Living A Vocal Life: A Podcast For Singers

Hello, this is Valerie Day from Living A Vocal Life. During my break from producing new interviews, I'm revisiting some of the insightful conversations I've had with singers in the past five years. This encore episode delves into the crossroads of creativity and motherhood.In these conversations, you'll discover how artist mothers balance the challenges and rewards of maintaining their creativity while parenting. They share candid accounts of balancing performances with breastfeeding, coping with postpartum depression, and the sacrifices they've made for their children and their art.This series illuminates the journey of nurturing children and art, offering encouragement and guidance for those on similar paths.I'd like to express my gratitude to the 11 women who generously lent their voices to the series:Rebecca SanbornDanielle TuckerMoana WolfgrammN'KengeRosi AmadorAra Lee JamesWhitney JonesKarla HarrisAlex WhilerChina ForbesStephanie SchneidermanThe songs featured in this series are:Stand and Sway, written by Ara Lee James and Beth Wood from their album Deep Blue Sleep Is A Wonderful Thing, by Morley from the album Borderless Lullabies.Borderless Lullabies is a collection of songs and spoken-word recordings, with 100% of proceeds benefiting KIND: Kids In Need of Defense: supportkind.org Right Before My Eyes, written by my husband, John Smith, from our Nu Shooz Orchestra album Pandora's BoxStephanie Schneiderman's song, Wherever You Go, from her album Crossfire. The books mentioned in the episode are: The Baby On The Fire Escape: Creativity, Motherhood & The Mind-Baby Problem by Julie Phillips.Mother Nurture by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Jan Hanson, and Ricki PollycoveSign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.Visit my website for other offerings for singers.Please join me on Facebook or Support the Show.

On this episode of Living A Vocal Life, we're diving into the world of microphones, exploring how the right mic can amplify your artistry and protect your vocal health. You'll also get a peek at the latest module of my course, Becoming A Singer, where we take a look at the art of rehearsing and the power of body language. And finally, I share a personal announcement about the future of the podcast. Tune in for an episode filled with valuable tips and tools to live your best vocal life.You can find the blog post, A Singer's Best Friend: Choosing The Right Microphone For You, HERE on my website.To find out more about my free online course, Becoming A Singer, go HERE.For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and other offerings for singers, visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook or Instagram.LET'S CONNECT!If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for a future podcast episode, I would love to hear from you! You can leave an audio or text message for me in the “Ask Me Anything” section of FanList.com, and I'll get back to you. And if you have a question that could be helpful to other singers, don't be shy - I'll be sure to share it on a future episode of the podcast!Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.Support the show

In this episode of 'Living a Vocal Life,' my guest is Jessica Baldwin, a multi-talented popular music voice specialist, creativity coach, and indie singer-songwriter. Jess's early exposure to a music-rich environment nurtured her journey across various musical genres, leading to her distinctive soul, jazz, and chamber pop sound. She's appeared on American Public Television's Songs At The Center and NPR's Mountain stage, was a quarter-finalist in the 2015 and 2017 American Traditions Competition and won Best Cover Song in the 2015 and 2017 Ohio Music Awards. In this conversation, we take a deep dive into her journey as a singer and teacher with CPTSD and neurodivergence and explore concepts like artist-led coaching, authenticity as an artist, and Inner Family Systems Therapy (IFS). Jess highlights the transformative power of play, delight, and understanding our internal voices in sparking creativity and fostering a deeper connection with music. It was fascinating to hear how she has integrated these principles into her creativity coaching practice, providing invaluable tools for singers grappling with performance anxiety and more. Exploring the depths of creativity, psychology, and a singer's life with Jess was a joy, and I'm excited for you to join us on this journey.You can find Jess on her True Colors coaching website, her artist website, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.The songs from today's episode are April Fool, Alarm Call, The InBetween, and By The Sea (used with permission.) To listen or download, go to her Bandcamp page HERE.RECOMMENDED BOOKS IN THIS EPISODE:Internal Family Systems:Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard C. SchwartzNo Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and RestoringWholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard C. SchwartzBooks On Creativity:Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth GilbertThe Artist's Way by Julia CameronFor full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook or Instagram.LET'S CONNECT!If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for a future podcast episode, I would love to hear from you! You can leave an audio or text message for my guest or me in the “Ask Me Anything” section of FanList.com, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. And if you have a question that could be helpful to other singers, don't be shy - I'll be sure to share it on a future episode of the podcast!Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.Theme music for the PodSupport the show

In this episode, you'll hear the inspiring journey of Rosi Amador, a bilingual singer, percussionist, and voiceover talent. Her relationship with music has been life-long, profoundly influenced by her parents, who themselves were performers. Rosi takes us from her roots in Puerto Rico through a life-changing trip to Nicaragua, the story of her first band, Flor de Caña, to the birth of the folkloric group Sol Y Canto. She openly discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood and a demanding music career, which ultimately led her to a satisfying transition into voiceover work. Her engaging anecdotes about raising her children in green rooms, their pursuit of music, and the influence of her journey on them, including Alisa, a recent NPR Tiny Desk Concert winner, make it a compelling listen. Join me to hear the story of an artist who chose authenticity and connection over commercial success and continues to influence, mentor, and inspire others.You can find Rosi and her band Sol Y Canto on their website, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, and her voiceover company, Amador Bilingual Voiceovers, HERE.The songs in this episode are La Llorona from Cada Dia Un Regalo,  Good Travels, Help Me To See, Little Spark from Live, In The Family,  Entremés from Sabor Y Memoria,  Tierra, Sol, Y Agua, Sancocho from Sancocho,  Alejandro's Ghost, Zamba del Grillo from Sendero del Sol,  Under One Sky from El Doble de Amigos (Children's Album),  Alisa Amador: Milonga. (Used with permission.) For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.LET'S CONNECT!If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for a future podcast episode, I would love to hear from you! You can leave me an audio or text message in the "Ask Me Anything" section of PodInBox, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. And if you have a question that could be helpful to other singers, don't be shy - I'll be sure to share it on a future episode of the podcast!Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. (Thanks, honey!) Support the show

