Vocal HERSpective

Natalie Feddon shares insight on the latest in LABBS and how her active approach is supporting the growth of women's barbershop in the UK.

This week's episode features an interview with Kim Newcomb of The Ladies and Half and Half Quartet, the voice behind your learning tracks, and otherwise amazing human. Kim is definitely on the forefront of advancing women in barbershop and you'll want to hear what she has to say in this extended episode.

On Episode 101, world-renowned performance and presentation guru Theresa Weatherbee shares her expertise and humor as she talks about her experience coaching performance both inside and outside the barbershop world. The interview goes beyond buzzwords and digs deep into what it takes to entertain an audience - the perfect advice for competition season!

We did it! We made it to 100! Vocal HERspective hits a huge milestone tonight with Episode 100! Guest Angie Choo joins the podcast all the way from Singapore to talk about her incredible contributions to the a cappella community through The A Cappella Society supporting everyone from children to seniors and even offering a program for the blind, So many great things that the world should know about (and replicate!

Vocal HERspective returns as the hosts check in after a busy caroling season that ALMOST felt like normal. Minus the COVID surge, avoiding exposure, the return to masking, the constant testing, the staff juggling, and now the uncertain near future. A must listen for anyone navigating how to rehearse and perform and trying to plan for any of it right now!

You know when you watch a performer and you are immediately captivated by their magic? That's what you get from ARORA's Rachel Bearer, both on and off stage. On this week's Vocal HERspective, you'll hear about her slightly unconventional path into the ethereal, original electro-cappella sound we've come to know and love. Plus, more about all of the cool things she's working on now.

Blair Brown is trailblazing in the barbershop community - not just for women, but for all. A member of Double Date and the first ever non-male member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, she's also part of the most recent class of judge candidates. There's lots to unpack, but suffice to say, barbershop is in good hands with people like Blair. The interview premieres on Vocal HERspective at 6 pm Pacific tonight

This week on Vocal HERspective, Amanda catches up with the beautiful and talented human being that is Clare Wheeler. Accomplished performer, arranger, composer, conductor, and coach, you may know her best from her 11 years with The Swingles, but you'll want to hear the whole story!

On Episode 95, Amanda Pitts of Adrenaline chats about her life in barbershop - and don't let her age fool you - she was one of the youngest women ever to take the stage for Sweet Adelines International! Plus, there's lots more on the horizon.

Kris and Amanda head to Toronto to chat with Jordana Talsky, an incredible performer and songwriter introduced to the wider world of a cappella through her involvement with the Sing! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival. The interview covers looping, the writing process, being in the studio, live performance and just the heart of what being a creative artist means. And even a little taste of her latest amazing album.

When you think of barbershop families, the McAlexander family is impossible to miss. A fixture at conventions and a leader in community conversations, Ann McAlexander talks about how barbershop become integrated into their family life, watching her kids grow into their own in the artform, the direction she'd love the community to take, and why you should just come up and say hi.

This week, Kris and Amanda sit down with Lynique Webster. Lynique cut through the crowd to have some of the most memorable collegiate performances in recent memory. From there, she took a chance on JUNE and launched Nomadic, a group with a bright future ahead. She shares her journey through grief and how her mom inspired to to cut to the chase.

There's a lot to be celebrated about taking risks, and Ariel Arbisser did just that. We promised to have her back to celebrate the release of her solo album, Risk of Love, and that moment is here! Hear more about the album, the process, and the importance of trust and collaboration in Episode 91!

For Episode 90 of Vocal HERspective, hosts Kris and Amanda sit down with barbershop royalty. Queen of Harmony Sandi Wright earned her first Sweet Adelines crown with the Tetrachords in 1978 and hasn't stopped since. She won again with Ambiance in 1986, performed and directed St. Louis Harmony Chorus, and now St. Louis Vocal Project. Aside from stories and tips from her barbershop career, Sandi also shares her advice on preserving your aging voice.

Be inspired by this week's interview on Vocal HERspective with guest Mary Ann East, who has dedicated her career to empowerment through music, directing multiple choirs for young girls, women, and even dementia patients and their caregivers. In these continued trying times, be reminded of all the ways that music keeps us going.

Barbershoppers recognize the Tramack family name - a family descended from multiple generations of chord ringers with no sign of slowing up anytime soon. Vocal HERspective speaks with Samantha Tramack from the youngest generation of stars. From begging to join the New England Voices in Harmony at age 6 to winning her first crown with Taken 4 Granite, she's just getting started.

