musical idea - you never heard before. A new reframe or take on life or creative expression. An opportunity to love the shiz out of our humanness. Relish the softness of self-forgiveness. It's an opportunity to feel good, to laugh and connect your audience or whoever is in front of you. Oh here's the Live Video of me singing and playing Simply the Best on Instagram this week, as mentioned in the episode. Here it is on YouTube. Lots of love Mel ❤️
In this Fearless Singer episode, Alpha Schulte from Money Made Simple shares her expertise on how singers and creatives can navigate the current financial crisis and take control of their wealth. We explore mindset shifts, practical money management tools, and the intersection of finance, mindset, and personal growth. Brace yourself for inspiration and empowerment like never before! Like content like this to keep you inspired on your Singing Journey? Hit subscribe! And please leave a review for more Singers to find this content. With a background in tax accounting, Alpha experienced a deep yearning for a more meaningful career in servitude. Driven by her desire to make a difference and create freedom in her own life, she established her coaching business and community. Now, she's fully committed to helping women break free from limiting beliefs around money and build thriving businesses of their own.
Fearless Singer's latest podcast episode, "You Were Born to Create," is a must-listen for anyone interested in creativity and performance. Host Mel shares all the exciting updates from Fearless Singer, including a massive website upgrade that brings together all aspects of her creativity in one place. Mel discusses how society undervalues the arts, but standing on stage and delivering a performance is nothing short of courageous. As artists, we signed up for a life of doing the inner work required to share our creativity. Mel shares how great performers are actually teachers and how one of her greatest teachers of ALL TIME is Patience Hodgson from the Grates. Mel also talks about an esoteric teacher who has changed her life recently - Carolyn Elliot, author of Existential Kink. ❤️
In this Fearless Singer podcast - we're talking about one of the biggest challenges many of us singers face - performance anxiety. And we have a special guest, Singer, Actor & Entrepreneur Kylie Stephenson, who shares her journey of overcoming it. Kylie is a natural performer but struggled with anxiety and fear blocks, making it difficult to pursue her passion for singing and performing. This led to her taking an extended break from her performing career and singing lessons – she also bravely decided not to continue her tertiary studies in Music. However, with inner work, practice, and passion, she's overcome her fears and is performing again and now fronts a gigging pop band. In this episode, you will hear about some of the challenges Kylie faced as a young creative child, growing up Hyper Sensory in the 90s in Mt Isa, feeling too quirky and sensitive for those around her, and being raised in a sports-obsessed family. Despite this, music programs were available at her school, and Kylie was encouraged to join the concert band, playing the oboe for a year, which she reckons sounded more like a constipated duck.
Get ready to be inspired by Emma Sparks' remarkable journey from crippling anxiety to confidently slaying iconic Julie London songs. In the latest episode of the Fearless Singer podcast, Emma shares her transformational experience with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Quantum Energetics, which helped her reprogram old beliefs that no longer served her and adopt the persona of a confident and fearless performer. Host Mel and Emma also discuss the power of "acting as if" and embodying a character to reach our goals more quickly, which can be applied to any area of life, whether in business, relationships or skill development. Emma's creativity doesn't stop at singing, as she is a Renaissance woman with multiple creative passions, including design, illustration, crafts, and photography. Listen to the podcast to learn how Emma's experiences and lessons can be applied to your life, and join Fearless Singer Mel's online workshop on Emotional Freedom Technique for Singers to conquer fear and anxiety, improve vocal technique, and step into your power as a singer and performer. Don't miss out on this transformative experience! Book here!
In this episode of Fearless Singer, you'll discover how to use Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to take your singing to the next level and build a career around your passions. Fearless Singer Mel Lathouras shares her personal experiences with EFT and how it helped her become a full-time singer and coach. You'll learn how EFT can help you become a detective to old narratives embedded in your psyche that may hold you back from singing in your full voice and showing up authentically on stage. The episode also covers Quantum Energetics and how it can help you create a character based on the version of yourself already doing what you desire. Don't miss out on this transformative experience! Fearless Singer Workshop: Emotional Freedom Technique for Singers: Sing with Confidence & Live Them Dreams is on Mon 3 April 2023 7:30pm. In this interactive 2-hour Workshop, you'll discover the powerful Emotional Freedom Technique. Learn to be a detective of what's holding you back from singing in your full voice, commanding the stage and living the life of your dreams. This is the closest thing to magic! Don't miss out on the transformative experience! 50 Spots Only! Book in! The replay will be available for 30 days. ❤️
Looking for some inspiration to follow your passions and carve your own path? Look no further than this week's episode of our podcast! Our special guest, Kerri Layton, is a UK-based jazz singer and business coach who has followed her passion for music, jazz, and education to create a thriving business helping female musicians achieve balance, joy, abundance, and creative impact. Kerri's unconventional journey into music is a testament to the power of following your passions, no matter where they may lead. In our interview, she shares the importance of knowing your worth as a performer, particularly in a male-dominated industry, and encourages women musicians to embrace their diva energy while remaining respectful and humble. But Kerri's passion for music doesn't end there. As a former youth worker and drama teacher, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music and performing arts in the lives of young people who have had a challenging start in life. And she continues to incorporate that passion into her work as a business coach. So whether you're a musician looking to navigate the industry or simply someone searching for inspiration to follow your own passions, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in now and let us know what resonates with you! Trigger Warning: This episode does contain mention to addiction and overdosing.
