Rock Your Voice Podcast

Join us on this episode as we look at why attending a songwriting and singing retreat can entirely change your trajectory as an artist. Whether you're an aspiring musician or a seasoned songwriter, attending a retreat offers an immersive experience like no other. We explore the invaluable lessons and transformative experiences that attendees gain from these retreats. Discover the power of: Creative Immersion:Inspiration and Motivation:Skill Development:Collaboration and Networking:Personal Growth:Career Advancement: Whether you're seeking to hone your skills, elevate your vocal abilities, or simply immerse yourself in a community of passionate creators, songwriting and singing retreats offer an unforgettable journey of growth, connection, and musical discovery. Tune in to gain insights, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of what awaits you at these transformative retreats! If you are interested in learning more about our next songwriters retreat in Nashville, Spring 2025, join the first to know list here

This comes up a LOT with clients I work with, and sadly more with females than males. For some reason there is a feeling that JUST being the singer isn't enough to cut it as a musician, and that it is necessary to be playing an instrument as well as the front person. Don't get me wrong, learning an instrument, understanding musicality and being able to communicate the language of music, chords, keys etc is necessary if you want to be a legitimate artist, and want to collaborate in the industry. But that doesn't mean you have to be a shredder on the guitar to earn your spot as the lead singer or singer songwriter in an acoustic duo. This mindset can lead to HUGE imposter syndrome and hold you back in your artistry. If you are stepping up as the vocalist, be the best vocalist YOU can be. You don't have to sacrifice your singing by fumbling through chords accompanying yourself to prove a point. I hope this episode helps anyone who is '"Just" a singer, and needs to be told that is more than enough to be the artist you want to be. If you are feeling this, and want to elevate your voice to reach your best singing voice, send me an email emma@rockitvocalstudios.com and we can work on overcoming this mindset and getting your voice to be THE INSTRUMENT you know how to use, better than anyone. Be sure to check out the Weekly Vocal Workout for new training sessions each week, or reach out to learn more about private coaching with me. Follow on instagram and learn more on the website.

In today’s episode I’m joined by Kurt Dahl aka The Lawyer Drummer. We talk about the legal side of the business as well as learn about his experience in the industry as a successful musician. Whether you are just starting out, or have established your career in the world of music, this podcast episode has a ton of valuable information about what steps to take to protect yourself as a musician, as well as making sure you sign the agreements and contracts that are right for you. As a musician, Kurt has toured North America with his band One Bad Son, scored five top 10 singles and a #1 song, released 9 albums with various artists, and has worked closely with major industry players like 604 Records, The Feldman Agency, Frontside Group, Strut Entertainment, and Hive Management. The band has toured arenas with Def Leppard, Shinedown, and Judas Priest, and in 2019 we shared the bill with The Rolling Stones in front of 70,000 people. Kurt has practiced Entertainment Law throughout Canada since 2010, providing comprehensive legal advice to a wide array of music, film, television and technology clients since 2010. He became Partner at Murphy & Company in 2016 and was acknowledged by Canadian Lawyer in 2019 for his contributions to Entertainment Law in Canada. If you are at a new level in your career and may need to talk with someone about the next steps, or have any questions, you can reach out to Kurt via his website. His social media @lawyerdrummer is also packed with valuable information for musicians at every level of their careers.

Sometimes I'm asked, is there a quick cheat for warming up, are there ways to get my voice ready quickly?? Well, because you should never skip a warm up, I wanted to make sure the impatient singers (LIKE ME! ) have something to use instead of skipping a warm up altogether! Welcome to 'The Fastest Vocal Warm Up Ever'! In this episode we get your voice primed and ready to sing in less than 10 minutes! Join me as I guide you through three easy and highly effective vocal exercises that anyone can do. Whether you're a professional singer gearing up for a performance or just looking to improve your vocal skills, and prep for a practice session, this quick and efficient warm-up routine will have you hitting all the right notes in no time. Tune in and unlock the power of your voice with these rapid warm-up techniques. These will be a great sneaky warm up pre show (if you've already done a good one earlier) or get you ready for a challenging voice lesson, so you are primed for more hardcore warmups and workouts. Let me know how you get on and as always I'm here to help! Book a one on one private lesson with me to dig deeper into your vocal progress! Learn more here.

