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My guest this week is Pamela Bezzina, a Speech and Language Pathologist, Singer and Vocal Coach (Founder of Vocal Booth Studios) from the beautiful island of Malta. Join us as we discuss her journey into the world of voice, helping others connect with their voices and how training and access to training has changed since we were younger.
Pamela continues to enjoy a heart-felt connection to music and expressing herself through her voice. We also chat through her involvement with the Eurovision Song Contest as a performer, backing singer and vocal coach for many appearing artists as well as the valuable lessons she has learned from her experience so far.
Check show notes below for a walk-through and for relevant links.
0.00 Welcome and Introduction
1:45 Singing from very very young!
2:00 Stevie Wonder (I wish), Mariah Carey (I'll be there), Celine Dion (Think Twice) from age 6-7
3:15 Experimenting with my voice was fun!
4:00 Meeting my Classical voice teacher from Bulgaria, big voice at age 70!
5:00 Moving from being a performer
5:30 How did you get into the Eurovision content journey?
6:45 As a performer I am not really into competitions
8:30 Don’t let a competition result define your self-worth
9:15 The value of your experience, what is most important
10:30 I still look for teachers, it’s important to keep learning
10:45 Believe in yourself and love what you have!
11:30 The more you gain, the more obstacles sometimes
12:30 If you have this love in you (for music) nothing and no one can stop you from doing it.
13:10 I get lightbulb moments every week with my students
14:25 It feels like we do magic! It’s true!
14:50 A lightbulb for me was exploring the idea of ‘mix’ voice
16:20 Share your own strengths and weaknesses
16:35 Rehearsal riffs (Pamela breaks down Yebba Riff)
17:15 A singer should know their voice
17:45 Helping singers getting to know their voices
18:30 Taking responsibility for the care of your voice
19:15 Keeping a journal to monitor your vocal lifestyle
20:10 What we do (as coaches) can really make a difference
21:15 Trading lessons with different style voice teachers!
22:55 Who do you love to listen to?
Bobby McFerrin (from me to you live) - Jacob Collier live - Tori Kelly (Coffee, live) - Alicia Keys (Underdog) Yebba (My Mind)
25:00 What does your voice mean to you?
25:00 Total vocal rest for 3 weeks
26:15 Realising I’m human as well!
27:25 Leighs mouldy voice story!
29:30 Everything we pass through, event worst times, are there for us to learn
30:50 Whats it like being Pamela singing on stage?
32:00 We are fragile artists, this is what I believe
32:45 Balancing the technique and heart in your expression
34:00 Whats coming up?
34:30 What I learned and explored during the pandemic
35:00 Vocal Troupes (Hold the line) directed by Pamela and Pamela singing live
36:30 I love singing and sharing music with others, this is the ultimate, the highest grade you can get!
If you like the episode please consider leaving us a review on our Facebook page
Thank you for listening!
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This week I am joined by Singing Teacher, Dance Facilitator and Researcher Elizabeth Drwal who is based in gorgeous Ireland. It was a joy to hear how it all started around Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers! I used to watch those old movies with my lovely Mum when I was a little girl too!
All the links shared here are in essence educational and could benefit you or someone else you know who uses their voice (or is aiming to become a voice professional), or who has any health issues with their voice. Please help by sharing anything you find useful x
Show notes and links (timings are approx)
0:00 Intro and welcome Elizabeth's Website (about)
1:30 How would you describe the journey with your voice?
2:30 Packed off to Music School in Coventry
3:00 Vocal Suppression led me to run away to the theatre!
4.00 Classical arias didn’t really help me find my soul
5:00 The difference between strict traditional approach and more playful expression
5:36 Finding the love of singing English Art Song
6:40 What’s in your ear helps.
7:00 Next steps in the journey, voice coaching for actors.
8:10 The Golden Age of Musical Theatre!
9:15 The use of imagery and using visualisation and imagination
13:00 "I wanted to walk down the avenue with my cane and top hat!"
13:55 "I remember President Kennedy’s assassination and how it upset the TV Schedule!"
14:45 What singers you love and who could you never tire of listening to?
15:07 The Story of Marni Nixon (short). Plus Shall we Dance from the King and I
16:40 Feeling robbed at The Greatest Showman
17:10 Les Mis movie, do we feel robbed there?
18:10 What do you know now you wish you had learned sooner?
18:55 "Your breath and your body are so connected"
19:16 A little Reset & Manifest course feedback
20:50 "The importance of really taking time to really let go"
21:35 Working our teaching magic!