In this episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast, Mel Lathouras talks about the power of stories and how they can help us reconnect with our childlike sense of wonder and magic. Mel shares how her family's gifted storytellers influenced her, and how storytelling can transport us to new worlds, inspire us to imagine new possibilities, and deep dive into magical thinking. She discusses the importance of making time for creativity, fun, and imagination, and how being creative can lead to a surge of energy that can help us tackle the nitty-gritty of life. Mel encourages listeners to create their own stories, use storytelling as a form of self-expression, and find inspiration in the stories of others. The episode emphasizes the benefits of storytelling in sparking joy in our everyday lives and helps us see things from different perspectives. Whether dealing with real-world matters or not, Mel believes that imagination and being creative can lead to a more expansive state to tackle life admin mode.
I'm back with another Fearless Singer episode about recognising our shadow artist traits and embracing our inner child to create, sing and show up more freely! Before we dive into this episode, I want to give you the heads-up that I'll be discussing anthropophobia, relating to my mental health struggles as a young one. I understand this can be a sensitive topic for some, but please be assured that l navigate this topic carefully and with understanding. Now, a question for you - have you ever felt like your inner child was being stifled? That playful, curious part of you that loves to sing and create? In this episode, I share my journey of discovery and honouring my shadow artist to allow my inner child to come out and play, including starting my solo project. Honestly, my inner child had been sitting on the sidelines for a while, watching "adult Mel" nurture everyone's talents and projects before embarking on her own. But I realised that I needed to practice what I preached! You can only serve to your fullest potential if you honour and serve your creativity first. So, "Little Mel" was born! It's a nod to all the early R&B singers with the prefix "Little" in front of their name (Little Ann, Little Richard), but it's also about embracing my inner child who sings and creates without that suffocating self-consciousness. I share how I overcame my fears of vulnerability by: - recognising my sabotaging behaviours - quietening my inner critic - allowing my inner child to play without limitations - and connecting to my service as a musician. I also got clear on Little Mel's purpose, which I shared in last week's episode: reminding us of the importance of self-love and spreading positive energy into the world through our stories and music. And to share this journey with you and inspire you to embrace your creativity fearlessly. I've got some journal prompts for you to explore: - When did you last sing at the top of your lungs like nobody was watching? - When did you last create something just for fun without worrying about what others might think? - Was there a pivotal time in your life when you lost touch with your playful and creative side? If this one feels unsafe, explore it with a professional. - How can you invite this playful, curious side into your life daily? Remember, you can start super small. I intend this episode to encourage you to love yourself and your voice and share your stories and ideas with the world. It's all about that adage, "feel fear and do it anyway." So, be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for more episodes to empower you to overcome your fears and embrace your creativity. And please let me know what resonates with you in this episode! I love hearing from you! Until next time, keep singing and showing up fearlessly! The world needs your unique voice and perspective through song! Love your Fearless Singer, mate, Mel ❤️
I know I'm not alone in feeling that life can be a rollercoaster, and the journey of a creative is no exception. From tech troubles to feeling drained, I had a doozy of a week leading up to this podcast episode. I did my head in with troubleshooting a lot of sticky tech stuff, which you will hear about. And I did a number on my life force – I felt pretty defeated and detached. But luckily, the Universe delivered a Netflix special created by Jonah Hill about his therapist Phil Stutz, author of the Tools. And while the documentary was nothing short of beautiful and cathartic – there was one question posed by Stutz that completely changed my life! “Would you rather be right or create?” I've only heard it as, “Would you rather be right or happy?” And because the word “happy” doesn't mean much to me, I've always dismissed it. But because “to create” brings me such joy, and it is loaded with “servitude”, the answer is simple. I choose to create! You can listen to me unpack this here. It also prompted me to write a mission statement for my new solo music project – Little Mel. For when my ego tries to protect me from the dangers of performing, and I'm suffering from a post-show vulnerability hangover. Sometimes it feels easier to connect to the service of teaching and coaching than to performing or making music. But being a channeler of music and standing on stage vulnerable in front of others is an incredible act of service. So as my Valentine's present to you, I give you my Little Mel Mission Statement. I call it Love Spells by Little Mel. I believe in… ☽ The Magic of Music. It's something greater than ourselves that transports us and heals us. ☽ Elevating our inner child - the part of us that dances, dreams, sings and creates without fear. ☽ Love in all its forms. And giving Those around you the grace to be completely themselves. And remember to do the same for yourself. ☽ The power of Live music and performance; it brings people together, inspires us and makes us feel alive. This is what Little Mel represents - a celebration of all that is beautiful, of all that is raw, of all that is kindness. I intend the music I sing to be a love spell, cast with every note, every chord, every lyric. A love spell for the listener to fall head over heels for themselves. And that this love lingers and grows. As I always do, I hope this resonates with you and encourages you to keep singing. Remember, by being yourself and going for your dreams, you can change lives. Love from your Fearless Singer mate Mel X ❤️