In this episode, you'll hear the voice of Whitney Jones, a remarkable musician, songwriter, and singer. Her journey began with singing gospel call and response with her mother during bath time and blossomed into a passion for music and songwriting. Despite facing challenges and adversity, including becoming a single mother at 16, Whitney's determination led her to attend the Berklee School of Music. In this conversation, she shares her experiences with stage fright and imposter syndrome and how her personal journey and traumas have influenced her musical expression. Join us as we delve into Whitney's life as a music therapist, her blended family of six children, and her unwavering passion for music. Whitney Jones - a testament to the power of resilience, talent, and a love for music.You can find Whitney on her website, YouTube, or Instagram.The songs from today's episode are HIGHER and FEELING SO GOOD and are from Whitney's album, HIGHER (used with permission.) To listen or download, go HERE.For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.LET'S CONNECT! If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for a future podcast episode, I would love to hear from you! You can leave me an audio or text message in the "Ask Me Anything" section of PodInBox, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. And if you have a question that could be helpful to other singers, don't be shy - I'll be sure to share it on a future episode of the podcast!Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. (Thanks, honey!) Support the show

Welcome to Episode Two of this special series of Living a Vocal Life, all about balancing motherhood and creativity. In this two-part series, you'll hear from 11 singers who generously agreed to answer three questions about how they navigate creativity and motherhood.In Part One, you heard how these singers structure their lives, including tips on finding time and solitude for their creative work. In this episode, you'll hear how women navigate their inner lives when they can't get to their work, plus the many practices they use to support their emotional well-being. Links: & MusicI'd like to express my gratitude to the 11 women who generously lent their voices to the series: Rebecca SanbornDanielle TuckerMoana WolfgrammN'KengeRosi AmadorAra Lee JamesWhitney JonesKarla HarrisAlex WhilerChina Forbes, andStephanie Schneiderman. It was a gift to spend time with them. The songs featured in this series are: Stand and Sway, written by Ara Lee James and Beth Wood from their album Deep Blue, Sleep Is A Wonderful Thing, by Morley from the album Borderless Lullabies (Borderless Lullabies is a collection of songs and spoken-word recordings, with 100% of proceeds benefiting KIND: Kids In Need of Defense: supportkind.org) Right Before My Eyes, written by my husband John Smith from our Nu Shooz Orchestra album Pandora's Box, and Stephanie Schneiderman's song, Wherever You Go, from her album Crossfire. Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks, honey!) ResourcesThe book mentioned in the episode: The Baby On The Fire Escape: Creativity, Motherhood & The Mind-Baby Problem by Julie Phillips.Mother Nurture: a book by one of my favorite psychologists, Rick Hanson, Ph.D., his wife, Jan Hanson, and Ricki Pollycove. The Hansons also have a website for mothers, NurtureMom.com. The site needs updating, but the content is still rich, relevant, and useful.Support the showSupport the show

Welcome to Episode One of this special series of Living a Vocal Life, all about balancing motherhood and creativity. In this two-part series, you'll hear from 11 singers who generously agreed to answer three questions about how they navigate creativity and motherhood.In Part One, you'll hear how these singers structure their lives, including tips on finding time and solitude for their creative work. In Part Two, you'll hear how women navigate their inner lives when they can't get to their work, plus the many practices they use to support their emotional well-being. Links: & MusicI'd like to express my gratitude to the 11 women who generously lent their voices to the series: Rebecca Sanborn Danielle TuckerMoana Wolfgramm N'KengeRosi AmadorAra Lee JamesWhitney JonesKarla HarrisAlex WhilerChina Forbes, and Stephanie Schneiderman. It was a gift to spend time with them. The songs featured in this series are: Stand and Sway, written by Ara Lee James and Beth Wood from their album Deep Blue, Sleep Is A Wonderful Thing, by Morley from the album Borderless Lullabies (Borderless Lullabies is a collection of songs and spoken-word recordings, with 100% of proceeds benefiting KIND: Kids In Need of Defense: supportkind.org) Right Before My Eyes, written by my husband John Smith from our Nu Shooz Orchestra album Pandora's Box, and Stephanie Schneiderman's song, Wherever You Go, from her album Crossfire. Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks, honey!) ResourcesA fantastic list of books about art and motherhood, curated by Austin Kleon.Mother Nurture: a book by one of my favorite psychologists, Rick Hanson, Ph.D., his wife, Jan Hanson, and Ricki Pollycove. The Hansons also have a website for mothers, NurtureMom.com. The site needs updating, but the content is still rich, relevant, and useful.Support the show

In this episode of Living A Vocal Life, we dive deep into the remarkable musical journey of Danielle Tucker. Danielle's passion for performance began when she auditioned and won a spot on Ed McMahon's Star Search in the early 90s. She didn't win, but what she learned from the singer she competed against ignited her desire to become a professional singer. Her journey from an inexperienced novice to a powerhouse vocalist is an inspiring tale of perseverance and personal growth. As Danielle opens up about her years spent traveling and learning from different band experiences, she reminds us of the importance of embracing vulnerability while learning how to stand up for yourself in the face of adversity.You'll hear some behind-the-scenes stories from Danielle's adventures, from her early days in a touring Top 40 band to her thriving show band, the Mighty Untouchables. We also discuss the importance of teaching singers how to thrive, sharing valuable lessons about the challenges of balancing life as a musician, mother, and businesswoman.I first heard about Danielle through the Unstoppable Singer Summit — a 3-day virtual event featuring over 30 top industry experts. In the summit, vocalists learn how to improve their craft, grow their fan base, and make a living as a musician. In the summit and her private studio, Danielle provides actionable advice for aspiring singers on musicianship skills, embracing uniqueness, and pursuing authenticity—offering students vital insights for their careers and creative journeys.Danielle's commitment to her personal success and her dedication to developing others' talents is truly inspiring.Key Points:- Danielle's first band at 18 years old- Participating in Ed McMahon's Star Search- Church mentors and the role they've played in her career- Transition to country music & Nashville scene- Overcoming health issues and personal challenges- The impact of teaching and coaching singers- Preparing for the fourth edition of the Unstoppable Singer SummitYou can find Danielle on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.Danielle's website is HERE.The Mighty Untouchables website is HERE.And the Unstoppable Singers Summit is HERE.The recordings from today's episode are: What A Fool Believes (Cover version by The Mighty Untouchables), I Feel For You (cover version by The Mighty Untouchables), Every Woman, and Fallin' Up. (Used with permission.) Free online course for singers mentioned in the episode: Becoming A Singer: Setting The Stage To Live A Vocal LifeFor full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He helps me edit all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks, honey!) Support the show