22:39 Teachers can be so empathetic
23:20 Becoming a more reflexive teacher
23:50 "Lesson plans can be debilitating to some degree!"
24:30 What do you find most valuable in caring for your voice?
25:00 Related: Dr Vox Products for Vocal Rehabilitation and Health and Dr Vox Product Video Shorts
26:15 Shocking statement about an old teacher!
27:20 "A lot to be said for mindful, caring empathetic teaching"
28:15 "What I didn’t know back in the day..."
29:45 "We all development at different stages and we have to let go of comparing"
30:15 What does your voice mean to you?
30:30 "I wanted to speak with Received Pronunciation"
31:50 I’m beginning to enjoy singing for myself!
32:00 Petula Clark singing Downtown (in an interesting jacket? is that PVC?)
33:00 The songs from Heartbeat, from my childhood, "more innocent times" (in the charts)
34:45 "I am much more open to listening to contemporary music now"
35:45 "Synchronicity of movement and sound is so beautiful"
37:00 "Actors are so open I found it so liberating working with them!"
38:00 Passing on our excitement to our students!
38:42 What is Vocal Freedom to you?
39:45 Just Singing and not being bothered!
40:35 Workshop story and what cropped up the next morning
41:10 The Mental Post-It note tit-bit
41:50 It works! I shut that voice straight up!
42:30 Farewells and do come back soon!
To learn more and join our growing community of voice and wellbeing practitioners and supporters of the podcast visit our home page or facebook page for episode updates and useful shares.
To communicate with me regarding the podcast or any of the vocal freedom coaching services please email me directly at [email protected]
Leigh xx
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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My guest this week is Singing & Music Theory Specialist and Music Consultant Joanna Wilson. Joanna started her musical career playing violin as a child and was fortunate to tour with Manchester Youth Orchestra before moving to London to start her professional training at 18.
As you’ll discover, Joanna had to move on from the Violin and it is here she moved into her singing training, from which she went on to work as a professional Opera Singer, living the 8-shows-as-week lifestyle, before branching into teaching others from 2009.
It has not always been easy to manage but I find it helpful to hear about the struggles as well as the successes and note the value in all we experience. Even the toughest of times, that might have felt heart-breaking at the time, can steer us onto our true path and become a valuable part of our story.
Approx times
00:00 - 1.25. Introduction to Joanna and her background
1:25 - How would you describe the journey with your voice?
2:25 - Music gave me opportunities and this early start fuelled the passion
2:50 - Moving to London at 18! Feeling like a small fish in a very big sea!
3.50 - Amazing teacher Elizabeth (Libby) Hawes and how singing allowed me to stay a musician
6:25 - Winning the leavers prize the Singing Faculty Award.
8:00 - Life took over for a bit then professional work followed
8:35 - Living my best life - costumes, make up, wigs!
9:00 - The stress of trying to generate the next job
10:20 - Becoming a Creative Arts teacher with young children
10:45 - Teaching became my day job “Miss Joanna’s Music Box”
11:45 - Working with a rapper!
12:45 - Underpinning with solid technique, starts with the breath
14:00 - Singing is everything to me! My Voice is my job!
14:25 - Special memories from touring in Italy
17:14 - Realising I want to stand up there in front of the Orchestra
18:15 -Visit Gallery on Joanna's website to see some lovely costumes!
18:26 - Is there anything you know now you wish you had known sooner?
18:35 - Personal growth and how it has helped
20:45 - The inner critic verses the inner coach
21:55 - Deepak Chopra 21 day challenge
22:15 - Holistic approach to improving lifestyle and noticing old programming that holds us back
23:00 - Ambitious as a child and early manifestations!
25:00 - Music elevated me out, I was able to mix in a whole new way
26:45 - Musical instruments in schools these days?
27:15 - Expression and Music with young children
29:00 - Instilling a love of music and how it brings a rounded education
30:55 - Your body is your instrument
32:00 - When you do what you love it doesn’t feel like work!
32:55 - What voices inspire you?
Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, Billie Holliday, Sarah Vaughan, Glenn Mller Orchestra
Elvis Presley, Bill haley and the comets
34:00 - When I saw Ella Fitzgerald headlining at the Royal Albert Hall!
Barbra Streisand Donna Summer - No More Tears
36:00 - The journey into Opera
37:55 - The best voice ever - this is the one - my true love - Jessye Norman
41:30 - What does your voice mean to you?