In this episode I'm joined by world-class voice coach Mindy Pack. In the latest episode of the Rock Your Voice Podcast, join me as I delve into the world of voice coaching with the exceptional Mindy Pack. As one of my personal favorite coaches, Mindy's expertise extends far beyond conventional training. With a roster of chart-topping artists under her belt, her insights into successful singing are unparalleled. Together, we explore the intricacies of touring as a voice coach, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes realities (no mention of top bunks!). From keeping world-class artists in peak performance mode on the road to maintaining balance and wellness, Mindy shares invaluable strategies for both singers and coaches alike. We delve into the sacred trust and vulnerability inherent in genuine artistry, emphasizing the pivotal role of a voice coach. Mindy and I touch upon the importance of a strong support system at home, even featuring a cameo from her wonderful husband! Manifestation and clear vision are also key topics of discussion, highlighting the relentless drive required to achieve goals, whether as an artist or a coach. Despite the seriousness of our conversation, laughter permeates throughout as we recount our experiences in coaching. I can't wait for the chest bump and tongue twist in the future! Thank you, Mindy, for an incredible episode. I trust our listeners will glean as much inspiration as I did from our conversation! You can follow Mindy on instagram, or visit her website here.

In this episode I'm joined by my amazing friends Mike Nash & Mat Cardinal of The Prairie States. The Prairie States was born out of a desire to put a fresh touch on a classic design. As eleven time Country Music Alberta Award recipients including the 2018 Rising Star, 2020 Songwriters of the Year, and 2023 Group/Duo Of The Year as well as recent nomination for 2022 CCMA Songwriters of The Year, it’s proof that this Edmonton based band is moving in the right direction. I met them both (along with fellow band mate Jeff Dick) while we were on tour with Jess Moskaluke for her Winter Wonderland Tour, and nothing fast tracks 'getting to know' someone more than living on a tour bus together! It was a real pleasure seeing them play every night on the tour, and also to get to work with their voices a little too! I had to invite them on for a chat about their new album, 'Trouble Is' and learn more about their processes as a band, such as songwriting, doing live shows and managing band dynamics in a successful and productive way. They are nominated for Group of The Year at the Country Music Alberta Awards, this March and have lots of exciting performances coming up this year too! Be sure to follow them on social and also check them out on spotify too. Subscribe to the Rock Your Voice Podcast on my Patreon page to access bonus content and Ad Free episodes.

Today on the Rock Your Voice Podcast I’m joined by Grammy nominated, Nashville based songwriter, Bonnie Baker. Baker has songs with artists as diverse as Rachel Platten, Zella Day, Rascal Flatts, Hunter Hayes, Chely Wright, Reba, Brantley Gilbert, Sara Evans, Emerson Drive, Tenille Arts, Megan Davies and Raquel Cole. The top five titles from Baker’s catalog have over 150 million spins on Spotify as of January 2023. We talk all about Bonnie's journey in the industry and how she became a songwriter, as well as the importance of building a genuine community, making space for creativity and taking yourself seriously as an artist. This episode is filled with tips and tools for aspiring writers to learn more about how to build your network within the industry, how to grow as an artist and learning how to build confidence in your craft. Bonnie will be joining us in Nashville April 8-11th for our special singer / songwriter event. Workshop passes are still available, and you can learn more here! We hope you enjoy the episode!