In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with the extraordinary singer and performer N'Kenge. Her vocal range spans five octaves and 11 different languages. She can sing any style of music, from Broadway to pop, soul, and opera. Her impressive resume includes leading roles in various Broadway musicals and performances at major venues like Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Additionally, she has sung for presidents and dignitaries around the world, including President Clinton and President Obama's historic Inaugural Ball. N'Kenge has performed since she was in grade school and has worked with incredible musicians like Ornette Coleman and Wynton Marsalis. Motown founder, Barry Gordy, describes her as "The most versatile artist I know."We delve into her early memories of singing and how her parents encouraged her to pursue the arts as a way to channel her incredible energy. Join us as we dive into N'Kenge's life, from her early beginnings in the Bronx, New York, to her journey as a fully realized artist. We discuss the importance of an arts education, techniques for switching between different music styles, and the challenges of balancing a music career and parenting.For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.You can find N'Kenge on her website, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.Support the show

This season, the Living a Vocal Life podcast offers a special edition of interviews with successful vocalists who have turned to teaching the next generation of singers. In today's episode, host Valerie Day, an accomplished singer and voice teacher, talks passionately about how underrated and essential teaching is and how it goes beyond just knowing how to sing or play an instrument. Valerie highlights the multifaceted skills involved in teaching, such as communicating concepts, understanding a student's learning style, asking effective questions, and nurturing artistic expression. She also offers a sneak peek into her upcoming episode on motherhood and creativity, where she interviews singers who have successfully balanced their singing career and raising children. Valerie has also launched a new website to share her wealth of knowledge and experience, starting with the free course called Becoming a Singer. Topics Discussed:- The undervalued importance of teaching and its multifaceted skills- Valerie's journey to becoming a voice teacher- The value of effective communication and deep listening in teaching voice- Motherhood and creativity in the context of a singing career- Valerie's Free course, Becoming a Singer- N'Kenge, a versatile vocalist, as Valerie's next guestLINKSOnline Course Becoming A Singer: Setting The Stage To Live A Vocal LifeFor full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.Support the show

This month's guest is China Forbes, whose voice is heard around the world. She's the lead vocalist for the globe-trotting band Pink Martini. You might have seen her on Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Tonight Show, or over 70 different symphonies. You can hear her voice on duets with people like Michael Feinstein, Carol Channing, and Rufus Wainwright. And she's performed in venues from Carnegie Hall to Red Rocks, the Sydney Opera House to the Grand Rex in Paris.Our conversation takes us on a fascinating journey: from growing up with a bipolar father through her first musical endeavors as a student at Harvard (She graduated cum laude.) Meeting Thomas Lauderdale, her decision to give up a career in NYC to join a band way out in Oregon, and striking a balance between motherhood and art.We also talk about her solo projects, how to sing in 25 different languages, vocal fold surgery, and how to pack just two suitcases for a world tour.Buckle up and enjoy!For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.You can find China Forbes on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pink Martini's website.The songs from today's episode are (in order of appearance): Una Notte A Napoli, ‘78, Sympathique, Rise, and Hey Eugene and are from Hang On Little Tomato, ‘78, Sympathique, Rise, and Hey Eugene (used with permission.) To listen or download, go to Pink Martini's STORE or HERE on Apple Music.Here's the link to the solo podcast episode I mentioned in this episode: Learn To Talk So You Can Save Your Voice For Singing.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He helps me edit all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks, honey!)Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/livingvocally)

My guest this month has been called a poet of the vocal cords and "the Queen of Cabarets." Karen Mason originated the role of Tanya in the Broadway production of Mamma Mia and has had starring roles in Wonderland, Hairspray, Sunset Boulevard, and the first U.S. tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies. She's shared concert stages with Michael Feinstein, Jerry Herman, Chita Rivera, Luciano Pavarotti, Rosemary Clooney, Liza Minnelli, and John Kander & Fred Ebb, among others. Karen's performed with major symphony orchestras and headlined Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and London's Royal Albert Hall. A 14-time Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs Award-winner, she received the MAC Award for Major Female Vocalist of the Year for six consecutive years and was honored with the MAC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.Her television appearances include the hit dramas “Ed,” “Law & Order: SVU,” and, most recently, an appearance in the Netflix series Halston starring Ewan McGregor. In our conversation, Karen talks about what the differences are between cabaret and Broadway and pushes back against those who claim that Broadway is the superior of the two. She also shares how she prepares for both types of performances and finds the story in a song. We discuss how to handle hecklers and how she works on patter - the talking that goes before and after songs.We talk about our crush on Ewan McGregor and what it was like to work with him on the series Halston, her new album of songs, Let The Music Play, and much more.Karen is an accomplished vocalist and actor and a delightful person. She's smart, thoughtful, kind, and laughs easily — the kind of person you'd love to have for a friend. I'm grateful for the time she shared with me and now, you.For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.You can find Karen on her website, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.The songs from today's episode are Don't Rain On My Parade, Steppin' Out, and Let The Music Play, and are from Karen's CD, Let The Music Play (used with permission.) You can listen to the entire album HERE. To purchase go HERE.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He helps me edit all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!) Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/livingvocally)