42:20 - People pleasing and how life can send us turns in the road we weren’t expecting
43:55 - I’m so much better at saying No!
44:30 - We just want to give give give but we have to remember to keep ourselves healthy first
46:00 - Choice of song is so important, building rep based on what you relate to
49:25 - All about Joanna’s services
52:00 - Adapting and creating through adversity
Stay informed as we add new episodes by joining our email list at www.colchestervoiceacademy.com/podcast
Join our Facebook group to see posts related to Vocal Freedom!
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My guest this week is voice and piano teacher and choral director Sarah Burston, who I invited onto the podcast to ask about her journey into music and to discover more about the world of beautiful, traditional choral singing. Sarah directs many young voice choral groups at the Royal College of Music (Junior Dept) and leads the choristers at Peterborough Cathedral as well as teaching in schools and having Assistant MD roles in several choral societies. I have to confess, although I am not experienced singing it myself, I completely appreciate the beauty of this music and love listening to it, especially live in a church or cathedral. The acoustics seem to allow the harmonics of the singers to do magic in the space and the feeling this arouses is peaceful and heavenly.
I enjoyed chatting with Sarah about her ideas for developing a special sight reading app for singers and about her research for her MA in Professional Practice in Vocal Pedagogy. Watch this space as we will definitely be speaking with Sarah about this more in the future! Links and notes below. Happy Friday Peeps!
0:00 - 1.55 - Introduction about Sarah and welcome!
1:55 - How would you describe the journey with your voice?
3:00 - Appreciating the beautiful acoustics of cathedral and church choirs
4:20 - A swift last minute change of direction for Uni
6:00 - How Sarah started conducting choirs
7:00 - Scary time for Peri singing teachers when work stopped March 2020
8:45 - What inspired the development of your sight-singing teaching?
10:30 - The importance of sight-singing skills
12:50 - Is there anything you know now, you wish you had learned sooner?
13:30 - How much we can do with the voice
16:00 - Lifestyle choice and the dedication needed by choristers
and how Music allows us to express ourselves and connect with others
17:40 - Would you ever say ‘you can’t join the choir?’
18:45 - Isn’t it exhausting teaching groups of children?
20:20 - lightbulb moment, the upside of lockdown! Online learning!
21:00 - Has all this lockdown time 'not singing' locked down the kids' voices?
25:00 - Using my voice to share my passion!
27:00 - Snakes and Ladders style
29:00 - Whose voices inspire you? Goosebump music?
30:25 - Bring Us, O Lord God - William Harris - Beautiful Voices - click to listen
31:25 - The feeling is palpable!
32:00 - Group cohesion, sharing the love of music
35:50 - Most ‘Unexpected Song’?
36:40 - The Influential teacher who helped Sarah shift to her Music Degree
38:00 - We will keep you all posted about the app!
To contact Sarah, please visit her website.
To keep informed about future episodes as they are released, join the Vocal Freedom podcast community list here.
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My guest this week is Singer, Entertainer and Reiki Master Ian Geast, who I have to share is one of my very favourite human beings. Ian has been an entertainer for many decades. He’s what I would call an all rounder because he can do his magic anywhere, clubs, bars, private parties, restaurants, festivals, corporate events etc and he communicates creatively in the swing/crooner style. Ian loves his 50’s, 60’s, 70’s music, some country music and he performs a tribute to the music of Cliff Richard.
Today we cover a variety of topics around voice, what it is to sing and entertain others and how we can enjoy being in the moment together. Ian has a wonderful view of life and helping others see things from different perspectives to help nurture love and a positive mindset, so you too can believe you CAN achieve whatever you want to. Raise your vibrations and you can change the outcome of your day.
0.00 - Intro
1.22 - Is this the start of a series of Ian episodes?
1.40 - Working one to one
2.12 - Learning from our mistakes
4.20 - Life is like a see-saw
4.40 - How we met and learning about Reiki
5.15 - Is being an entertainer a need to be loved?
6.00 - First taste for the stage and connecting with an audience
8.20 - The Ink-spots and other influences
11.00 - Ian about singing lessons
13.00 - Ian about his Reiki experience
16.25 - Ego can get in the way
16:55 - My kinesiology experience and Ian's view
20.30 - Sometimes we are not ready...
21.30 - You have to let go...
23.00 - Growing Resilience through 'bad' experiences
23.45 - How Ian met his wife at a gig
28.00 - The diary is starting to fill up again!