Today we continue a look into the world of voice health and performance. It's so important to keep your voice strong, confident and powerful, with the help of a regular vocal maintenance routine. In this episode, we have a fascinating interview with Aaron, the innovative creator behind the Vocal Mist Nebulizer. Join us as we explore the science behind this groundbreaking device and unravel the secrets to maintaining a strong, safe, and confident singing voice. Aaron takes us on a journey through the intricate details of vocal health, emphasizing the crucial role hydration plays in keeping our voices in top-notch condition. Discover the science-backed benefits of the Vocal Mist Nebulizer and how it optimizes the hydration process for singers, unlocking the potential for unparalleled vocal performance. Whether you're a professional vocalist or just someone who enjoys singing in the shower, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you inspired to care for your voice like never before. Tune in as we unravel the mysteries of vocal health, and learn why the Vocal Mist Nebulizer is becoming a game-changer in the world of voice care. Your voice is your instrument—discover how to keep it in tune and ready to soar with confidence! This episode is not paid for or endorsed in any way by the Vocal Mist Nebulizer, and is just a conversation about how it works and helps singers maintain their voice health. You can learn more about the Vocal Mist Nebulizer Here. Check out the Voice Health Central facebook group here. Be sure to join the Weekly Vocal Workout for weekly voice training sessions, voice health tips and exclusive access to more content from Rockit Vocal Studios.

In this episode I talk with the wonderful ⁠Jason Catron⁠, Vocal Coach, founder of The Vocal Lab Collective, and incredible performer with experience on stages worldwide from Vancouver to the Vatican. We talk about the learning journey as a singer and / or a voice coach, and how building your network is key for growth as well as why it's so important to face fears and step up to opportunity when it arises. We look at how to live a creative life and when to take action on your dreams and goals, and when it's ok to feel fear and be brave with your choices as an artist.You'll gain motivation and insight into growing exponentially as a singer or an artists, and you'll hear actionable steps as to shifting your mindset for success and how to be open to all the amazing opportunities that are out there for you RIGHT NOW! Jason will be a guest coach for our next event in Nashville, April 8-12 2024! Be sure to ⁠get your workshop passes here⁠ and take control of your journey as a singer today! Jason will be a guest coach for our next event in Nashville, April 8-12 2024! Be sure to get your workshop passes here and take control of your journey as a singer today! I hope you found value and motivation in this episode!Thanks as always for your support!

In this episode, I revamp my most poplular episode on the podcast, Episode 35, the Easy And Effective Vocal Warm Up. For those who use the previous episode regularly, I felt it was time to mix it up a bit for you! You can also watch this episode on my Patreon page for free. This warm up includes gently waking up the voice, accessing different areas of your range and looking at how to access your mix voice to add power and consistency with ease. It's so important to take time to GENTLY warm up your voice without straining or overworking your instrument, so you are ready to go on and sing your favourite songs, or train your voice further. Don't get frustrated or feel you need to work really hard with a warm up, the warm up is the gentle wake up and stretch for your instrument that prepares you for the heavy lifting after. Take it easy! Warming up also plays a key role in preventing damage or injury to your voice, and will elevate your voice when you do go on to sing your songs or work on other techniques.

In this episode I'm joined by the amazingly talented, Canadian singer / songwriter, and platinum selling artist Robyn Ottolini. Robyn's writing is genuine, honest and raw and her journey in music has been very much an exciting rollercoaster that has lead her to where she is now. We talk about being prepared for exciting opportunities and honing your skills, growing as a songwriter, building a team that you can trust, following your instincts and having a great therapist! Robyn is the perfect example of what so many artists are dreaming about achieving, with a viral sensation on TikTok that lead to a move to Nashville and career in the music industry. Robyn shares about the journey and the lessons she has learned along the way. Robyn's aptly titled new EP "Growing Up To Do" is out now, and you can stream it on all platforms. Learn more at https://www.robynottolini.com/

