In this episode of Curious Vocalists, we step into the studio with Kimberly Shires, a classically trained clarinetist turned independent music producer, audio engineer, and owner of Hear Me Roar Studios. Kimberly shares powerful insights from her recent festival panel about breaking down technical barriers and eliminating the gatekeeping that often leaves artists feeling lost during the production process.

We explore why walking into a session relying solely on emotion can lead to miscommunication, as human feelings are entirely unique. Kimberly explains how artists can use reference tracks as a translation tool to dissect songs, identify specific sonic elements, and communicate effectively with engineers without needing to know complex technical jargon. The conversation also covers practical studio preparation—from the necessity of practicing with a metronome and marking breathing points on lyric sheets, to the psychological benefits of fixed-price recording sessions that eliminate the pressure of the clock.

Finally, Kimberly discusses the realisation that led her to launch Hear Me Roar Studios as a dedicated, welcoming environment for women, queer, and gender-expansive creators. Describing her role as "part music producer and part empowerment," Kimberly explains why a successful recording session often requires the skills of a therapist—building deep trust, reading an artist's hesitation, creating a space where it is safe to say "no," and ultimately helping vocalists access a level of confidence and power they never knew they possessed.

Key Topics

Chapters

00:00 Empowering Artists in the Studio

02:57 Navigating Emotions and Reference Tracks

06:03 How to Communicate Vision and Sound

10:17 How to Keep the Vision You Want for A Song

14:34 Co-Creation Rather Than Blind Trust

18:15 Bringing Out the Best in Reserved Artists

22:15 Navigating Creative Pressure

22:41 Preparing for A Studio Session

25:13 Mastering Timing and Rhythm

26:46 Prep for Voice and Lyrics Performance

30:26 No Music Theory Knowledge? - No Problem

31:36 The Journey to Empowerment in Music Production

34:21 The Studio As A Safe Space for Connection and Creation

36:41 Get In Touch With Kimberly

Mentions:

Kimberly’s Studio: hearmeroarstudio.com 

Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/hearmeroarstudio/

Kimberly’s Free Guide to Recording Vocals From Home: https://hearmeroarstudio.com/free-vocal-guide

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, life coach Tom Fogg joins a relaxed, conversational, yet profound exploration of the the relationship between truth, authenticity, and creativity. Rather than a structured interview, this is an open dialogue centred on the concept of truth and its foundational role in maintaining creative wellbeing. They discuss practical techniques for embracing self-compassion, overcoming creative blocks, and living in harmony with the natural flow of life, inspired by philosophies like Taoism.

The conversation is honest, personal and explores psychologically grounded ways to navigate the inner critic we all have, moving past superficial solutions to examine what happens when we face our internal voices with absolute honesty.

This episode offers an unhurried, substantial look into the psyche, making it a perfect match for those who appreciate meaningful, psychological exploration rather than a bit of light listening.

Key Topics

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Authenticity and Creativity

05:21 Navigating the Creative Process

13:06 How Creativity Can Be Stifled as a Child

18:25 Overcoming Stigmas Around Being an Artist

21:56 Our Thoughts as Self-inflicted Suffering

26:30 Allowing Creativity Rather Than Forcing It

31:41 Compassionate Living and Acceptance

33:06 Navigating Creative Blocks

36:33 Lower Your Expectations But Never Your Standards

42:24 Confronting the Inner Critic

44:56 The Power of Sharing Your Truth

49:16 The Courage to Share

Resources Mentioned:

The Games People Play - Book by Eric Burn

The Creative Act - Book by Rick Rubin

The Tao Te Ching - Book (translation by Stephen Mitchell)

Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway - Book by Susan Jeffers

Dr. K’s The Healthy Gamer podcast - Episode title: Your Standards are Way Higher Than They Should Be

The Blind Boy Podcast

Tetragrammaton - Rick Rubin’s Podcast 

Get in contact with Tom: Instagram - instagram.com/tomfoggcoach/

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

What happens when the music stops and it is time to talk to the crowd? For many musicians and vocalists, bridging the gap between songs is the most nerve-racking part of the show. In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace sits down with comedian, author, and comedy workshop leader Logan Murray—who has taught the likes of household names like Greg Davies and Rhod Gilbert.