My guest this month is a singer and songwriter who's led an extraordinary vocal life, Tabitha Fair. Tabitha was born and raised in Oklahoma, the daughter of a preacher and a mother who ministered through music. By the time she was five years old, Tabitha knew she wanted to be a singer and have a career in music. And that she has, eventually garnering a record deal and becoming one of the A-list backup singers in the industry. She's recorded or sung with Sting, Cece Winans, Lady Gaga, Travis Tritt, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Wynonna Judd, Lee Ann Womack, Rascal Flatts, Rita Wilson, Amy Grant, Sam Moore, James Taylor, Bette Midler, Lenny Kravitz, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, The Roots, Jennifer Hudson, Michael McDonald, Elton John, Mary J Blige, Snoop Dog — the list goes on and on.Besides numerous recording gigs and tours, Tabitha's been a regular on the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, The Jimmy Fallon Show, and America's Got Talent. She's also sung at the inaugurations of Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.An accomplished songwriter, Tabitha's received the Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Ohlman Award. And she co-wrote a song with Carole King called “If We Get Through This,” which she later sang the lead vocal on in the movie “Sum Of All Fears,” starring Ben Affleck and Morgan Freeman.In our conversation, you'll hear about her trajectory from gospel singer to 20 Feet From Stardom. Plus, we look at life behind the curtain with some practical advice for singers on practicing and rehearsing for TV and touring.Tabitha is a delightful human being. Talking with her, I could see why she's been one of the go-to backup singers for all the heavy-hitters with whom she's performed. She's got a strong work ethic and a voice that can sing anything, but she also knows how to take her bright light and shine it on others, supporting them both musically and energetically. I think you're going to love her and our conversation.For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.You can find Tabitha on her website and on Facebook or Instagram.The songs from today's episode are Soul-Full, A Man of His Word, If We Get Through This, and Fly (used with permission.) Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He helps me edit all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!) Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/livingvocally)

This month's guest on Living A Vocal Life is singer-songwriter, Stephanie Schneiderman.Blending elements of folk, indie pop music, Americana, and electronic music, Stephanie's songwriting is often compared to artists like Imogen Heap, Regina Spektor, and Jem. As a singer-songwriter, her solo career began with a coveted spot in the Lilith Fair. From there, she went on to receive extensive NW radio airplay, tour internationally, and earn music placements in numerous films and primetime TV shows. She's played with some of the nation's top touring acts- from Aimee Mann to Hall & Oates, Heart, and Train- and enjoyed ongoing success with popular NW all-female groups Dirty Martini and Swan Sovereign. She's performed in the musical The Full Monty, appeared in major television commercials and films and produced a successful humanitarian concert series, Voices For Silent Disasters, that raised more than $70,000 for refugees in Northern Uganda.Stephanie's released nine solo albums. Her most recent, Crossfire, has her stepping into the role of producer for the first time.I've known Stephanie so long I can't even remember when or where we met! But what is embedded in my memories of Stephanie are our conversations — they're always wide-ranging, inspiring, and fun. In this one, we talk about her career trajectory, her new album, what it's like to stand up for yourself in difficult situations, and the joys and challenges of combining a creative career with parenting. We also dive into some deeper waters — and talk about why coming to terms with failure in one's creativity and career is essential to living one's life as an artist. For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.You can find Stephanie on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, or Twitter.The songs from today's episode are from the album Crossfire (used with permission.) To listen or download, go HERE.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He helps me edit all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!) Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/livingvocally)

My guest today is Lachi. She is a force of nature — a whirling Diva with non-stop energy who sings, writes, produces, acts, and is visually impaired.As she says in her YouTube series, Off Beat: "I'm a black girl, going blind, just trying to stay fabulous. I'm here to motivate. I'm here to educate." And that she does.In the Dance, Pop-EDM world, Lachi is a go-to singer-songwriter. She boasts millions of streams across platforms and has collaborated with A-list artists like Snoop Dogg, Styles P, and Markus Schulz. She's also received two nominations for her work from the Independent Music Awards.Lachi also uses her voice to advocate for disability inclusion in the arts. Forbes, Essence, The New York Times, the Huffington Post, and more have profiled her as an Inclusion advocate, with The New York Times listing Lachi as one of the 28 ways to learn about disability culture. She's presented for the Recording Academy and the National Endowment for the Arts and is a Recording Academy Advocacy Committee member. In addition, she serves on the NORA Project Leadership Council — an organization working to build inclusivity in classrooms. Recently, Lachi hosted the pilot episode of Renegades — a PBS American Masters segment that explores the cultural contributions of people with disabilities and how they've transformed America.In our conversation, we talk about how Lachi made the leap from a day job at The Army Corp of Engineers to making music full-time, the importance of a manager, mentor, and your team in the music business, and how she came out of the disability closet to become one of the leading advocates for disability inclusion in the music and recording industry.Lachi is going to rock your world.For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.You can find Lachi on her website or on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.The songs from today's episode are DNA, Boss, Bigger Plans, and It's Our Time. (used with permission.) To listen or download, go HERE.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He helps me edit all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!) Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/livingvocally)

Josh Breckinridge is a triple threat, a singer, dancer, and actor, and he excels at all three. He's best known for his standout roles on Broadway and appearances on hit TV shows the Blacklist, Bluebloods, and FBI. Currently, he's a part of the Apple Original Films live filming of the award-winning Broadway hit, Come From Away, and will rejoin the cast when it returns to Broadway this September. J. was living and working in New York City when the pandemic hit. As the shutdown stretched from days to weeks to months, he found himself alone in his apartment with restless, creative energy and a lot on his mind. So he picked up his ukulele and a writing pad and began to compose some songs. His passionate originals, expressive arrangements, emotional delivery, and fresh yet familiar melodies call to mind influences as wide-ranging as the classic R&B of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson, and the current sounds of Bruno Mars, Michael Bublé, and John Legend. In our wide-ranging conversation, you'll hear how a production of the musical Annie changed the trajectory of Jay's life from troubled kid to focused, driven, musical theater performer. You'll also hear how his time at the Cincinnati School of the Arts prepared him for the competitive life as a performer, the kinds of relationships essential to have in show business, and the importance of mental health for performers.After listening to this episode, you'll want to check out J.'s videos to see this triple threat in action. Just head to my website, valeriedaysings.com/podcast, for more. For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.You can find J. Breckenridge at his website, or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.The songs from today's episode are MONOTONY (Reprise), Y.O.U., NOT FORGIVING YOU, HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS,  and MONOTONY, and are from J.'s CD Monotony (used with permission.) To listen or download, go HERE.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He helps me edit all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!) Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/livingvocally)