28.40 - What is Vocal Freedom to Ian and the T-Junction analogy
31.00 - Come back to yourself first
33.00 - Why concern ourselves with material things?
35.00 - Spinning lots of plates
37.25 - Having a positive mindset and not battling trying to swim upstream
39.20 - What does your voice mean to you? Ian’s nodules story
45.00 - The minute you’re gone song
47.20 - Leave your ego in the wings
49.40 - PERFORM the performance
52.00 - Fun stage story and ice breaker tips for nerves
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My guest this week is Clinical Voice Disorder Expert, Speech and Language Therapist Sue Jones, who I am thrilled to connect with at a pivotal moment in her life as only last month, after enjoying a very fulfilling career, she has now fully retired after a whopping 38 years service at Wythenshawe Hospital. Throughout her career, Sue has been instrumental in developing voice clinic services, as well as developing standards of competency at all professional levels - from student to expert practitioner. She is used to leading teams of voice specialists who perform, interpret and teach laryngeal endoscopy - otherwise known as taking a good look inside people’s throats with specialist cameras and equipment, to assist with understanding and diagnosing a whole variety of speech, voice and swallowing disorders.
Sue has lectured nationally and internationally and has been an integral cog in bridging the divide between the ENT, the SLT, the voice teacher and patient which has led to the gradual development of more multi-disciplinary voice clinics, suitable for voice professionals as well as others.
Times and Topics
0:00 - Introduction and welcome
2:20 - Loving retirement so far and what’s next
3:35 - Reflecting back how much has changed
4:00 - The beginning of the journey
6:15 - More voice clinics and early laryngeal examinations
8:00 - Sue’s musical background
10:45 - How voice disorders can affect your emotions
12:20 - How habits can be damaging
13:20 - Managing the professional singer through voice recovery
15:45 - How things developed into the multi-disciplinary voice clinic
17:30 - What music do you love and connect with?
Carrie Underwood - Don't forget to remember me
ABBA - Waterloo
Ultravox - Vienna
Rhiannon Giddons with Francesco Turrisi - Met Live
19:00 - Sue on ‘not feeling your age’
19:30 - Occupational Hazard and Perceptual Studies
21:00 - What is most valuable thing in caring for your voice
23:00 - Favourite scoping tools and the importance of accurate interpretation
25:15 - A snap shot in time and another lightbulb moment
28:00 - Lightbulb moment concerning laryngeal movement, working with Kim Chandler
31:00 - Using Estill Voice Training as a Speech and Language Therapist
33:00 - the trap of disconnection through over thinking it
34:00 - DYT Choir
35:45 - Defying Gravity live link
36:00 - goosebump moments in the theatre
38:00 - Do you thing choir - youtube seasons of love and proud, This is me from the greatest showman
40:00 - future plans - New edition of Sue’s Book is coming soon!! We will keep you all posted!
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My guest this week is Health Intuitive, Masami Covey.
Masami was born and raised in Japan in a bi-cultural family and she draws extensively from her blend of East-meets-West cultural, linguistic and energy healing experience. Masami helps her clients and patients heal from physical, emotional and spiritual blockages. Her own journey has been physically challenging as you will hear but she is now living her best life in Colorado with her dear husband Chris.
Masami’s physical health began to break down in 2010, eventually resulting in a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Rather than utilising pharmaceutical medications, Masami turned to significant dietary and lifestyle changes to heal. Today, she is back to hiking in the Rocky Mountains and now helps others rediscover their health as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), Positive Neuroplasticity Practitioner and Medical Intuitive.
Timings and links below:
0:00 - Introduction
2:00 - Masami, inside the Candy Store
4.25 - Working with energy medicine and health issues
5.10 - How we can forget about ourselves
6:30 - I could no longer ignore it
8.30 - Understanding your body better
9.45 - Shifting energy work to include nutritional considerations
12.30 - Embracing the woo woo - lets stop calling it woowoo!
13:20 - Digestive issues? Hormonal imbalance? PMS? Headaches? Eye problems? Tinnitus? Try understanding your golden elixir!
15:35 - What is Hara? Japanese ritual and seasonality - the difference between Heart, Head and Hara connection.
22:00 - Masami’s insights into high level performance
23:30 - Masami’s journey with music and singing
24:20 - Seasonality in our own bodies
25:20 - Musical family history link to Music Masami loves
25:45 - Biwa instrument This is the biwa
27:00 - From Japan to the Freezer box!