Vocal HERspective heads to The Netherlands this week for an interview with Merel Martens - composer, arranger, director, performer, educator - she does it all. Not only that, she does it all while radiating true joy and love for the music. Heading up education with Vocal Leadership, a member of The Real Group Academy team, and leading groups like MAZE to great success is just part of her story.

This week on Vocal HERspective, Kris and Amanda meet with two-time Harmony Queen, Morgan La Croix. Morgan is pretty much a lifelong barbershopper, taking to the risers at a very young age. She's shared her magic with so many different communities within Harmony, Inc and has so much more to give. You can hear her sing with her latest chorus Northern Blend Chorus or her current quartet Roulette - HI Quartet.

There are legends... and then there are LEGENDS. Vocal HERspective sits down with New York Voices' soprano, Kim Nazarian on tonight's episode. Her immense talent is only matched by what a lovely human she is. Hear about her experiences as a performer, educator, and clinician - jobs that have taken her all over the world from universities to top festivals and camps, including A Cappella Camp, vokal.total, Ithaca College, and more. She is adding to the list with her recent appointment as the Artistic Director of the DiMiero JazzFest. Seriously, if we listed everything she's done here you'd be here all day, so you'll have to tune in to hear more!

Vocal HERspective checks in with Wendy Spilker of Take 4 Quartet for a bird's eye view of barbershop and how it not only changed her life, but brings joy in so many ways!

Kris and Amanda put Talkappella co-host Elicia Edwards in the hot seat. The interview covers everything from BYU Noteworthy, how she met Brian, singing bass, and cats, of course!

When there is a lack of representation, the brave step up to correct it. A decade ago, a small group of enthusiasts recognized that Canada needed its own world class festival and Sing! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival was born and has gone on to become one of the most unique festivals found anywhere. This week on Vocal HERspective, Amanda and Kris chat with Pat Silver, the heartbeat of this incredible movement.

On this week's episode of Vocal HERspective Amanda and Kris chat with Sara Wood, one of the founding members of Bella Nova, A Harmony, Inc., Chorus, who is using her experience in the non-profit association world to guide the arts into the post-pandemic era.

Harmony, Inc. is a led by an incredible team of volunteers and the organization is luck to have Linda Brehaut as president of the International Board of Directors as the world navigates a time that has been especially unkind to performers.

"If it doesn't exist, I can just make it myself." When co-hosts of the Lez Hang Out podcast saw the need for more feel good queer content, they teamed up with some amazing producers and performers to create The Flame - a one of a kind original musical podcast debuting on June 2!

On Episode 78, we welcome guest Tiffany Haigler, president of Capital Blend and member of the Board of Directors for the Contemporary A Cappella League. In the same way that her smile lights up a room, the positive energy she brings to her interview will brighten up you evening. She talks about her group's secrets to success as they find time for their passions while they navigate all of the challenges of adulthood together.

Lindsey McGowen is tonight's guest on Vocal HERspective. She chats with Kris & Amanda about her journey, her challenges, and the joy she found in the extra time foisted on her by the pandemic.

See those smiles? Vocal HERspective hosts Kris & Amanda have a lot to be happy about after a week of performing that *almost* looked like normal. On tonight's episode they chat about the excitement and the concerns about the new road ahead for musicians.

What happens when you prepare your whole life for a future in musical theater and then you graduate college in a pandemic? If you are like Shannon Connors, you learn even more about yourself and gain new perspectives. And while your move to NYC might be postponed, it isn't canceled!

Music is in the hearts and souls of the Irish, but the a cappella community is just starting to make some noise. Vocal HERspective sits down with arguably one of the biggest forces behind putting Ireland on the map - Leanne Fitzgerald of Ardú.

There isn't enough time to name drop just how many top acts Kristin Denehy has worked with (*NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Home Free, Pentatonix...), nor what enormous productions she's choreographed (The Sing-Off, MTV, Critic's Choice...). You'll just have to listen to find out more, plus hear her advice for a cappella groups performance planning

Ariel Arbisser does not hold back - and nor should she. Vocal HERspective talks with her about the benefits of authenticity and pushing boundaries and why you should feel empowered to be yourself, no matter what.

Sometimes we bring on a guest that has no idea why she was asked to come on the show. But Stephanie Dietz came to us all in a unique way and adds so much to the a cappella community, so you don't want to miss this episode of Vocal HERspective!

What's your story? How are you choosing to tell it? Are you setting yourself and your group up for success? That's what's on tap for this week's episode with guest Mason Van Gieson! Mason is an alumna of Amazin' Blue and now sings with VICE A Cappella, BLACKOUT, and Bridges in NYC.