In this latest episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast, I dive into overcoming the illusion of lack. I share my personal story of how a simple sign on an electricity box changed my perspective and opened space for opportunities! As creatives, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that external things we don't have are stopping us from bringing our dreams to life. But what if I told you, you have everything you need to achieve your goals? Despite being incredibly privileged, the illusion of lack last week had me good while walking to a gig with a friend. I do a lot of work changing my thought patterns, but it still sneaks up on me occasionally. However, as miracles do, the “You Have Everything You Need” sign appeared on a city electricity box and interrupted my negative loop. I began focusing on the incredible people in my life, the amazing experiences I continue to have, the supportive community I'm a part of, my vision, my teachers, my soulmates, and of course, the music. It made me feel so good! It was a flux of gratitude and subsequent serotonin. This all happened over the course of days, and I talk about this in the episode. Still, this moment cascaded into unexpected money wins and, most excitingly, discovering that I had the space, equipment, and furniture ALREADY to create a second music studio right here at Fearless Singer HQ, opening up so much more opportunity! I talk about the importance of shifting our perspective, focusing on the good, and aligning with the flow of gratitude. I also share practical tips on how to do the same in your life and tap into the abundance already available to you. So, if you feel like you need more resources or time to achieve your dreams, tune in. You DO have everything you need – put on your opportunity goggles!
I have to say - I love giving ‘Learn From my Mistakes' advice. I have been a reactive creator for mmmm
I give you my last podcast episode for the year! One of my 2022 goals this year was to start a podcast, and now I have 14 episodes, which you can stream from Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or on Instagram. I'm telling you this podcast would never have happened if I had carried on with my previous conditioning and wiring that convinced me that everything I created had to be perfect before putting it out there. And I'm not kidding myself that there aren't people who think the same about my work. My skin doctor the other day told me she detested free-form podcasts – “present your knowledge in neat 20min package.” Mine are flowy, messy, quirky and far from perfect. But I've trained my nervous system to be OK about that. Also, criticism does not scare me anymore. I even take it as a compliment that someone is taking an interest. This episode is about this. The more we can train our nervous system to be comfortable with messy processes, imperfect conditions and end products – the more we can get to work doing the things we love. And then, in the end, we discover we have written 50 songs, penned the novel, and painted 100 portraits. To be prolific is to detach from the outcome and learn to love the process. And who knows after you've learnt 100 songs – only a handful, maybe those special performances that make people's hair stand up on their arms. Or that 130th song is a winner. But always come back to the love of the process. It's my sincere hope that in my free-form rambles – there is a little nugget that can shift your perspective to help you go on to create AMAZING things in your life – both personally and creatively. Also, if you want to hit some massive singing, musical, and creative goals in 2023 – please don't miss out on the 25% off the Fearless Singer Membership! This deal finishes on the 26th of December – when the code expires. You can enrol here and save $1250.
One of the most potent mindsets shifts I made to get to where I am today - a gigging singer, show producer and creator of Fearless Singer – is playing with I am statements. Even while working in completely unrelated fields, I would tell myself and others that I am a successful singer and creative entrepreneur. Even when I was not actually “successful”.
Award-winning Jazz Singer, Songwriter, Educator and Entrepreneur Sharny Russell is lovingly regarded as our Jazz Mumma here in Brisbane and on the entire East Coast of Australia. She is the epitome of a Fearless Singer in every sense of the term. Despite being told that she would never sing again after a horrific car accident, Sharny has gone on to have a celebrated career as a singer, an ABC recording artist, an APRA award winner and an educator at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and the Jazz Music Institute (JMI). Sharny Russell's Piano Method for Jazz Singers: Easy, Stylish Self-Accompaniment Singing Manifestations 101 Online Masterclass Book your seat for Singers Manifestations 101 Online Masterclass here.
