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 forSupport 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 five 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.Whitney has a new album coming out in May of 2024! To find out more and pre-order, head to her website 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. Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.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.

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.Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.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.

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.Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.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.

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.Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.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.

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.Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.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.

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.Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.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.

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.Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.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.

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.Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.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!) Support the Show.

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. Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.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.Support the Show.

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. Never miss an episode! Sign up for Vocal Notes — my once-a-month newsletter for singers.Support the Show.