After a year of practicing alone, making music again with others is a joy. Yet, for many of us, rehearsal is a means to an end—a necessary chore to get to the main event — performing.What if rehearsals were something you looked forward to? What if they gave you energy rather than depleting it? What if they had the same potential as performance for creating connection and community? What if they were actually fun?Whether you're a seasoned pro or in the beginning stages of your music career, this unprecedented time is an opportunity to reset, a chance to re-imagine the way you rehearse with others.Recently, I asked my musician friends what made their rehearsals productive and enjoyable.From mindset to preparation, communication to practical tips, here's what they shared with me — everything that will make your rehearsals the best they can be.For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.You can find me on: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.For a deeper dive into stagecraft, check out master teacher Tom Jackson's work over HERE.If you're interested in how much time it takes to rehearse for different types of performances, I have a blog post for you on my website: From Practice To Performance Part Two: How Often & How Long To Rehearse? I've also included a simple formula you can use to calculate the time you'll need for yours.Find out more about my new course, Creative Practicing For Singers, right HERE. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/livingvocally)

My guest in this episode is Ara Lee James. Ara has a voice that can sing anything and a way with words that is truly transcendent. Her voice is powerful — in its strength and its tenderness. And I’m not the only one who thinks so.Music Presenter, Sue Svendsen, wrote, “Ara Lee is the best singer I’ve ever heard. Period. But what she does is more than that. To hear her live is gut-wrenching, heart-soaring - it’s a spiritual awakening.”Gary Grainger, an award-winning Independent Blues Broadcaster from the UK, says, “No matter what tribe of the world you align yourself with, Ara Lee’s music will speak to you at a primeval level, awakening emotions and spirits from your past, from our past.”And Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “I’ve never heard anyone sing like that in my life.” But it’s not just Ara’s voice that’s incredible. Her story is too. It starts in New York, where she was born, moves to Appalachia, where she cut her teeth singing harmony out of a church songbook, and then back to NYC. It was there, just as she was starting to find herself as a young woman, that she lost her voice and her way — for thirteen whole years.Ten years ago, Ara walked into my vocal studio, student information sheet in hand. Part of her story was on that sheet — but until this interview, I only knew the barest outline of what she was working through.Her story is about a voice lost and found — the rebirth of a singer’s soul that, along with her voice, will take your breath away.I highly recommend putting some headphones on for this episode. You won’t want to miss a word or a sound.For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.You can find Ara Lee James on Facebook, Instagram, or on her website.The songs from today’s episode are called BORN, and AHO from the album BORN. The single NASTY WOMAN. And OPEN SONG Part 2, PAPER WALLS, and DEEP BLUE from the Stand & Sway album DEEP BLUE (used with permission.) To listen or download, click on the album titles.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He helps me edit all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!)

The guest on this month’s episode of the podcast is Jeanette Jurado — one of the members of the multiplatinum-selling group Exposé. From 1985 to 1995, Jeanette, Gioia, and Ann ruled the Top 40, R&B, and Adult Contemporary charts in the US and throughout the world. Their albums garnered seven back-to-back Top 10 hits on Billboard’s US Hot 100 — more Top 10 hits than any girl group besides the Supremes. In March 2015, Billboard magazine named the band the eighth most-successful girl group of all-time.When the ride ended in 1996, they took some time off to raise families and work on other projects. Jeanette's appeared in films, on stage, and released a solo EP, "Lovely." She also married and has a beautiful family with two college-age boys. In 2006, Exposé jumped back into touring. We met when Nu Shooz joined the lineup of 80s acts on the Freestyle Explosion Tour in 2013. Jeanette, Gioia, and Ann are some of my favorite people to hang out with on the road. We’ve had some fantastic conversations about music, the music business, and the tension between family life and career. We talk about all that and more in this episode.For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.You can find Jeanette on: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.The songs from today’s episode are called Lovely and Your Kiss and are from Jeanette’s Solo EP “Lovely” (used with permission.) To listen go HERE.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!) For information about the online course mentioned in this episode, just head to Creative Practicing For Singers.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

How a short 10-minute talk by Elizabeth Gilbert finally clarified my troubled relationship with music and the music business and why what I learned might be helpful to you too.Elizabeth Gilbert’s talk helped me to see that career and vocation are not the same things. A career is not the beating heart of the true self I already possess. It’s a part of my life, but only a part. Is the dance between career and vocation difficult? Yes. Is it worth it? Only you can answer that question after living into your own story, but I would say it’s worth a try.For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.You can find me on: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.Find out more about my new course, Creative Practicing For Singers right HERE.

As a songwriter, Los Battey’s career has been extraordinary; he and his brother Steven have penned hits for artists like Madonna, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Bruno Mars. They’ve been nominated for a Grammy Award four times, winning in 2010 for their contribution to Madonna’s “Revolver” remix.The Battey brothers, or Jackie’s Boyz, the name they gave themselves in honor of their mother Jackie, were far from an overnight success. Their story began in Savannah, Georgia, when they were just teenagers, busking for change on the pier. After their parents’ death, they made their way to another pier, this one on the opposite side of the country in Santa Monica, CA. For five years, four to five days a week, they performed on the pier and the streets of L.A., using what little downtime they had to hone their songwriting skills. The hard work finally paid off when they got a chance to record a demo for a new artist named Flor-ida. The song, “Sugar,” went on to sell 1.5 million copies. A publishing deal with Universal came next, and the songwriting team was off and running.But Los has always been a singer first. After a health scare in 2016, he felt called to finally write and record for his own voice. And what a voice it is. In our conversation, Los generously shares his story; the love that inspired him to follow his dreams, made him resilient in the face of tragedy and continues to keep him moving forward while giving back to the next generation of young artists.Links:For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.You can find Los on: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter or his website.The songs from today’s episode are:When My Love Ends from the album RevivalAnomoly (Single)Do It Again w/Shawn Stockman from Boyz ll Men (Single)(all songs used with permission.) To listen to Jackie’s Boy’s discography, head to his Spotify channel.For information about the online course mentioned in this episode, just head to Becoming A Singer. Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!)