Welcome to The 100th Episode of the Rock Your Voice Podcast - A Singers Unique Journey. I decided that for this episode it would be really fun to invite some of my clients to share their vocal journeys and to talk very honestly about their experiences as they transitioned from students, to singers, songwriters and performers. The guests that joined are a total mix of my client base ranging from Nicole Byrne, a full time teacher who is also a singer and songwriter, Sarah & John who are both learning for fun, but met by chance between lessons at my studio and now perform together at open mics and other events, Audrey who is just starting to take big steps in stretching her confidence and owning her role as a singer, and Cynthia who is a retired RCMP officer who is singing for the pure joy of it, but as you’ll hear, she has shifted her mindset to seeing herself as a “Singer” now too! This episode will inspire singers of all levels and ages who may be questioning if it’s too late to start or are wondering if you are ‘good enough’ to embark on a career in the music industry, and overcome anything that may be holding you back from digging in and starting to learn more about your voice. You’ll hear stories of overcoming stage fright, being brave enough to collaborate and start to work with new people, and being confident enough to put yourself out there for all kinds of fun opportunities that music can bring. What became most clear in this conversation is how important it is to have a community to support and encourage you as you are working on developing your craft. Learn how Nicole's journey from the write, record and release program has entirely changed her path, not in the music world but personally too. How a wonderful collaboration was formed by a chance meeting outside of a voice lesson, and how music and singing has truly changed peoples lives. Hear about the growth through their experiences from showing up for their first voice lesson to performing live on stage. The stories of transformation were so great to hear, as well as the stories of all the adventures everyone has been on thanks to their music and singing. Singing can feel like a solitary journey if you don’t have a band, and even as the front person, you are usually the only one working on your voice independently. It's important to meet other singers, share your stories and learn that you are never alone and this is a never ending journey of growth, development and fun! Confidence at the 7 minute mark Stage Fright at the 11 minute mark Community & connection at the 22 minute mark Performing at Open Mics for the first time at the 25 mark

Join me in this episode as we unravel the secrets behind why being prepared is an absolute game-changer for singers. We'll dive deep into personal experiences and stories that highlight the pivotal role preparation plays in seizing those golden opportunities that can skyrocket your singing career. From mastering vocal techniques to cultivating a stage presence that commands attention, I'll share practical tips on how to stay vocally fit and refine your performance skills. It's not just about hitting the right notes; it's about being ready for the unexpected, whether it's a last-minute audition or an impromptu collaboration. I'll draw inspiration from real-life examples, exploring moments when being prepared transformed ordinary situations into career-defining milestones. We'll discuss the importance of maintaining a mindset that embraces challenges and adapts to the ever-changing dynamics of the music industry. This episode is a personal guide for singers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're just starting or have been in the game for a while, discover how continuous learning and staying ahead of industry trends can set you up for success. It's not just about waiting for opportunities; it's about being ready to grab them with both hands when they come your way. Tune in and get ready to embrace the power of preparation in your singing career. Let's make sure you're not just waiting in the wings but standing front and center when the spotlight shines on you!

In this episode I look at a few things that can drastically affect your voice health and help you to maintain a strong and consistent singing voice throughout the year. We look at a few factors such as: Location. Where you are and the environment you are in can definitely affect your instrument. Stress Levels. The voice is the first thing to show stress and strain. Diet. Sometimes singers are known to freak out about certain foods when in fact, there's no need. Spoiler alert! Coffee may be your friend. Sleep. Making sure you get good rest is imperative for a healthy strong voice. Hydration. Get your water in you! Also Steam and humidifiers are a game changer. Having a confident mindset will also set you up for success. Constantly worrying about what can go wrong will lead you down a path of anxiousness which can in turn trigger muscles to interfere where they are not needed and add more strain. Be sure to instil a regular and effective warm up and cool down into your routine and seek out a voice coach to validate your safe and effective approach. I'm happy to work with you for a one off session to set you up with a training plan that can keep you on track for the entire year! Learn more about training with me here. Check out the weekly vocal workout on Patreon for regular voice coaching sessions,