29:00 - Angry teenage years
30:45 - Releasing anger in the mosh pit
32:00 - Speaking her truth about how her voice was affected with a massive culture change
33.45 - Sweet honey in the rock - The Third Place - Bernice Johnson Reagon
38:00 - When Masami studied at University College London and lived in Camden for a year
39:00 - Seeing Jessie Norman
42:00 - If you are feeling disconnected - skip to this part
45:00 - Bridging this into spirituality
46:00 - Struggling with your environment
48:00 - What is Vocal Freedom to you?
52:00 - getting away from labels - just be who you are!
53:00 - Diet & Healing, your daily practice, what you do for yourself every day matters
57:57 - The Intuitive Medicine Summit plus two other courses coming up
59:30 - Masami’s - Top 3 life insights
Thank you for tuning in! If you would like to leave us a comment please visit our Facebook Page or consider joining our email list to join our community and be kept informed about future episodes you may enjoy.
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A short episode from your host Leigh Martyn Thomas - some late night reflections, some sharing occurs as follows:
1.10 What’s coming up: details of Estill Voice Training Intro Day opportunity
3.30 Reflections - focus on YOU this year
4.00 How is YOUR 2021 going so far?
5.00 Feeling stuck as we can’t easily travel or plan to travel yet?
5.30 Connecting globally, spreading your wings...
6:50 What are you missing most about ‘going out’?
7:30 Best night out ever? where? who with? what are you listening to?
7:50 Missing small intimate gigs...
8:20 Christina Bianco link to viral video of her singing Let it Go (impressions)
9:20 What happened when I met Jeremy Jordan...
14:45 Coming up next on the podcast...
15:00 Reconnecting with old friends, the nostalgic wave and reaching out
17:20 Listening and tuning in to YOU
17:45 How does this year rate, compared to 2020?
18:00 What is this decade going to mean to your bigger picture?
19:30 Your inner talk matters, developing online still works!
22:20 Tuning into the ethos of the High Level Performer and how to reach out to the Vocal Freedom host, community and movement.
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My guest this week is singer/songwriter Emilia Quinn who is today, on International Women's Day, March 8th, releasing the single "Girl Talk" which is now available to download on all platforms and to listen to on Spotify.
Featuring 24 females on the track, including one of my dearest muso friends, drummer Linda Stix (amazing work Linda!) and loads of other amazing artists, this song is encouraging a conversation about gender equality and it pokes fun at stereotypes and common issues womxn face, including casual sexism, being ghosted and the expectation to fit a certain aesthetic.
During the episode we learn more about Emilia's background, motivations and influences. Musically, she has moved through many genres, now feeling very much at home in roots music, encompassing country, rock and blues. Last year her second EP "Firecracker" won the prestigious UK CMSA award for EP of the year so beyond supporting this single, do check Emilia's other music out and give her a follow her on the usual socials.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/emiliaquinnmusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/emiliaquinnmusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/emiliaqmusic
Website: https://www.emiliaquinnmusic.com/
Check out this emotive live version of this song Emilia also mentioned Beth Hart's Leave the Light on. Another amazing woman to celebrate today! Happy International Women's Day 2021!
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My guest this week has overcome tremendous life challenges and yet is one of the most positive souls I have ever had the joy of knowing. Karen Parker has had several interesting careers starting out in the police force, which was a natural move for her, growing up the daughter of a Police Detective. Karen married her sweetheart Jon, who was also a policeman and she was seven months pregnant with their daughter, Hannah, when Jon was tragically killed while at work. After a lengthy career in the Police, Karen later moved into education, as a teaching assistant in a Primary school, a job she loved, using her voice to support children. Now she works supporting families in crisis, who need extra support through a company called Always Precious, who are a stop gap to help keep children, who are at risk of going into care, with their families.A delightful chat with an amazing woman who I believe inspires everyone she comes into contact with. We wonder what do they call it when snow comes where you live? With regards to singers who resonate with Karen, she is a big fan of the voices of Brandi Carlile, Dolly Parton and Freddie Mercury. If you would like to share your thoughts, do join our Facebook page, where you can also check out other episodes and stay informed about new ones. Take care of yourselves xx
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Welcome friends, I hope you are feeling well today. My guest this week is singer/songwriter Curtis Culley. I have invited Curtis on the podcast to talk us through what it is like to be young, ambitious and driven despite living with Multiple Sclerosis and other health conditions. In this episode we get a look inside the struggles, the journey, the treatment and Curtis explains so much about how this demyelinating disease works.