Singers love to sing. But sometimes, listening gets neglected. If you want to be a good listener (and a better singer), it’s essential to practice listening. In this solo podcast episode, you’ll discover how you can learn to listen more deeply to other singers, the world around you, and your own voice as a part of your vocal practice.Links:For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.You can find me on: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.Practice Planner/JournalThis free practice planner will help you plan and keep track of what you’re practicing. In it, you’ll find Yearly, Monthly, and Weekly calendars, plus a Daily Practice Page for journaling, a Master Song List, and Song Sheets for capturing all the details about the tunes you sing. Download the practice planner HERE.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. (Thanks, honey!)

My dear friend Duffy Bishop is my guest on Episode #14 of Living A Vocal Life.Duffy and I have known each other for a long time — 20 years, or maybe even more. Offstage Duffy’s a bit of a homebody, a creative maker who’s always drawing, painting, and sewing. You notice her when she walks into a room not because she tries to draw attention to herself, but because of the way her eyes light up with love when she greets you.This quieter demeanor makes it easy to forget that the woman is an absolute powerhouse when she takes the stage. Her voice and presence are huge. You can’t help but be drawn into her every move, riveted by the raw emotion she transmits through the music she makes.Her humble nature belies the fact that she’s won a bevy of blues awards. She was named Best Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year by the Northwest Area Music Association and the Washington Blues Society. The Cascade Blues Association named her Best Female Vocalist for five consecutive years, eventually renaming the award “The Duffy Bishop Female Vocalist Award.” She’s a member of the Washington Blues Society Hall of Fame, the Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame and the Oregon Hall of Fame.Duffy’s a lovely human being, and I’m so grateful for our friendship.I’m excited to share our conversation with you!Links:For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.You can find Duffy Bishop on her Website or on her Facebook page.The songs from today’s episode are called:Hey Linda from Fly The RocketYou Don’t Own Me from I’m Gonna Do What I Want Everyone’s Comin’ To A Party from The Queen’s Own BootlegI’m Gonna Do What I Want from I’m Gonna Do What I Want (All used with permission.) Click the links above to listen to more and download.For information about the online course mentioned in this episode, just head to Becoming A Singer. Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks, honey!)

My relationship with practicing is a love/hate kind of thing. I’ve tried a gazillion strategies over the years and tested some of them with my students. Here’s what I’ve learned about staying connected to why I practice in the first place and some strategies for finding the time to do it.Links:You can find me on: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.Complete show notes and more resources for singers can be found on my website.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. (Thanks, honey!)Resources Talked About In This Episode:EvernoteEvernote is one of my favorite tools for organizing, well, just about everything. It’s a cloud-based system you can use to capture ideas and inspiration in notes, voice, and pictures. Perfect for singers! Practice Planner/JournalThis free practice planner will help you plan and keep track of what you’re practicing. In it, you’ll find Yearly, Monthly, and Weekly calendars, plus a Daily Practice Page for journaling, a Master Song List, and Song Sheets for capturing all the details about the tunes you sing. Download the practice planner HERE.

This month’s guest on the podcast is Haley Johnsen.Haley first stepped into the spotlight in 2012 when she made it into the top 24 contestants on American Idol. Since then, she’s worked hard to make her way as an independent musician. She’s written hundreds of songs, released three albums and numerous singles, and traveled thousands of miles on tours across the U.S.A. and Europe. She’s also the proud mama of a new golden retriever puppy.In our conversation, you’ll hear how Haley made the leap from her dorm room to the Idol stage, what she’s learned and who she’s leaned on to grow as an artist, plus how she connects with her audience and continues to make music during this challenging time.You can find Haley on her Website, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.The songs from today’s episode are: Everything Comes Back Again from GOLDEN DAYS, and Unfamiliar and Come Morning I’ll Be Gone from THROUGH THE BLUE, (used with permission.) To listen or download, go HERE.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!)

In this episode of the podcast, I’m excited to introduce you to my friend, jazz singer, and songwriter, Karla Harris. Karla has been singing professionally for over 30 years. She’s sung at jazz festivals, TED Talks, and is currently an artist in residence at Kennesaw State University where she teaches the next generation of jazz singers.Her new album, “Certain Elements” was released in 2018 and reached the #44 spot on the prestigious Jazz Week chart. Two of her original tunes on the record are semi-finalists in the International Songwriting Competition in the jazz and performance categories. I first heard Karla sing at Wilf’s, a small jazz club in Portland, OR. Her rich command of the jazz idiom, luscious voice, and presence onstage drew me in and made me a fan for life.In our conversation, you’ll hear: How she approaches writing and learning songs.The importance of downtime and reflection in a creative life.How to network with other musicians.The importance of practicing with sound equipment.How she supports her “jazz habit”.What makes her a confident bandleader.The mind/body connection in singing and emotional vulnerability.And much more.You can find Karla Harris on: Facebook, or her website.The songs from today’s episode are When Michael, Give It All To Me, and Certain Elements (Atl Groove V) and are from Karla’s Certain Elements CD (used with permission.) To listen or download, go HERE.To find out more about my online course, Becoming A Singer: Setting The Stage To Live A Vocal Life go HERE.Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!)

