#158: Artist Development - the Key to a Sustainable Music Career

Episode Summary:Your voice doesn’t just respond to how much you use it—it’s also deeply affected by the environment around you. In this episode, we explore how factors like air conditioning, dry climates, and smoky conditions can impact your vocal health, and what you can do to keep your voice strong, clear, and resilient no matter where you are.Whether you’re a singer, podcaster, speaker, or professional who depends on your voice, these practical tips will help you adapt to changing environments and protect your most valuable instrument.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why environmental changes (like AC, dry air, and smoke) can lead to vocal strain or fatigue.Simple hydration and humidification strategies to protect your vocal folds.How to adjust your vocal care routine when traveling or touring.The role of steaming, saline sprays, and gentle warm-ups in recovery.Everyday habits that keep your voice healthy regardless of climate or conditions.Takeaway:Environmental changes are unavoidable—but vocal damage doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and daily practices, you can keep your voice hydrated, strong, and ready to perform, even in the toughest conditions.Thank you to Vocalzone for sponsoring this episode. For the Vocalzone products, check out this link. If you'd like to chat about creating your personalized voice program for while you are on the road, send me an email [email protected] or message me on instagram!

If you’ve ever wondered: How do I figure out who I am as an artist? How do I find my fans? How do I build a real career in music? — this episode gives you the answers, and a strategy to get there.And if you’re ready to stop guessing and start building with a proven plan, I’ll also share how you can join my Emerging Artist VIP Program, where we focus on the three pillars every artist needs: Voice, Industry, and Performance.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why artist development is crucial for long-term successThe 4 key phases: Test, Launch, Expansion, and GrowthHow to discover your true sound and genuine audienceWhy consistency and content are non-negotiableHow a clear roadmap can save you years of trial and errorHow the Emerging Artist VIP Program can help you build your career with confidence and strategyLinks & Resources:🎶 Apply for the Emerging Artist VIP Program here: www.rockitvocalstudios.com/emergingartist📩 Connect with me on Instagram: 🌟 More coaching and resources: www.rockitvocalstudios.com

In this session, I provide a comprehensive guide to vocal warm-ups tailored for singers on the road. Emphasizing the importance of gentle warm-ups, key techniques such as SOVTs, resonance placement, and the necessity of quick warm-ups before sound checks. I also share valuable resources for maintaining vocal health while touring, including products from Vocal Zone.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Vocal Warm-Ups00:56 New Chapter01:26 Key Techniques for Effective Warm-Ups08:22 Exploring Resonance and Placement15:18 Vocal Health and Support ResourcesTakeawaysFocus on gentle warm-ups to wake up the voice.SOVTs are essential for safe vocal warm-ups.Resonance placement is crucial for vocal alignment.Quick warm-ups are beneficial before sound checks.Trust your voice and listen to its needs.Movement and flexibility are more important than perfection.Use tools like straws for effective warm-ups.Vocal health products can aid in maintaining voice clarity.Warm-ups can be done in short time frames.Resources are available for singers on the road.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.

How to Keep Your Voice Healthy During Festival SeasonFestival season is a blast — but for singers, speakers, and performers, it can be brutal on your voice if you’re not careful. In this episode, we’re covering 5 essential tips to help you protect your vocal cords and keep performing at your best all summer long.What You’ll Learn: Why hydration is your secret weapon (and how to do it right)The quick warm-ups and cool-downs that keep your cords healthyHow to rest your voice even in noisy, busy festival environmentsHow to handle dry air, dust, smoke, and other outdoor challenges Why knowing when to say no can save your voice for the next gigWhether you’re playing a single show or a back-to-back festival run, these practical strategies will help you stay strong, sound amazing, and avoid burnout.Next up: In Part 2, we’re heading backstage — I’ll share my favourite quick warm-ups you can do behind the curtain, plus smart ways to protect your voice when you’re chatting with fans or working a noisy greenroom. Get ready with Your Backstage Pre Show Schedule. Check out the line of products from Vocalzone Here. Access the My Voice Health eBook Here

In this episode I dig into the beautiful tones and dynamics used in this song by an artist who is local to me, by the name of Maryiah Stokes. The minute I heard the song Biggest Fan I immediately fell in love with the melody and the vocal on it, and had to learn it. I figured before I dig in further myself, I'll share the observations along the way and show you how I pick out different techniques and styles from a song while putting them into action. Thank you so much Mariyah for creating this masterpiece!I hope this is of value to anyone writing songs and singing their hearts out. Be sure to follow Mariyah Stokes on instagram, https://www.instagram.com/mariyastokesand check out the song on Spotify.

