#176 The Pressures of Social Media Stats and Your Music Career

In response to a recent video I saw online, I wanted to address the current state of the desperate need for likes follows and statistics online through social media, and share my thoughts along with some support for artists who are feeling drained by how this is all playing out. Social media stats have become the metric upon which radio stations, labels, venues and distributors measure your music's value and how well your artistry resonates with audiences. It's one thing to have a streamlined social media strategy, but if it's draining you, if it feels inauthentic, if it is taking away from your joy of music, we have to address it.As musicians we have to see this for what it is. As followers you have to support your favourite artists in as many ways as possible. Build your email list, connect with genuine authenticity and know you are not alone if you are drained by following trends and being told you need to post more for your music.

What actually turns a great singer into a paid artist?In this episode, I break down the three essential shifts every singer needs to make: Preparation, Positioning, and Pitching. If you’ve been putting in the work but not seeing real opportunities, this will help you understand what’s missing—and how to start getting booked with intention.I shared this talk today at the Unstoppable Singer Summit, and it was a blast, so I recorded it as a podcast to share with you as well. The Unstoppable Singer Summit is a 4 day event featuring many incredible coaches, mentors, artists and industry professionals. If you want to purchase the replays from the summit online, you can do so here. This also gives you access to the previous summits aswell, so there is a ton of content. If you would like to join my Emerging Artist Network, check out the link here. You can also check out the slides for this conversation for free, over on my patreon page.

Unless you know a venue owner personally, or someone has seen you live and invited you to play their event, your EPK (Electronic Press Kit) is the first stop for someone who wants to book you for a gig, but what should you include in it?This episode covers the necessary items for an emerging artist to include in their EPKIf you have any questions or you are an artist wanting to join our community, the doors are open for the Emerging Artist Network where you can ask your questions and learn with us every month, to build your brand, develop your following and book better paying gigs. Can't wait to see you there! Click here for more info. As always please feel free to reach out with any questions, or learn more about one on one virtual sessions with me here.

In this episode I share about my experience with Chiropractic, massage and my voice, along with some gentle warm ups and tips to get your voice on track after a slight derailment ... which could be a large previous evening, vocal strain or sickness.Please reach out if you have any requests for topics or training sessions and be sure to check out the free trial of ⁠Rockit's Voice Coaching Club⁠ over on Patreon.Your membership supports the growth of this podcast and the development of your vocal skills too! Win Win!To learn about private coaching or to join one of my retreats, visit the website! www.rockitvocalstudios.comReady to expand your skills, develop your musical network and take your career to the next level? Check out the Rockit Singer & Songwriters Retreat! June 2026. Feel free to check out the line of amazing Vocalzone Products ⁠HERE.⁠Be sure to follow ⁠@rockitvocalstudios⁠ on social for more tips and to keep up to date with all the latest info.⁠Join the mailing list⁠ for offers, and updates as well as exclusive info. Stay connected for updates, promotions and be the first to know about special events by joining my mailing list! No spam, just valuable singing tips and studio updates! 

In this episode, I sit down with Justin Kudding, Calgary-based, JUNO Award-winning bassist, producer, and musical director who has become one of the most in-demand players in the Canadian music industry. Best known as the bandleader for Brett Kissel, he’s also a multi-time CCMA nominee for Bass Player of the Year and one of the key team members at Plunge Audio.With two decades of music performance and studio experience, Justin knows precisely what serious IEM users demand. He played a key role in shaping the development of the Unity IEM line and continuously puts them through the wringer on stages big and small, ensuring they deliver world-class performance without compromise.We dive into one of the most talked-about tools for live performers today: in-ear monitors (IEMs)—what they are, how they work, and when it’s the right time to make the switch.Whether you're a developing artist playing small stages or a seasoned performer looking to level up your live show, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you protect your voice, hear yourself clearly, and perform with confidence.In this episode, we cover:What in-ear monitors are and how they workThe biggest benefits of switching to IEMs for live performanceSigns you’re ready to move from wedges to in-earsWhat to look for when choosing your first IEM setupCommon mistakes artists make when starting outHow IEMs can improve pitch, timing, and overall performanceThe role of a musical director in shaping a live showBehind-the-scenes insights from touring with top Canadian artistsWho this episode is for:Singers and musicians performing liveTouring and gigging artistsVocalists looking to protect and strengthen their voiceAnyone curious about professional live performance setupsResources & Links:Learn more about Plunge AudioPlease reach out if you have any requests for topics or training sessions and be sure to check out the free trial of ⁠Rockit's Voice Coaching Club⁠ over on Patreon.Your membership supports the growth of this podcast and the development of your vocal skills too! Win Win!To learn about private coaching or to join one of my retreats, visit the website! www.rockitvocalstudios.comReady to expand your skills, develop your musical network and take your career to the next level? Check out the Rockit Singer & Songwriters Retreat! June 2026. Feel free to check out the line of amazing Vocalzone Products ⁠HERE.⁠Be sure to follow ⁠@rockitvocalstudios⁠ on social for more tips and to keep up to date with all the latest info.⁠Join the mailing list⁠ for offers, and updates as well as exclusive info. Stay connected for updates, promotions and be the first to know about special events by joining my mailing list! No spam, just valuable singing tips and studio updates! 