Logan shares invaluable insights into transforming performance anxiety into focused energy, treating the audience like your mates, and tapping into the power of the conversational afterthought. Whether you are an introverted performer looking to connect more naturally or someone looking to inject a bit of playful humour into your set, this conversation explores how to get out of your own head and step into the flow zone.

To learn more about Logan's work, books, and upcoming creativity workshops, visit his regular comedy hubs or check out his sessions at the Museum of Comedy in London.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stage Nerves and Performance Anxiety

04:54 Connecting with the Audience: Treating Them as Friends

08:12 The Art of Conversation in Performance

11:31 Rehearsed vs Spontaneous

12:14 The Importance of Playfulness in Performance

17:13 Workshop Techniques To Find Your Inner Idiot

21:05 All Comedy is A Reaction

23:01 The Impact of Nutrition on Performance

25:39 How much to Prepare for Audience Interaction

27:31 Logan's Various Comedy Workshops

29:03 How to Turn Fear into Playfulness

34:58 The Balance of Stupidity and Cleverness in Comedy

39:31 The Importance of Play in Art and Performance

39:59 Exploring Logan's Creative Ventures

42:02 The Quickfire Round

Mentions/ Resources:

Info on Logan’s comedy courses: https://loganmurray.com/news

Logan’s Book: Get Started in Stand-Up Comedy - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Started-Stand-Up-Comedy-Teach-Yourself/dp/1473607183

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

In the second half of this special two-part series on the compelling speaking voice, the focus shifts from the physical foundations of voice to the art of delivery and leadership presence. This episode explores how to move beyond a monotone or repetitive delivery to find a voice that commands authority while maintaining a genuine connection with your audience.

Through practical exercises and mindset shifts, the discussion covers:

Whether you are introducing a song on stage, leading a rehearsal, or presenting in a professional setting, these tools are designed to help you integrate your technical skills with a grounded, authentic presence.

Chapters

00:00 Foundations of Authentic Speaking

00:36 Exploring Pitch and Variety

06:38 Projection and Pacing Techniques

16:31 The Power of Pauses

21:29 Building Confidence and Stage Presence

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

In this first instalment of a special two-part series, Curious Vocalists shifts the spotlight from the singing voice to the speaking voice. While musicians spend countless hours perfecting their melodies, the words spoken between songs—introductions, workshop instructions, and audience gratitude—are just as vital for establishing authority and authentic connection.

Grace guides you through the essential physical pillars of a confident stage presence: posture, breath, and resonance. This episode is designed to be interactive, featuring three specific exercises you can perform in real-time to reset your posture, anchor your breath for steady delivery, and find your natural resonant "home" voice. Learn how to stop speaking from the throat and start commanding the room with a tone that is both warm and authoritative.

In this episode, you will:

Featured Exercises:

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Confident Speaking

01:25 Engaging the Diaphragm and Body Awareness

06:41 Exercises for Better Breath Support

11:11 Why Handstands Help Your Voice

14:38 Tone, Resonance and Authenticity

Resources

Episode 25 For The Anxious Performer: Nervous System Regulation with Emily Kennedy-Barnes - Curious Vocalists Episode 25 For The Anxious Performer

More info on the health benefits of humming, nitric oxide and its roles in your health - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVoGbaq8xos

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

http://www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, RTT Practitioner and Hypnotherapist Laura Paton joins the show to de-mystify the world of hypnotherapy. She clarifies that the process is far from the freaky stereotypes of swinging clocks or losing consciousness; instead, it is a grounded method of relaxing the nervous system where the individual remains fully in control. The conversation explores how subconscious beliefs dictate our confidence and how to handle those moments when you feel like you’re in so much of a negative ‘funk’ that you BECOME the funk! Laura shares specific somatic techniques to shift out of those heavy mental states, offering performers practical ways to move through self-doubt and find their most authentic voice.