Starting your day with a tired, sluggish voice? Whether you’re heading into a long day of talking, teaching, singing, or shouting over noise — your voice needs support before you hit go.In this episode, I’ll walk you through a simple, gentle morning vocal warm-up that sets your voice up for success — so you can speak and sing with clarity, power, and confidence all day long.🎤 Perfect for:✅ Touring artists doing early soundchecks, or radio promo, interviews etc✅ Voice teachers and classroom educators✅ Flight attendants in loud aircraft cabins✅ Servers working busy restaurants or bar shifts✅ Podcasters and speakers prepping for a big recording✅ Anyone using their voice all day in a demanding environmentWhat we’ll cover:✔️ Gentle vocal wake-ups to ease into phonation✔️ Resonance and articulation boosters✔️ Vocal “stretch” without strainWherever your voice is taking you today — this quick episode will help you arrive ready to rock.🎧 Press play, warm up with me, and give your voice the head start it deserves.Let’s connect on Instagram: @rockitvocalstudiosNeed ongoing voice support? Learn more www.rockitvocalstudios.com

In today's episode I'm joined by Country Music artist Josh Stumpf. He shares about his launch in the industry, what it's like to tour the country to promote music to radio, settling in with his new label and being ready for all the opportunities that lie ahead. You can follow Josh on Instagram at @joshstumpfofficialhttps://www.instagram.com/joshstumpfofficial/His latest single Highway Money is now streaming on all platforms.

Pro vs Passion: What Really Sets Top Singers Apart + Vocal Health Insights from Cutting-Edge TrainingIn this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on some of the most advanced vocal training I’ve been diving into lately – including my work with Mindy Pack, my certifications in Applied Neuroscience and the Voice, and Trauma and the Voice. These trainings are transforming how I approach vocal coaching, vocal health, and performance stamina – and I can’t wait to share some of the key takeaways with you.🎤 PLUS – a big question from one of my clients:“What’s the difference between singers who make it, and those who don’t?”Whether you're a professional artist, a dedicated hobbyist, or somewhere in between, we dig deep into the mindset, habits, and behind-the-scenes realities that separate the pros from the outliers who never quite break through.You’ll learn:What I’m learning from the world’s top voice expertsHow trauma and the nervous system affect vocal performanceThe most critical habits and qualities of successful singersHow to develop your voice like a high-performance athleteWhy talent alone isn’t the deciding factor in successThis episode is for serious singers who want to go beyond just sounding good – it’s about building resilience, consistency, and confidence for the long game.🎧 Listen now and tag me with your thoughts on Instagram @ rockitvocalstudios The Singer & Songwriters Retreat is Filling UP!Join us in invermere, BC, Canada July 24-29All the details are available at www.rockitvocalstudios.com/retreatsBig thanks to the sponsor of our songwriting mentor sessions Craig Senyk InitiativesShout out to The 97 South Song Sessions Challenge SponsorsAnd our lunchtime fuel for the week from Smokehouse 93! 🌟 If you loved this episode, leave a review and share it with your fellow vocalists! Reviews and ratings help other singers like YOU find this podcast!Thank you as always for listening!

Today I'm throwing it back to my conversation with Robert Ott in celebration of the upcoming 97 South Song Sessions on April 12th at the O'Rourke Family Estate, Lake Country BC.This years event will feature Kim MitchellMarc JordanLee Thomas Miller And Wendell Mobley We throw all the way back to episode 62 where Robert shares insights of his experience in the music industry and in depth knowledge of music publishing specifically, making for a thoroughly fascinating conversation about how someone's love of music and songs can lead to sharing songs throughout the world and the launch of Ole, one of the world’s largest independent music publishing, recorded music and rights management companies. Robert and his wife have teamed up to produce the 97 South Song Sessions,  a music performance event in British Columbia’s picturesque Lake Country and growing international wine destination region. Shows feature award winning, multi-genre Songwriters and Recording Artists sharing the stage ‘in the round’, entertaining the audience with tales of the creative journey that inspired their hit songs which they perform throughout the evening.This years event is taking place April 12 at the O’Rourke Family Estate, Lake Country BC, Canada.Tickets are available now! https://97southsongsessions.com/

In this episode, we explore the three states of growth: receiving, transmitting, and resisting. Are you open to learning and abundance? Are you stepping into your power to share what you’ve learned? Or are you unknowingly resisting opportunities and keeping yourself stuck? We’ll dive into how to recognize which state you’re in, what might be holding you back, and practical ways to shift into alignment with your personal and professional growth.Receiving – Being open to learning, new opportunities, and personal growth.Transmitting – Sharing your knowledge, skills, and gifts with others.Resisting – Blocking growth due to fear, doubt, or past experiences.The difference between actively receiving and passively waiting.How limiting beliefs (e.g., “I don’t deserve this”) block abundance.Practices to shift into a receiving mindset: gratitude, self-awareness, and trusting opportunities.Knowing when it’s time to step into a leadership or teaching role.How imposter syndrome can make us resist sharing what we know.The power of giving back and how teaching solidifies your own growth.Signs that you’re resisting (procrastination, perfectionism, staying in your comfort zone).How fear of failure or success can keep you stuck.Reframing resistance as an indicator of expansion rather than a barrier.Self-reflection questions:Mindset shifts: Trusting your ability to receive and give without fear.Daily practices to stay open: Journaling, meditation, mentorship, and taking small action steps.Take a moment to reflect—what state are you currently in?Share your insights on social media or in the comments—what’s something you’ve recently received, shared, or resisted?If this episode resonated with you, subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear it!Big shout out to Kate Northrup and her Podcast PLENTY. Big thank you to Kathy Heller for her insights and stories.