Rock Your Voice Podcast

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/

Welcome to The 100th Episode of the Rock Your Voice Podcast - A Singers Unique Journey.

I decided that for this episode it would be really fun to invite some of my clients to share their vocal journeys and to talk very honestly about their experiences as they transitioned from students, to singers, songwriters and performers.

The guests that joined are a total mix of my client base ranging from Nicole Byrne, a full time teacher who is also a singer and songwriter, Sarah & John who are both learning for fun, but met by chance between lessons at my studio and now perform together at open mics and other events, Audrey who is just starting to take big steps in stretching her confidence and owning her role as a singer, and Cynthia who is a retired RCMP officer who is singing for the pure joy of it, but as you’ll hear, she has shifted her mindset to seeing herself as a “Singer” now too!

This episode will inspire singers of all levels and ages who may be questioning if it’s too late to start or are wondering if you are ‘good enough’ to embark on a career in the music industry, and overcome anything that may be holding you back from digging in and starting to learn more about your voice.

You’ll hear stories of overcoming stage fright, being brave enough to collaborate and start to work with new people, and being confident enough to put yourself out there for all kinds of fun opportunities that music can bring.

What became most clear in this conversation is how important it is to have a community to support and encourage you as you are working on developing your craft.

Learn how Nicole's journey from the write, record and release program has entirely changed her path, not in the music world but personally too. How a wonderful collaboration was formed by a chance meeting outside of a voice lesson, and how music and singing has truly changed peoples lives.

Hear about the growth through their experiences from showing up for their first voice lesson to performing live on stage.

The stories of transformation were so great to hear, as well as the stories of all the adventures everyone has been on thanks to their music and singing.

Singing can feel like a solitary journey if you don’t have a band, and even as the front person, you are usually the only one working on your voice independently. It's important to meet other singers, share your stories and learn that you are never alone and this is a never ending journey of growth, development and fun!

Confidence at the 7 minute mark

Stage Fright at the 11 minute mark

Community & connection at the 22 minute mark

Performing at Open Mics for the first time at the 25 mark

Join me in this episode as we unravel the secrets behind why being prepared is an absolute game-changer for singers. We'll dive deep into personal experiences and stories that highlight the pivotal role preparation plays in seizing those golden opportunities that can skyrocket your singing career.

From mastering vocal techniques to cultivating a stage presence that commands attention, I'll share practical tips on how to stay vocally fit and refine your performance skills. It's not just about hitting the right notes; it's about being ready for the unexpected, whether it's a last-minute audition or an impromptu collaboration.

I'll draw inspiration from real-life examples, exploring moments when being prepared transformed ordinary situations into career-defining milestones. We'll discuss the importance of maintaining a mindset that embraces challenges and adapts to the ever-changing dynamics of the music industry.

This episode is a personal guide for singers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're just starting or have been in the game for a while, discover how continuous learning and staying ahead of industry trends can set you up for success. It's not just about waiting for opportunities; it's about being ready to grab them with both hands when they come your way.

Tune in and get ready to embrace the power of preparation in your singing career. Let's make sure you're not just waiting in the wings but standing front and center when the spotlight shines on you!

In this episode I look at a few things that can drastically affect your voice health and help you to maintain a strong and consistent singing voice throughout the year.

We look at a few factors such as:

Location. Where you are and the environment you are in can definitely affect your instrument.

Stress Levels. The voice is the first thing to show stress and strain.

Diet. Sometimes singers are known to freak out about certain foods when in fact, there's no need. Spoiler alert! Coffee may be your friend.

Sleep. Making sure you get good rest is imperative for a healthy strong voice.

Hydration. Get your water in you! Also Steam and humidifiers are a game changer.

Having a confident mindset will also set you up for success. Constantly worrying about what can go wrong will lead you down a path of anxiousness which can in turn trigger muscles to interfere where they are not needed and add more strain.

Be sure to instil a regular and effective warm up and cool down into your routine and seek out a voice coach to validate your safe and effective approach. I'm happy to work with you for a one off session to set you up with a training plan that can keep you on track for the entire year!