Curtis has had to learn to play guitar again, working around nerve damage caused by the MS and I’m pleased to share, he has developed a new found freedom with his voice. Positivity and speaking out from young people always impresses me and fills me with hope! This young mans outlook and dedication to his practice, doing what he can to work around new symptoms every day, is incredibly inspiring. Some of his songs have already been signed and released by other artists and he has now returned to writing original material, after many years of singing covers, which we will follow with keen interest, and share with posts on our Facebook group page when it lands.
With regards to the singers that inspire Curtis, check out
Daughtry - Witness (stripped)
Dan + Shay ft. Justin Bieber - 10,000 Hours
Fun ft. Janelle Monáe - We Are Young (Acoustic)
Rascal Flatts - Bless the Broken Road (live)
Show notes / times:
4:20 Curtis explains how MS started for him while he was at Uni.
6:00 You own it! I love this positive attitude! Dads advice helps too.
6:40 What is M.S?
13:25 The journey into music and singing plus success with songwriting
18:20 Changing pace and the fun of busking
19:55 Touring with a country music band and Curtis’ philosophy on life
22:30 Taking risks
25:40 What is a flare up?
27.30 How MS can affect emotions.
29:30 Deeper questions of live and death
33:00 Whose voices inspire you?
38:00 Nerves in the system
39:15 Audition experience
41:00 Dealing with self doubt
43:00 “Outwork your own doubt”
44:00 The old truth and the new truth
49:00 Motivating my friends
50:00 What is Vocal Freedom to you?
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My guest this week is singing teacher, creative performing artist and writer Rebecca Schwarz. Rebecca has had a rollercoaster journey with her voice from losing all her confidence during her acting training to completely losing her singing voice for over six months, tied to her post natal depression, she understands what it is like to be afraid and feel vulnerable around voice use.
That chapter of her life inspired Rebecca to write her one woman musical “Baby Brained” and she was in the middle of touring it with Arts Council Funding before the project was paused due to Covid-19.
Rebecca has established many choirs and currently runs Cantare Choir as well as teaching privately a mix of shy compete beginners and professional voice users (currently online only). She is trained and qualified in loads of different approaches and likes to facilitate her clients so they get the most from their lessons.
Once the “Baby Brained” tour is back up and running, we would love Rebecca to come and perform it in Colchester!
I’ve invited Rebecca on to chat about her journey, her creative process and along the way we chat through the challenges of moving events online and future projects. Rebecca is also on the Education Committee of the British Voice Association and has been involved in some brilliant events and has more to come in 2021 online!
During our chat Rebecca names Liane Carroll as a favourite and here you can check out the song she mentions performed live at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Cafe : walk on the wild side
We were catching up while Rebecca is at home with her husband Matt and two children so there is a little background noise a couple of times, hey that’s real life folks! It’s an absolute pleasure to chat with Rebecca who is brilliantly funny, quick witted and open minded. I look forward to a future time when we can get ourselves out to sing together once more!
Wherever you are, I hope you are safe and feel free to check in and share what you think of the podcast on our Facebook Page.
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My guest this week is the amazing artist, DJ and singer Tallulah Goodtimes.
Tallulah’s debut album “Interstellar Swing” takes you through an energetic romp through the electro-swing and the vintage remix universe! Tallulah Goodtimes is a purveyor or good times, through spreading Universal love, truth and collective good times.
Taking up the decks at the tender age of 16, Tallulah has been on an interesting and creative journey towards the here and now. Three decades later, she has just released her first self-penned album of electro swing songs which are a joy for your ears.
I encourage you all to check out her album, its on Spotify but even better please support her by downloading or buying her CD here
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My guest this week is "The Vocal Alchemist" Sharleen Linton, who now helps public speakers transform their nerves into confidence and power. Sharleen has previously used her voice as a professional backing singer for artists including Adele, Smokey Robinson, Craig David, Natasha Bedingfield and John Legend.
However, after years travelling extensively, Sharleen has now shifted path and moved into helping others unlock their true vocal potential. A true entrepreneur at heart, Sharleen creates her own magic and helps others do the same.
Sharleen is all about educating, supporting and helping others understand the importance of the environment they create within themselves with their internal voice. It’s so important to recognise how you speak, feel and govern yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually, will affect how your voice behaves. If you are steadfast and focussed about what it is that you are creating, what you will discover is that often the biggest opportunities will come to you, like unseen forces are working on your behalf.