A Cappella Academy? Legacy A Cappella? The SoCal VoCals? And now Netflix? Not a bad resume for someone still in college! Kris and Amanda sit down with the amazing Zoe D'Andrea for an uplifting chat with this inspiring young woman on this week's episode.

Tune into Vocal HERspective for part 2 of an incredible interview with Epic. The conversation with these incredible Harmony, Incorporated Queens. If you missed part 1, download it now!

We're still getting to know our new host Kris, so we decided to bring in her squad. In the first of a 2-part interview, Amanda sits down with all of the lovely ladies of Epic the 2012 Harmony, Incorporated Queens.

What's that? The one and only Ali Hauger from GQ is joining in the conversation on Vocal HERspective this week? It's TRUE! Join us hear all about her music journey, her thoughts, and even the magic she brings to all of us and her "tiny humans"!

Vocal HERspective travels to Texas to sit down with Katy Dane, music educator, barbershop chorus director with A Cappella Unlimited & A Cappella Texas, and President of SING Texas. Don't miss this interview with one of the powerhouses fueling the growth of a cappella in the Lonestar state and beyond.

This week on Vocal HERspective is an interview with Tessa Walker - Harmony, Incorporated Harmony Queen and Sweet Adelines International Rising Star with Hot Pursuit Quartet and music educator toughing it out in the temporary normal.

We are making our 2021 debut with guest Johanna Horn, mezzo extraordinaire for several groups in the DC area and magical, innovative Music Therapist. She also happens to be besties with the hosts, so there's a lot of history in the conversation. But, best of all, the conversation turns to the healing power of music which might be the best lesson to come out of 2020.

For Kris' first official episode, she got to invite her first guest! For episode 62, Kris and Amanda sit down with Kris' quartet mate, Lynn Hughes. Together, they became Harmony, Incorporated Harmony Queens with Hot Topic in 2003. There's a little bit of reminiscing, but a lot of insight onto what made that group click, what they wish could have been different, and how music continues to play a role in Lynn's life.

It is both a happy and sad day for Amanda as she says goodbye to co-host Rachael Schoenbaum and welcomes new co-host, Kris Adams. All three ladies get together for a proper handover on this week's episode - WE 💜 YOU, RACHAEL!

It's number 60 and our guest is Laura Kruschke, the founder of greenTONE and president of the Contemporary A Cappella League. Get insight into the world of adult a cappella, tips for longevity, how CAL fits into the a cappella community and what the organization is up to in the pandemic!

Vocal HERspective heads to The Netherlands with guest Marlou Vriens, accomplished singer-songwriter, composer, and part of the incredible team at Vocal Leadership. We chat songwriting, music education, and her upcoming album which you DON'T want to miss!

Amanda's not one to idolize, but she and Rachael get to sit down with one of her biggest inspirations on tonight's episode of Vocal HERspective. Tune in for an interview with the heart and soul of Duwendé - longtime arranger and architect of the group, Abbey Janes is brilliant, dedicated, and so, so talented.

Ever wonder just how your favorite CASA programs keep going? We've got longtime superwoman Director of Technology Shane Ardell, and the person behind the most popular CASA programs (Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards & A Cappella Video Awards), Director of Awards Jessica Chen on this week's episode of Vocal HERspective!

This week Amanda and Rachael catch up with Lisa Hawkins, the one-woman crusader for bringing more a cappella to the northern reaches of the US. Leading by example, she's singing with Pipeline Vocal Project - a trio on fire that is taking the a cappella world by storm.

Vocal HERspective is back this week with a...slightly different kind of episode. For the first time since Episode 1, it's just the hosts and, while it's officially named the "Hosts' Check-in," we probably could have just called it "This Sucks." Tune in for this very unfiltered conversation about the state of the universe according to Amanda and Rachael. It's not all doom and gloom - this episode also includes a look back at some of the episodes that have made the biggest impressions - ones you'll want to go back and listen to. Oh, and no animals were harmed in the making of this episode, but Moo and Gryffindor surely do sum up how we're feeling so they take center stage on the graphic!

Rachael and Amanda check in with a true success story coming out of the a cappella world. This week's guest is singer, songwriter, and disability advocate Lachi just ahead of her newest track release. A founder of Cadence and Mezzo A Cappella is making huge waves and we try to pack all of it into this 30 minute interview.

It's off to Germany this week on Vocal HERspective with guest Nina Ruckhaber of Black Forest Voices & Ninas VoxBox talking all things German a cappella. Don't miss this interview with a true ray of sunshine.