What is style? And why is it important?When you’re learning to sing, you start by imitating others. But eventually, you want to be able to craft your own style, so you don’t sound like anyone else. After all, there’s only one you. Your body, your life experience, and your musical style and taste are unique. It’s also essential to sound authentic within a specific genre. Whether you sing classical music, heavy metal, pop, or jazz, there are stylistic norms you need to be aware of. Once you know what they are, you can find your sound within them, or ignore them entirely. When you know how to use these stylistic tools, you’ll have more to experiment with, and you’ll expand your artistic possibilities.In this podcast episode, we’re going to focus on vibrato. You’ll learn:What vibrato is and how it functions.How to use it to sound authentic in different styles of music.And ways to experiment with it to make a song your own.I’m excited to share this essential stylistic tool with you. I know that learning how and when to use vibrato will expand your artistic possibilities too!You can find me on: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.Links mentioned in today’s episode: Free eBook: The Elements of Style In Singing & How To Make A Song Your Own.My online course Becoming A Singer: Setting The Stage To Live A Vocal Life.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!)

This month’s guest on Living A Vocal Life is Bill Wadhams, one of the lead singers from the 80s synth-pop band, Animotion whose song Obsession landed in the top 10 in countries around the world in 1984.I’ve known Bill for years, but recently we had a chance to get to know each other better on a tour he’s dubbed, The Genius Insanity Tour, otherwise known as Lost 80s. In 2018 alone, our band’s played 22 cities together in three months. As he puts it, “The genius part is getting all the bands together. The insanity part is what happens when all the bands get together.”Bill is a multitalented artist. Since his MTV days, life has been a series of creative projects, from his work as a songwriter, to stints as a graphic designer with companies like Nike and Citigroup. His latest foray is into the world of musical theater, where he’s found a home both as a singer and creator. Whether he’s performing, composing, or telling a great story, Bill is a natural.For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.You can find Bill on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterOr at these websites: Bill Wadhams, Animotion.The songs from this episode are “Raise Your Expectations” and “Everything,” and are from Animotion's CD Raise (used with permission.) To listen or download, go HERE.For information about the online course mentioned in this episode, just head to Becoming A Singer. Please join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!) Thanks for listening, and keep on singing!

When you’re first starting out, your song list might only have a few tunes on it. Keeping track of keys, charts, and lyric sheets isn’t such a big deal. But later, when you have tens or even hundreds of songs to keep track of, if they’re disorganized, it’s overwhelming.Enter Google Sheets. They’re easy to use spreadsheets in the cloud. You can use them for all kinds of things, but my inner librarian loves using them to organize songs.I have a Master Song List that I keep in the cloud. Usually, I shy away from spreadsheets. They make me break out in a kind of math-phobia sweat. But this spreadsheet is different. It’s more than just useful; it’s saved me hours of wasted time and energy. A Master Song List can help you do more than just stay organized. In this episode of the podcast, I'll share how I use mine to write setlists, keep track of charts and lyric sheets, practice a song and more. If you’d like some help organizing your songs, I’ve created a Master Song List to share with you. You can find it on my website: valeriedaysings.com on the Resources Page.I hope it’s helpful!You can find me on: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.Links mentioned in today’s episode: Master Song List & my new online course: Becoming A Singer: Setting The Stage To Live A Vocal LifeTheme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!)

January’s guest on the podcast is Holly Pyle, a singer who uses different musical styles and technology to create her own unique vocal sound and compositions. Holly was an opera major at Northern Arizona University when she stumbled upon a jazz choir audition. She fell in love with the genre, eventually completing her studies in jazz and psychology. Since diving into a music career in 2014, she has released two albums and given over 900 performances in a diverse mix of genres — from hip hop to country to jazz. Holly frequently performs as a solo acapella act, using electronic looping to sample and recombine her voice into an ever-changing choir of Hollys. I met Holly when she was visiting Portland to give a concert and music workshop with my friend, pianist Darrell Grant. Their conversation about collaboration, improvisation, and the creative process had me wishing I had a way to take notes. I loved how she talked about her inner life and her relationship to creativity and knew she would be a wonderful guest on the podcast.For full show notes, transcriptions of this episode, and more offerings for singers, you can visit my website HERE.You can find Holly on: Facebook or Instagram.The songs from today’s episode are called: Veil, Zoloft, Human Together, and Outside of You. (All tracks used with permission.) To listen or download, go HERE.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!)

One of the most essential skills a singer needs to learn is how to use your voice correctly when talking. I've had many students whose vocal problems are related to the way they talk, not the way they sing: Teachers who yell to make themselves heard over a noisy classroom. Counselors and therapists who lower their pitch and volume to create intimacy and trust with their clients. And singers in noisy environments, like restaurants, who fight to make themselves heard over the din of people talking and background music. Whether they're yelling or whispering, singers like these struggle with vocal fatigue or hoarseness at the end of their workday.In this podcast episode, you'll learn why talking is harder on your voice than singing, and the three things you can do that will keep you from trashing your voice when you talk. For the full episode show notes and a transcript of this episode, visit my website HERE.You can find me on: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks, honey!)

I first met Rindy in the early 80s when she and her husband Marv were riding the wave of their crossover hit Harden My Heart. After years of playing in bars across the Pacific Northwest as Seafood Mama, they had recently been signed to Geffen Records, changing their name to Quarterflash. During their time with Geffen, they had four songs that charted on the top 40, and their self-titled debut album went platinum. They toured with Elton John, Linda Ronstadt, Sammy Hagar, Loverboy, The Beach Boys, Three Dog Night, Jefferson Starship, and more. In 1991 Rindy and Marv started the Trail Band — a blend of Americana, Celtic, Folklorico, and early music. They recorded a total of 13 albums and performed across the U.S. and Japan. In Portland alone, the Trail Band's holiday show has sold out over 100 times and raised more than a million dollars for the nonprofit Friends of the Children. Quarterflash continued to perform and record during this time, releasing two more albums on their own label. In addition to the creative projects she's been a part of, Rindy's worked as a teacher and counselor. She's my go-to buddy when I need someone who's thoughtful and wise to talk about the craziness of the music business and the big stuff of life too. Rindy's a survivor in more ways than one. I love how she's navigated life's ups and downs with integrity, wholeheartedness, and an awesome sense of humor.For full show notes and transcriptions, please visit the Episode Webpage HERE.Please join me on: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.You can find Rindy at these websites: Ross Productions and Quarterflash.The songs from today’s episode are titled Crazy Quilt and Rise Above and are from the Quarterflash album Goodbye Uncle Buzz (used with permission). To listen or download, go HERE.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks, honey!)