In this episode, you'll warm up your voice specifically to train towards hitting the big note in the Christmas classic O Holy Night. Singing Christmas songs can be notoriously challenging! They are often written with lots of key changes and fast paced melodies and lyrics, so be patient when working on these types of pieces! in this episode, I'll walk you through a gentle and effective vocal warm up and strength training session, so that you can reach the note with ease and begin to add more power, and vocal tones that get you the exact sound you want. If you are a beginner singer and this note is too high for you right now, you can work on building your range and strength gently using the exercises to work up to the Eb in this version of the song. You can apply these techniques to use on this song in any key, as well as transfer the skills to other songs and vocal styles where you are challenged by singing high notes with confidence, consistency and ease. Never push or strain your voice to hit a note, you will not build strength that way and you can damage your voice by doing so. Always warm up your voice when working towards hitting more challenging notes or working on hard songs to sing. Thank you to Jess Moskaluke for the beautifully executed demonstration while singing live on the Winter Wonderland tour! If you are a beginner singer wanting to kick start your vocal journey, check out the new course beginning Jan 2024. There is also a free training video on my Patreon Page where you can also join the Weekly Vocal Workout. As well as watch and follow along with one of my voice training sessions with Jess. Happy Holidays!

In this episode I’m joined by Meghan Patrick. The Canadian born, Nashville resident is a Juno and CCMA winning singer & songwriter, who’s latest release is a song that prompted us to have a deep and meaningful conversation unlike any other I’ve had on the podcast. Her song, ‘The Boy Who Cried Drunk’ is a very personal journey through Meghan’s experience with Domestic Violence. Having recently met Meghan at the CCMA’s, where she shared about her new song, I immediately wanted to have her on the podcast so that we could share our stories in the hopes that it can help anyone who may currently be in an abusive relationship. We talk of our experiences, as well as how the journey is frequently very similar from case to case, and how you are not alone in this. The statistics are astounding. The one thing that shook me and really helped me to manage my situation was hearing that, on average it takes the victim, on average, 7 times to try to leave. For me this was entirely true, and helped to alleviate the shame and guilt I felt when I kept going back. Today we also celebrate what Meghan refers to as Part 2 to ‘The Boy Who Cried Drunk’ with her follow up single ‘God and a Good Man’ her story of hope and the love and life that is waiting for you. Although not overly graphic, this episode is a deeper topic that requires listener discretion and may contain triggers for some listeners, however, the biggest thing this episode does contain is hope. The fact Meghan and I are both now in happy and in loving, safe and healthy relationships we are here to show you that with the right support, your recovery and a very happy life is entirely possible. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to your local authorities, or use the links below to find the guidance and support you need. If you are local to Calgary, Homefront is an incredible resource and they helped me hugely. https://homefrontcalgary.com/ Some international resources can be found here: https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations The book Meghan recommends is: The Gift of Fear – Gavin De Becker https://www.amazon.ca/The-Gift-of-Fear/dp/0316235776 Sometimes when you are in the situation, you have become numb to how serious it is. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your local authorities if you are in danger or fear for your safety. Follow and support Meghan on her Instagram @megpatricmusic or by visiting her website.

I was recently introduced to Noah's music through the Sirius XM Top Of The Country Competition, and although his vibe is a little more Americana / folk, I'm so thrilled he was part of that and I got to see him perform and in turn meet him for the podcast. In this conversation Noah shares his unique views on the challenges we face as an artist coming up through the ranks and finding your connection with the audience in different rooms and countries. Noah shares about his commitment to the journey and joy of not always knowing whats next. How trusting the process and working hard for what you believe in makes every moment more unique and worthwhile as a musician. Some wonderful insights that can really help any up coming artist look at things from another perspective Thank you for talking with me Noah! You can learn more on his website, or follow him on Instagram.