Funding can feel overwhelming, confusing — and honestly, a little intimidating.But here’s the truth:Grants don’t fund talent.They fund clear, strategic, well-planned projects with measurable impact.In this episode, I’m breaking down what actually makes a music grant application stand out — based on real-world experience writing, refining, and submitting funding applications for tours, artist development programs, retreats, and professional music projects.If you’re an emerging or developing artist looking to fund a tour, record an EP, grow your audience, or build sustainable momentum in your career — this episode will give you practical tools you can apply immediately.✔️ Why clarity of outcome matters more than passion✔️ How to write a project summary that funders understand✔️ What makes letters of support powerful (and what makes them weak)✔️ How to build a realistic, professional budget✔️ Why your timeline proves your credibility✔️ How to align your application with a funder’s priorities✔️ The most common mistakes artists make (and how to avoid them)✔️ How to think like a grant jury member✔️ Why funding is a long-term strategy — not emergency moneyA strong application tells one cohesive story.Your goals, budget, letters of support, collaborators, and timeline should all align — showing funders that you are prepared, strategic, and ready to deliver real impact.This isn’t about writing what you hope will sound impressive.It’s about presenting a clear, professional plan that reduces risk and demonstrates growth.Emerging and developing artistsMusicians planning a tour or recording projectIndependent artists navigating funding for the first timeSongwriters and performers ready to treat their music like a businessArtists who have applied before — but want to strengthen their next submissionIf you’re looking for support in building your artist roadmap, refining funding applications, or strengthening your professional strategy, If you want to dig deeper and explore how I can help you apply for funding, connect with me through Rockit Vocal Studios and the Artist Development programs. Please reach out if you have any requests for topics or training sessions and be sure to check out the free trial of ⁠Rockit's Voice Coaching Club⁠ over on Patreon.Your membership supports the growth of this podcast and the development of your vocal skills too! Win Win!To learn about private coaching or to join one of my retreats, visit the website! www.rockitvocalstudios.comReady to expand your skills, develop your musical network and take your career to the next level? Check out the Rockit Singer & Songwriters Retreat! June 2026. Feel free to check out the line of amazing Vocalzone Products ⁠HERE.⁠Be sure to follow ⁠@rockitvocalstudios⁠ on social for more tips and to keep up to date with all the latest info.⁠Join the mailing list⁠ for offers, and updates as well as exclusive info. Stay connected for updates, promotions and be the first to know about special events by joining my mailing list! No spam, just valuable singing tips and studio updates! 

Please don't feel like a bad singer if you have to change keys to be able to do your best for the song. This episode digs in to why changing key is important for your voice health, the audience and the song. There is no shame in changing the key, in fact it shows musical maturity, flexibility and skill.

In this session, I'm simply getting my voice ready to run through some songs to choose for a set list. I invite you to join along, if you are looking for a simple and effective vocal warm up to prep you for something similar! Please reach out if you have any requests for topics or training sessions and be sure to check out the free trial of ⁠Rockit's Voice Coaching Club⁠ over on Patreon.Your membership supports the growth of this podcast and the development of your vocal skills too! Win Win!To learn about private coaching or to join one of my retreats, visit the website! www.rockitvocalstudios.comReady to expand your skills, develop your musical network and take your career to the next level? Check out the Rockit Singer & Songwriters Retreat! June 2026. Feel free to check out the line of amazing Vocalzone Products ⁠HERE.⁠Be sure to follow ⁠@rockitvocalstudios⁠ on social for more tips and to keep up to date with all the latest info.⁠Join the mailing list⁠ for offers, and updates as well as exclusive info. Stay connected for updates, promotions and be the first to know about special events by joining my mailing list! No spam, just valuable singing tips and studio updates! 

Welcome to Rockit's Holiday Special! I wanted to get you in the festive spirit and share some of my client's Christmas songs! From some of the pro's to one of my youngest clients, you'll enjoy music from:Jess MoskalukeThe Prairie StatesThe Hunter BrothersBrayden LoweKerrington GillespieRobyn AshleyAnd the lovely Aveya. I hope you enjoy and I wish you a wonderful holiday season and all the very best for the new year!

Some gentle yet effective exercises to prep your voice for a writing session or practice with a song. Good luck and have fun! Please reach out if you have any requests for topics or training sessions and be sure to check out the free trial of ⁠Rockit's Voice Coaching Club⁠ over on Patreon.Your membership supports the growth of this podcast and the development of your vocal skills too! Win Win!To learn about private coaching or to join one of my retreats, visit the website! www.rockitvocalstudios.comReady to expand your skills, develop your musical network and take your career to the next level? Check out the Rockit Singer & Songwriters Retreat! June 2026. Feel free to check out the line of amazing Vocalzone Products ⁠HERE.⁠Be sure to follow ⁠@rockitvocalstudios⁠ on social for more tips and to keep up to date with all the latest info.⁠Join the mailing list⁠ for offers, and updates as well as exclusive info. Stay connected for updates, promotions and be the first to know about special events by joining my mailing list! No spam, just valuable singing tips and studio updates!