It's not easy when your body is your instrument. Other musicians get sick too, but their instruments don't wheeze or get clogged up with mucus when attacked by an infection. In this solo episode of Living A Vocal Life, you'll learn how to stay healthy during the cold and flu season, what to do when you're sick, and how to decide when it's time to cancel a performance.“Learn to listen to your body. It’s your most precious resource. Give it the love and support it deserves. Get professional help and advice if you need it. Then, when you walk on stage, you’ll be able to trust that it will be there for you, giving voice to all that you are. ”For full episode show notes and a transcript of this episode, visit my website HERE.You can also find me on: INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKTWITTERLinks mentioned in today’s episode:The National Center For Voice And Speech: Check Your MedsTheme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!)

My guest on this episode of the podcast is actress, singer, comedienne, Susannah Mars. She has appeared in over 100 productions and is the recipient of six Portland Drama Critics awards and two Portland Music Theatre Awards.When I first saw Susannah perform in the mid 80s I was captivated by her ability to fully inhabit a role and her extraordinary voice. Years later she invited me to sing a duet in the holiday edition of her show “Mars On Life” at Artists Repertory Theater. Watching from the wings I was struck by how much love she has for audiences; she invites them into the space she’s created onstage and then makes them feel at home.That same warmth and love extends to her offstage roles as a mother, podcast host for Artslandia, and Resident Artist and Music Events Specialist at Artists Rep. I always feel at home with her, and know you will too.For full show notes and transcriptions, please visit the Episode Webpage HERE.Please join me on: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.You can find Susannah on her website, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.The song from in episode is called People Watching and is from Call It Home; The Music of Richard Gray (used with permission.) To listen or download, go HERE.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!)

In this solo episode of the podcast, you'll discover why it's important to have an inner compass, and how it can help your singing career. You’ll also learn how to find your North Star.For full episode show notes and a transcript of this episode, visit my website HERE.Come find me on: INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKTWITTER

In this episode, I talk with my very first guest on the podcast, Moana Wolfgramm from the 80s band The Jets. I first met Moana when we were on tour together in 1986. She was just 12 years old, traveling around the country in a tour bus with her seven siblings. The Jets were on their first world tour which had started in 1985 after the release of their platinum-selling record on MCA "The Jets." From 1985 to 1990 the band accumulated eight top 10 singles. "Crush On You" — which peaked at number three in July of 1986, probably bumped our song off the charts! You'll hear what being in a band with your seven siblings is like, and how losing a gig and being stranded in Minneapolis led to the group landing a record deal. In the early 90s, The Jets fell off the charts. It was then that Moana re-discovered herself through the love of family and simple living in Hawaii, and discovered what success means to her.For full show notes and transcriptions, please visit the Episode Webpage HERE.Please join me on: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.You can find Moana on: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.The song from today’s episode is called Pride and is from The Jets latest CD “The Jets Reunited" (used with permission.) To listen or download, go HERE.Theme music for the Podcast was composed by John Smith. He edits all the podcast episodes too. (Thanks honey!)

So, what does it mean to live a vocal life? How do you define and measure success? Is it money? Fame? How many followers you have on Instagram or Facebook?In this podcast, you'll get an unvarnished, truthful take from the people who have braved this road before you to create their own vocal life. We'll talk about the inner and outer game of music. Why they got into singing in the first place. As well as practical things, like what they do to warm-up and stay healthy, and how they've navigated the business of music without losing their minds. You'll hear about the mistakes they've made, the fears they've overcome, and how they've learned how to be resilient in the face of failure. Each singer's story will offer you a different lens to look at your life and career as an artist.There are no overnight success stories here. Those stories don't exist. You won't find any prescriptions or how tos for "making it" either. No special secrets for leveling-up your game in the music business. But what you will find, are the real-life stories of singers: how they've managed to show up to sing, against incredible odds, over and over again to create a life they love.I hope that our conversations will empower you to create your own unique version of success in your vocal life.For full episode show notes and a transcript of this episode, visit my website HERE.Come find me on: INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKTWITTER

You may be struggling to balance your life and a career in music. Are you curious about how other singers "make it" or how they've dealt with success — and failure? Do you wonder what their biggest challenges have been? Or how about what they’ve learned on their journey and what’s important to them today?Welcome to the Living A Vocal Life Podcast where I interview singers who have succeeded in creating a life in music. You’ll hear from vocalists of all genres, in different stages of their careers, including singers who’ve been on the Billboard charts and those who are teaching the next generation. What do they have in common? They're all performers with amazing stories to tell and experiences to share.In our conversations, you’ll learn what inspired them to become a singer, the kinds of challenges they’ve encountered, and how they've overcome them. I'll also share what I've learned on my own journey as a singer and educator — practical tools and insights that will help you to live your best, most authentic vocal life.About Me:My name's Valerie Day. My journey as a musician and educator began more than 30 years ago and has taken me from smokey little clubs to packed arenas, from performing in obscurity to making hit records. I spent many years in the trenches as a performer in the 80s band Nu Shooz, and later as a jazz singer in the Pacific NW. I also made a living as a teacher — working with students of all levels of singing experience with different dreams and goals. This has given me a front-row seat to the kinds of struggles that singers, like you, wrestle with every day and at every stage of your career. What have all these experiences taught me? That with the right information, tools, and some perseverance, anyone can get better at the skills needed to become a professional singer, but it's the cultivation of your inner life that will enable you to survive and thrive as an artist.I hope that the conversations here will empower you to create your own unique version of success as a singer.Contact:Website: www.valeriedaysingsInstagram: @valeriedaysingsFacebook: @valeriedaysingsTwitter: @valerieday