In this episode I'm joined by the wonderful Dan Davidson. With 7 CCMA nominations, 10 ACMA awards, a platinum record, a number 1 selling Canadian song and record, top 20 charting numbers and hundreds of performances – it's easy to forget that he is still independent. This episode has a ton of motivation if you are an emerging artist or a beginner wanting to understand the overview of the musicians landscape. Dan is doing it all! He writes not only for himself but other successful artists and now even writes for K-pop bands too! We chat about his current single, He Met A Girl, his retro vibe for the latest video as well as his upcoming tour and documentary. There's tons to learn from this conversation as well as the importance of your vocal cool downs! Ha! You can follow Dan on Instagram, but for now I hope you enjoy the conversation and thank you Dan for chatting with me!

In this Episode I'm joined by Alberta born, Nashville based artist Aaron Goodvin. Some of his highlights include: Over 80 million total streams 2 x #1 singles in Canada with “Boy Like Me” and “You Are” 6 Top 10 singles in Canada Aaron is double-Platinum certified with his smash hit “Lonely Drum” He is an 11-time CCMA nominee and the 2018 CCMA Winner/Songwriter of the Year for “Lonely Drum”. His catalogue includes songwriter cuts by Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, Cole Swindell, and Josh Gracin. It was such a pleasure to catch up with Aaron on a long overdue conversation. We talk about what it takes to keep going in the industry when you just aren't sure if you are making the right choices, how sobriety has had an incredibly positive impact on moving forward and balancing life as a musician. I can't wait until the next time we talk! Thank you Aaron for this inspirational conversation. Follow Aaron on Instagram Listen on Spotify Check out his tour dates and more on the website

In this episode I am thrilled to be joined by Hailey Benedict, this years winner of the SiriusXM Top of The Country competition. We have a quick chat about the experience, her vocal routines and how she keeps her instrument in check as well as what's next for this rising Canadian country music star! Thank you Hailey and to the entire team at the CCMA's & Red Umbrella PR for everything this weekend! Learn more about the event here: SiriusXM Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMAÒ), celebrated the epic ending of the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition by crowning Hailey Benedict from St. Albert, Alberta as the 2023 winner. The finale of Canada’s most exciting country music showdown marked the official kickoff to Country Music Week 2023 and was broadcast live on Top of the Country Radio (ch. 171), allowing fans across the nation to join in. The event showcased a captivating headlining performance by 7x CCMA Award winning duo, The Reklaws, followed by each finalist performing their hearts out for fans and a panel of industry professionals, one last time. In a career-changing moment, Hailey Benedict was crowned this year’s winner, walking away with the coveted title and a grand prize of $25,000. The runners-up, Noah Derkson and Teigan Gayse were also celebrated for their outstanding performance throughout the competition, each receiving $10,000. "This victory is a dream come true, and I couldn't be more grateful for this incredible opportunity," said Hailey, the newly crowned champion. "The SiriusXM Top of the Country Competition has been an amazing journey, and I want to thank SiriusXM Canada and the Canadian Country Music Association for their unwavering support as I hit my stride throughout this experience.” The finale was a culmination of months of hard work, beginning with artists from across Canada applying for their chance to fight to the finish, followed by the announcement of eight talented semi-finalists. Public vote narrowed down the group to our top three, who experienced exclusive mentorship sessions and showcases in Nashville and unforgettable performances at major Canadian events including Lasso festival in Montreal. "We're incredibly proud of the impressive talent showcased in this year's competition and want to congratulate Hailey for this achievement, which is sure to accelerate their rise to stardom,” says Michelle Mearns, VP, Programming & Operations, SiriusXM Canada. “SiriusXM Top of the Country and Top of the Country Radio continue to be major platforms for emerging Canadian country artists to gain the recognition they deserve." "The partnership between the Canadian Country Music Association and SiriusXM Canada has been instrumental in nurturing and promoting home-grown Canadian country music talent,” says Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “We’re thrilled to witness the growth and success of the SiriusXM Top of the Country Competition and its impact on our country’s music industry. Congratulations Hailey!”