Learn more about training with me here.

Check out the weekly vocal workout on Patreon for regular voice coaching sessions,

In this episode, you'll warm up your voice specifically to train towards hitting the big note in the Christmas classic O Holy Night.

Singing Christmas songs can be notoriously challenging! They are often written with lots of key changes and fast paced melodies and lyrics, so be patient when working on these types of pieces!

in this episode, I'll walk you through a gentle and effective vocal warm up and strength training session, so that you can reach the note with ease and begin to add more power, and vocal tones that get you the exact sound you want.

If you are a beginner singer and this note is too high for you right now, you can work on building your range and strength gently using the exercises to work up to the Eb in this version of the song.

You can apply these techniques to use on this song in any key, as well as transfer the skills to other songs and vocal styles where you are challenged by singing high notes with confidence, consistency and ease.

Never push or strain your voice to hit a note, you will not build strength that way and you can damage your voice by doing so.

Always warm up your voice when working towards hitting more challenging notes or working on hard songs to sing.

Thank you to Jess Moskaluke for the beautifully executed demonstration while singing live on the Winter Wonderland tour!

If you are a beginner singer wanting to kick start your vocal journey, check out the new course beginning Jan 2024.

There is also a free training video on my Patreon Page where you can also join the Weekly Vocal Workout. As well as watch and follow along with one of my voice training sessions with Jess.

Happy Holidays!

In this episode I’m joined by Meghan Patrick.

The Canadian born, Nashville resident is a Juno and CCMA winning singer & songwriter, who’s latest release is a song that prompted us to have a deep and meaningful conversation unlike any other I’ve had on the podcast.

Her song, ‘The Boy Who Cried Drunk’ is a very personal journey through Meghan’s experience with Domestic Violence.

Having recently met Meghan at the CCMA’s, where she shared about her new song, I immediately wanted to have her on the podcast so that we could share our stories in the hopes that it can help anyone who may currently be in an abusive relationship.

We talk of our experiences, as well as how the journey is frequently very similar from case to case, and how you are not alone in this. The statistics are astounding. The one thing that shook me and really helped me to manage my situation was hearing that, on average it takes the victim, on average, 7 times to try to leave. For me this was entirely true, and helped to alleviate the shame and guilt I felt when I kept going back.

Today we also celebrate what Meghan refers to as Part 2 to ‘The Boy Who Cried Drunk’ with her follow up single ‘God and a Good Man’ her story of hope and the love and life that is waiting for you.

Although not overly graphic, this episode is a deeper topic that requires listener discretion and may contain triggers for some listeners, however, the biggest thing this episode does contain is hope. The fact Meghan and I are both now in happy and in loving, safe and healthy relationships we are here to show you that with the right support, your recovery and a very happy life is entirely possible.

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to your local authorities, or use the links below to find the guidance and support you need.

If you are local to Calgary, Homefront is an incredible resource and they helped me hugely.

https://homefrontcalgary.com/

Some international resources can be found here:

https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations

The book Meghan recommends is:

The Gift of Fear – Gavin De Becker

https://www.amazon.ca/The-Gift-of-Fear/dp/0316235776

Sometimes when you are in the situation, you have become numb to how serious it is. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your local authorities if you are in danger or fear for your safety.

Follow and support Meghan on her Instagram @megpatricmusic or by visiting her website.

I was recently introduced to Noah's music through the Sirius XM Top Of The Country Competition, and although his vibe is a little more Americana / folk, I'm so thrilled he was part of that and I got to see him perform and in turn meet him for the podcast.

In this conversation Noah shares his unique views on the challenges we face as an artist coming up through the ranks and finding your connection with the audience in different rooms and countries.

Noah shares about his commitment to the journey and joy of not always knowing whats next. How trusting the process and working hard for what you believe in makes every moment more unique and worthwhile as a musician.

Some wonderful insights that can really help any up coming artist look at things from another perspective

Thank you for talking with me Noah!

You can learn more on his website, or follow him on Instagram.

In this episode I'm joined by the wonderful Dan Davidson.