Key Topics

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Laura Paton

03:47 Exploring Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT)

12:01 The Process of RTT and Client Experience

13:56 How Unpicking Past Experiences Can Help Your Identity as a Performer

18:45 Navigating Identity and Self-Worth in Creativity

26:50 The Impact of COVID-19 on Personal Growth

30:02 Finding Courage and Passion in Creativity

31:40 Turning a Negative Funk into Creative Flow

40:48 Future Projects and the Power of Audio Therapy

Resources/ Mentions

Laura Paton, RTT Hypnotherapist on Instagram - instagram.com/rtthypnotherapist/

Tree of Life Centre in Hove - www.tolcentre.com/

Muswell Health Centre in North London - www.muswellhealth.uk/

Dr Gabor Mate 3-7-8 breathing

Marisa Peer - the founder of the Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) method - https://marisapeer.com/

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

Why does the voice tighten just when we need it most? In this episode, we sit down with Mind-Body Neuroscientist and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner Emily Kennedy-Barnes to decode the physiological override that happens on stage.

Emily offers practical exercises beyond basic stress management to explore how neuroscience and somatic experiencing can transform your relationship with your instrument. Emily explains that stage anxiety is a survival response that can bypass your technical training. Instead of traditional poses, we explore somatic yoga as a tool for interoception—learning to understand the signals your body sends to your brain.

Whether you’re a semi-professional or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers a valuable insight into embodiment and nervous system regulation. Try these subtle, practical exercises backstage or in the wings before show to ensure your biology works with you rather than against you.

Key Topics

Nervous system and performance

Somatic experiencing and trauma release

Neuroscience and movement connection

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Somatic Practices

02:55 Understanding Somatic Experiencing and Yoga

06:33 The Body-Mind Connection Explained

08:58 The Impact of Past Experiences on Performance

10:33 Stage Nerves on a Biological Level

14:32 Techniques to Manage Performance Anxiety

19:14 Practical Exercises for Nervous System Regulation

27:36 Exploring the Lymphatic System and Circulation

37:28 Breathwork for Singing with Unregulated Nervous System

41:08 How to Be a More Grounded Performer

47:33 Recovery Strategies After Performances

52:18 Get In Touch with Emily

Mentions:

Emily Kennedy-Barnes Instagram - www.instagram.com/somaticyogatherapist/

Emily’s Website: www.somaticyogatherapist.co.uk

Emily’s Email - [email protected]

The Tree of Life Centre, Brighton - https://www.tolcentre.com/

Extra Info on today's Guest:

Emily has a paper currently in press at BJPsych Open -a feasibility randomised controlled trial of somatic yoga therapy for functional neurological disorder, conducted within the NEUROADS Lab at King’s College London. - The first study of its kind!

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

How do you break through the old habits and creative "scar tissue" that keep you stuck? In this episode, Grace sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter, author, vocal coach, and TEDx speaker Emma G.

After surviving 10 brain surgeries by age 14, Emma didn't just find a way to live—she found a way to rewrite her narrative through music. They discuss her new book, Mental Health Sounds Like This, and take a close look into cognitive reframing. Emma explains how songwriting isn’t just about making music; it’s a neuroscientific tool for moving past trauma, silencing self-sabotage, and reclaiming your voice.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your lyrics or paralysed by your past, this conversation will show you how to use your voice as a precision tool for empowerment and self-discovery.

Key Topics

Music as a tool for cognitive reframing

The impact of music on brain development after trauma

Using songwriting to process emotions and trauma

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emma G's Journey

02:53 The Healing Power of Music

05:53 Neuroscience of Music and Emotion

08:23 Transforming Trauma into Growth

10:49 The Five Stages of Songwriting for Healing

13:54 Using Your Voice as a Tool for Empowerment

16:51 Navigating Emotions and Self-Identity

19:19 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Growth

25:38 Exploring Emotions Through Writing

28:20 Creating a Safe Space for Self-Expression

30:48 Redefining Self-Worth Beyond Productivity

33:54 Learning from Indigenous Cultures

35:58 Taking Control of Your Narrative

38:11 Using Music as a Tool for Self-Discovery

41:43 The Importance of Authentic Expression

45:32 Building Your Own Musical Affirmations

Resources and Mentions:

Krav Maga - a form of self defence

Emma G's Website - https://emmagmusic.com

Mental Health Sounds Like This (Book) - https://shorturl.at/BBn4y

https://www.instagram.com/emmagmusic/

My Episode on Meredith Miller’s 5 Archetypes of Self-Sabotage as mentioned: https://admin5.podbean.com/gracehancockmusic/stats/episodes

Meredith Miller’s website: https://www.innerintegration.com/

Kimberly Shires - founder of Hear Me Roar Studios  - music production for women and non-binary Artists:  https://hearmeroarstudio.com/

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

Performing every night isn't just an art—it’s an athletic feat. In this solo episode, Grace talks about the rigorous vocal demands of life as a cruise ship performer, sharing the exact strategies she uses to maintain peak stamina while on the go.

Whether you’re a professional touring artist or an aspiring singer, this episode serves as a masterclass in vocal longevity. Grace walks you through her personal daily routine, providing live demonstrations of Targeted Warm-Ups to activate every register and faucet of your voice. She gives tips on the mechanics of placement, hydration, breath support, and active vocal injury prevention. Stay listening to the end for a sing along of Grace’s exercise and warm up routine inspired by the vocal runs and riffs of Tori Kelly.

Key Topics

Vocal stamina and longevity

Hydration and nutrition for singers

Warm-up and cool-down routines

Breathing techniques and posture

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vocal Stamina

02:18 Hydration and Nutrition for Singers

04:53 The Importance of Vocal Warm-ups

08:06 Movement and Fitness in Singing

10:56 Breathing Techniques for Singers

13:49 Performance Techniques and Vocal Control

17:05 Post-Performance Care and Warm Down

19:34 Vocal Exercises and Practical Tips

Mentions:

Tori Kelly’s version of ‘PYT’ by Michael Jackson and the runs I base my exercise routines off of: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZCCPE-b1BQ

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Grace's Instagram

Grace's Facebook

Are you trapped in your own head when you’re on stage? You’re hitting the notes and wearing the smile, but internally, you’re calculating the audience's reaction rather than feeling the music.

In today’s episode, Grace goes deep into the archives of your mind to understand why the flow state feels so elusive for many vocalists. Using Meredith Miller’s transformative framework from her course, Ending Self-Sabotage, Grace explores the five primitive archetypes we develop in childhood to navigate stress:

The heart of the episode focuses on The Pleaser and The Rationaliser—the archetypes that turns the piano into a "beast" and the stage into a courtroom. Grace shares her own journey from the rigid, "pleasing" stages of cruise ship life to finding a more grounded, authentic connection to music through teaching and boundary-setting.

Whether you’re a professional struggling with perfectionism or a student trying to trust your intuition, this episode is a roadmap to moving from a "Primitive" survival mode to becoming a Balanced Thinker and a Healthy Boundary Setter on stage and improving your relationship with your music.

Chapters

00:00 The 5 Primitive Archetypes

08:43 How Rationalisers and Pleasers are Hindered on Stage

10:41 Famous Artists and Their Motives to Perform

17:33 How Boundaries and Balanced Thinking Improves Your Singing

25:00 Other Signs You're a Rationaliser or Pleaser in Your Music

30:03 Questions to Reflect On

References & Resources:

The framework of the 5 Primitive/Immature Archetypes (Pleaser, Rationaliser, Runner, Aggressor, Eraser) and their Mature counterparts mentioned in this episode is based on the teachings from the course Ending Self-Sabotage by Meredith Miller.

For those interested in exploring these archetypes further, I highly recommend checking out her work at www.innerintegration.com

The Link to the course ‘Ending Self-Sabotage’: https://www.innerintegration.com/store/PSAHd5gz

Note: This podcast is a personal commentary and exploration of these concepts as they apply to vocal pedagogy and is not an official representation of the original course material.

Further Listening/reading: Meredith’s Podcast: Inner Integration Podcast - www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prisoners-of-childhood-a-commentary-on-alice/id1418633395?i=1000452245309 - Prisoners of Childhood: A commentary on Alice Miller’s The Drama of the Gifted Child

Book: Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway - Susan Jeffers

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Grace's Instagram

Grace's Facebook