We nip off topic towards the end of the episode, dipping into the state of US politics, but it all ties in to discuss the power of unshakeable self belief.
This grammy winning performance of Layla Hathaway is referenced during our chat, it's so worth another watch even if you have seen it from when it went viral 7 years ago - around 6 minutes in she overtones.
Layla Hathaway with Snarky Puppy
You can also enjoy Sharleen singing All Night Long here
If you would like to connect with Sharleen, check out her facebook group "The Confident Speakers Corner" and follow her on socials under the name "The Vocal Alchemist".
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I have one more episode to share with you next week before Christmas, but in the meantime I wanted to introduce Gethin to the Vocal Freedom community as he decided to join in the Reset & Manifest Pilot Programme I am launching on 1st January 2021. So naturally, I am quite excited about that!Gethin and I have been together for over 26 years and know each other very very well, obvs. Gethin has a chronic health condition and today we briefly chat about this, his work, stress and how he is going to Reset & Manifest in the New Year. We also discuss what it is to "Manifest" and reflect back on what we have manifested together over the years and how close we have managed to get towards our original plan.
The Reset & Manifest 2021 pilot programme is launching with a Welcome & Introduction Live Session on Zoom on 1st January 2021 at 2.00pm GMT. If you would like to tune in and learn more about this fantastic experiential learning study and how you can get involved, CLICK HERE applications open until midnight on 31st December 2020. We both look forward to welcoming you to The Vocal Freedom Movement!Leigh & Gethin
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Welcome to this special episode of the Vocal Freedom Podcast.
My guest this week is multi-award winning social impact entrepreneur, champion of diversity, inclusion and equality Joanna Abeyie, MBE. I asked Joanna onto the Vocal Freedom Podcast after recently hearing her give an inspiring talk concerning anti-racism for the Musicians Union. I find voices like Joanna's so inspiring and important to help bring about the change we need in this world.
Joanna is the founder & creator of Blue Moon click here to visit her website and learn how she can help you and your workplace. Their consultancy work champions culture transformation to ensure all voices are being heard and treated fairly in the workplace as well as other services. Tune in and ask yourself how you feel about speaking about race. Does it make you feel too uncomfortable? Do you understand the concept of white privilege? Would you say you 'don't see colour?' Do you understand why that phrase can be taken offensively?
It can really help us grow to hold a mirror up to ourselves and ask these difficult questions about our beliefs and behaviours. How we feel about race, diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we contribute to bringing about actual change against systemic racism in the arts and well... world!
Doing nothing, will help no-one. Staying silent will not change a thing.
Have you addressed any of these issues head on? Would you like to share your story with me? Join in the conversation and use your voice to make a difference. References made through this episode include some great further reading on this topic, links here:
Natives by Akala
Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong
Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? by Beverly Danial Tatum, PhD
Me & White Supremacy by Layla Saad
Why I'm no longer talking to white people about race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
How to be an Anti-racist by Ibram Kendi
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Songbird by Eva Cassidy
If you are on facebook @vocalfreedom, please give us a like or follow to keep up to date with new episodes and special offers coming over the holidays!
Come learn more about us and how you can share your story here
Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas Season! Stay well and be kind xx
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Host update and Invitation episode!
I'm sharing some exciting research work from January 2021 and am reaching out for test subjects to participate in a short eight session pilot study.
Tune in today to hear if this resonates with you and sign up on the podcast page to ensure you don't miss the chance to apply! I am so excited to be moving forward with this study and offering new opportunities to the Vocal Freedom podcast community starting on 1st January 2021.
If you are looking for motivation for the new year and are interested in hacking your nervous system, overcoming your performance fears and experiencing something new, do tune in to hear what its all about...as well as a few personal stories which seemingly wanted to flow out of me today... touching on parents, panic attacks & experiencing trolls...
Easily keep up to date with news by joining the Vocal Freedom Movement here
Love and peace to all of you, Leigh x
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My guest this week is Chief Executive Officer for BAPAM (The British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) Claire Cordeaux. BAPAMs expert clinicians understand the demands of a performing arts career and can help you with physical and mental health problems related to your creative practice. Every month BAPAM offer free training sessions on keeping mentally well, vocal health and injury prevention for performing artists and those in training. Since Lockdown they have started new online community drop in sessions on Tuesday afternoons at 3pm. Claire has a background in social care and shares her wealth of experience combined with love of playing live music.