In this episode, Bernie speaks candidly about turning 60 and realising that her dreams of performing and living a full-time creative life would not happen without her taking some kind of plunge. Living in New York for several years, Bernie and her partner returned to Brisbane in the wake of Covid. It was then that Bernie realised she was at crossroads. She could continue along the path she was going or start working towards her creative aspirations. Now, Bernie is a Fearless Singer Jazz Club member, has sung at the Jazz Music Institute and other jams and is working towards her one-woman show. She also writes for publications. Bernie's other aspiration is to gain a full motorbike license to scoot a Vespa around West End, which makes an incredibly hilarious story – even though it was traumatic for her at the time. It's well worth the listen! Without further ado, please meet the Fearless Bernie. P.S I'm sorry, I get a little bit sweary in this hence the explicit content. I will endeavour not to swear in the future. Are you ready for the kind of transformation that feels luscious, wildly creative and perhaps a little jazzy? Together we can redefine fear to create a deep-seated level of confidence and a brain wired to only see unlimited creative opportunities. Learn more here.
If you would like 1:1 coaching with me, check out my Level Up Sessions.
Learn more about 1:1 Levelling Up Sessions: Energetic Vocal Coaching & Mentoring here.
In this episode, I share with you how my fear of dancing and being a part of the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse show Women In Voice gave me a good old dose of it. It felt real and downright disempowering however, I got through it with some metacognitive questioning and the powerful self-healing modality Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping). If this resonates with you, please let me know! I love to hear from you. Also, I have a free tapping series on my website to help with the fear of singing in front of others. ❤️
In this episode, Fearless Singer Mel Lathouras talks about how the emotion of shame can manifest in so many ways in relation to our singing and performing and often stops us from doing so. She gives examples from her own singing and performing practice as well as what she encounters from students. This episode gives strategies on how to clear this from our psyche so we can get on with doing what we love - singing!
A journey from London Boy Singers to Soul Jazz - guitarist Harvey Blues has followed the call to make music his life's work. A punk at heart, Harvey taught himself the Blues as a 14-year-old, was a full-time gigging musician in London in his early 20s to starting over again in Australia in his 30s. After sustaining an injury from factory work in Australia, Harvey made the life-changing decision to make music his full-time gig. He has nearly completed his jazz degree, going to Uni for the first time in his early 50s, performs regularly with the iconic blues band - Blues Arcadia and now has his soul jazz band - Harvey Blues and the Keitels - playing at all the hippest venues in Brisbane. Harvey LOVES singers and regularly co-teaches with me in the Fearless Singer Jazz Club course. Speaking of which, we kick off Round 2 next Wednesday, 3 August 2022, at 8 pm. If you want to learn SIX jazz standards in a fun, supportive community over six live classes, enrol here: https://bit.ly/FSJazzClub
In this Fearless Singer episode, we hear from Greek Singer, Ellinikes Fones Co-Founder and Music Therapist Katerini Manolatos. We discover where her love for music and singing came from as well as her journey from singing classical repertoire to singing and performing Greek music. She shares about her experience as a music therapist and how singing can enhance our lives and how it can connect us with a community. I know you will love her as much as I do! Follow Kat @amusicalodyssey @ellinikesfones @humbirdmusic For more of Fearless Singer, follow @mellathouras
In this episode, Fearless Singer Mel Lathouras talks about how when we align with service as singers, no matter what our ability level is, it switches off our critical mind. It doesn't matter if you are a shower singer or perform to the public, we are putting good energy out to the world and changing lives in the process.
In this episode, I talk about how our greatest singing teachers are often our favourite singers! The best part is that we can dive into the treasure trove of their teaching by listening to their recordings. If you want to learn to sing jazz, start by listening to Ella Fitzgerald. This idea was inspired by Cardi B who said if we want to be successful we need to “watch the recipe” of successful people. This same principle can be applied to singing. Access the replay to the ‘Hip Like Ella: An Introduction to Jazz Singing' Workshop is here. It's free!
In this episode, I talk about how we can learn to be the ‘music producers' of our singing voices - taking a more impartial approach when listening back and experimenting with our voices in “practice”. Rather than letting a shitty recording or performance spiral us into emotional turmoil.
Be sure to head over to www.mellathouras.com for the show notes or go to www.fearlesssinger.com.au for a treasure trove of free resources to get you started or help you with your singing journey.