105: The Art Of Songwriting With Bonnie Baker

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 [email protected] 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/