You don’t have to be sick to get help from BAPAM, if you do have a health problem that is affecting your ability to do your job in performing arts call them on 0207 404 8444 or visit https://www.bapam.org.uk. For many who participated in the first online community group over the summer, Claire observed it wasn’t only the common issues of being unable to work (due to covid restrictions/lockdown), having no money, being missed out completely from the government financial help schemes through lockdown and the stress that all that can bring in itself but also that suddenly how you identify yourself comes into question. Being a musician or singer is very often a calling and if you can’t do it, or there doesn’t appear to be a purpose in doing it, you can lose all motivation, you can experience grief-like symptoms, develop feelings of isolation and hopelessness, which in turn can affect your mental health and wellbeing. If you need help with this please get in touch with BAPAM, who are funded by Help Musicians, MU (Musicians Union), Equity, PPL, PRS Members Fund and others. During our chat Claire references some of her favourite performances which you can enjoy here:Anjelique Kidjo - AkwabaJoni Mitchell - Little Green (Live NYC 1967)
The above link has a brief audio interview with a young Joni talking about stumbling into music. Followed by a live performance of Little Green in New York in 1967. I hadn’t watched this performance before and found it quite captivating, I was interested how natural her flow was and how much the lyrics got me thinking! Don't you love song lyrics that seem like they are offering advice, or a view that offers new possibilities?Sinead O'Connor - He moved through the fair
AARTWORK - Road Trip
If you have anything to feedback about this episode please leave your comments on our Facebook page @vocal freedom and join in the conversation!
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My guest this week is respected musician, multi-instrumentalist, choir director, arranger, singing tutor and vocalist Andi Hopgood. Andi Hopgood is a name you will probably know if you are a member of the MU (Musician's Union). Andi joined when she was just 16 and went on to vice-chair the executive committee (the decision-making body of the Union) as well as chairing the Equalities Sub-Committee, working on MU policies promoting equality and challenging inequality across the music industry.
Andi's work with the MU has taken her to Parliament to challenge MPs about issues including low and no pay, access to music education and most recently mental health. Her activism is not just confined to the MU. Andi has also been a local counsellor, on her local trades council, and leads a local network of music industry professionals, all in her home town of Ipswich.Join us as we learn about Andi's journey into making music, which at times has been very challenging, how music has proven to be the best medicine and continues to bring purpose to Andi and her community. Andi mentions during the podcast, she is directing a special online workshop for the Cambridge Jazz Festival Choir and you can sign up if you visit Cambridge Jazz Festival Choir Workshop Saturday 21st November 2020 The workshop will feature learning one song "You Need Hope" by renowned jazz educator Pete Churchill. You then video record your part at home and send it in to be included in a large group video and featured as part of the (now online) festivals finale performance on Sunday 27th November. Andi mentioned some of these performances as most inspiring, so do check these out when you have time, your ears will thank you!Betty Carter with Carmen McRae - Stolen Moments (Live)
Shirley Horn - Here's To Life
Betty Carter - Tight (live)
Carmen McRae - Secret Love
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My guest this week is UK Vocalist/Pianist/Touring Musician Emily Lynn. Emily has been singing with the Australian Pink Floyd Show since 2010, a tribute act that are so good they were even engaged by David Gilmour to perform at his 50th birthday celebration. Having sold over four million tickets to concerts that have taken place in 35 countries, Emily is used to travelling and performing in stadiums and arenas across the globe! Outside of Aussie Floyd, Emily has performed and recorded with rock band Thunder, shared the stage with Dame Cleo Laine, Scott Gorham from Thin Lizzy and Andy Taylor from Duran Duran. Join us as we discuss her journey into music, how she has learned to overcome prior vocal hurdles and develop a trustworthy routine to prepare her voice for her usually hectic touring schedule. Since lockdown in March, obviously all gigs have been paused but Emily has stayed creative during this time and found time to focus on her own production service to keep going (www.24hourvocals.com).
Check out the following songs Emily referenced and some of her performances:
The King's Singers - Goodnight my Angel
Lianne La Havas - Bittersweet (Live with orchestra)
Heather Findlay - Caught in a fold (live with Emily on keys)
Australian Pink Floyd - Great gig in the sky (Emily sings last)
The Rockabellas Promo from 2017
Follow Emily @emilylynnvocals on socials and give her a shout if you need any vocals recorded! Emilys full website is www.emilylynnvocals.com
Happy Friday y'all - I hope you are staying safe and well xx
- Visa fler