With 7 CCMA nominations, 10 ACMA awards, a platinum record, a number 1 selling Canadian song and record, top 20 charting numbers and hundreds of performances – it's easy to forget that he is still independent.

This episode has a ton of motivation if you are an emerging artist or a beginner wanting to understand the overview of the musicians landscape.

Dan is doing it all! He writes not only for himself but other successful artists and now even writes for K-pop bands too!

We chat about his current single, He Met A Girl, his retro vibe for the latest video as well as his upcoming tour and documentary.

There's tons to learn from this conversation as well as the importance of your vocal cool downs! Ha!

You can follow Dan on Instagram, but for now I hope you enjoy the conversation and thank you Dan for chatting with me!

In this Episode I'm joined by Alberta born, Nashville based artist Aaron Goodvin.

Some of his highlights include:

Over 80 million total streams

2 x #1 singles in Canada with “Boy Like Me” and “You Are”

6 Top 10 singles in Canada

Aaron is double-Platinum certified with his smash hit “Lonely Drum”

He is an 11-time CCMA nominee and the 2018 CCMA Winner/Songwriter of the Year for “Lonely Drum”.

His catalogue includes songwriter cuts by Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, Cole Swindell, and Josh Gracin.

It was such a pleasure to catch up with Aaron on a long overdue conversation. We talk about what it takes to keep going in the industry when you just aren't sure if you are making the right choices, how sobriety has had an incredibly positive impact on moving forward and balancing life as a musician. I can't wait until the next time we talk!

Thank you Aaron for this inspirational conversation.

Follow Aaron on Instagram

Listen on Spotify

Check out his tour dates and more on the website

In this episode I am thrilled to be joined by Hailey Benedict, this years winner of the SiriusXM Top of The Country competition.

We have a quick chat about the experience, her vocal routines and how she keeps her instrument in check as well as what's next for this rising Canadian country music star!

Thank you Hailey and to the entire team at the CCMA's & Red Umbrella PR for everything this weekend!

Learn more about the event here:

SiriusXM Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMAÒ), celebrated the epic ending of the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition by crowning Hailey Benedict fromSt. Albert, Alberta as the 2023 winner. The finale of Canada’s most exciting country music showdown marked the official kickoff to Country Music Week 2023 and was broadcast live onTop of the Country Radio(ch. 171), allowing fans across the nation to join in.

The event showcased a captivating headlining performance by 7x CCMA Award winning duo, The Reklaws, followed by each finalist performing their hearts out for fans and a panel of industry professionals, one last time. In a career-changing moment, Hailey Benedict was crowned this year’s winner, walking away with the coveted title and a grand prize of $25,000. The runners-up, Noah Derkson and Teigan Gayse were also celebrated for their outstanding performance throughout the competition, each receiving $10,000.

"This victory is a dream come true, and I couldn't be more grateful for this incredible opportunity," said Hailey, the newly crowned champion. "The SiriusXM Top of the Country Competition has been an amazing journey, and I want to thank SiriusXM Canada and the Canadian Country Music Association for their unwavering support as I hit my stride throughout this experience.”

The finale was a culmination of months of hard work, beginning with artists from across Canada applying for their chance to fight to the finish, followed by the announcement of eight talented semi-finalists. Public vote narrowed down the group to our top three, who experienced exclusive mentorship sessions and showcases in Nashville and unforgettable performances at major Canadian events including Lasso festival in Montreal.

"We're incredibly proud of the impressive talent showcased in this year's competition and want to congratulate Hailey for this achievement, which is sure to accelerate their rise to stardom,”says Michelle Mearns, VP, Programming & Operations, SiriusXM Canada.“SiriusXM Top of the Country andTop of the Country Radiocontinue to be major platforms for emerging Canadian country artists to gain the recognition they deserve."
"The partnership between the Canadian Country Music Association and SiriusXM Canada has been instrumental in nurturing and promoting home-grown Canadian country music talent,”says Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA.“We’re thrilled to witness the growth and success of the SiriusXM Top of the Country Competition and its impact on our country’s music industry. Congratulations Hailey!”