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Curious Vocalists
Curious Vocalists episodes
- #49 Diaphragmatic Breathing Fix: 10 Ways to Finally Feel Your Core Support
Mastering diaphragmatic breathing can feel elusive, especially if you lack initial body awareness or default to upper-chest movement while singing. In this episode, Grace shares her top ten simple, tried and tested techniques she uses daily for her students, designed to help you connect with your core and build healthy breath support naturally. From everyday physical triggers like coughing, laughing, and smelling a rose to postural adjustments and gravity-assisted positions, this episode offers a diverse toolkit so you can find the specific method that clicks for your body.
Chapters
00:00 Importance of General Bodily Awareness Before Singing
02:03 1: Cough or Laugh to Feel Natural Movement
03:28 Quick Anatomical Description
04:35 2: Pretend You're Shouting For a Taxi
05:51 3: Hands Behind Your Head Posture Corrector
07:05 4: Breathing Exercise Lying Down
08:14 5: Ab Engagement - Brace For A Punch
09:55 6: Exercise for Breathing Low Down 'Into Your Hips'
12:03 7: Sniff the Rose
14:37 8: Squeeze All The Air Out, Then Relax
16:09 9: Let Gravity Help You
17:20 10: Check You're Doing it Right
Key Takeaways
- Before attempting diaphragmatic breathing exercises, building general bodily awareness through gentle stretching, swaying core twists, or ab crunches helps loosen up your midsection.
- Coughing, laughing, or being startled naturally engages your diaphragm and core muscles, providing the exact physical activation needed for singing.
- Using conversational vocal triggers like hailing a taxi or shouting a friend's name allows your support to kick in naturally without over-manipulating your muscles.
- Correct posture, such as imagining a string pulling you up from the crown of your head or lacing your fingers behind your skull, keeps your sternum raised and encourages downward breath movement.
- Practicing while lying down or on your hands and knees uses gravity to help your belly move correctly, making it easier to feel the breath expanding your lower core.
- Many of the muscles we use for singing are involuntary muscles which are often more easily manipulated by envisaging an environment or carrying out an act that inadvertently uses those muscles, like smelling a rose or the kind of slow, silent breathing we do when hiding during a game of hide and seek.
- Explosive consonant blows like angry s, f, and sh sounds check that your airflow is being driven entirely by your belly while your throat and chest stay completely open and relaxed.
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
www.gracehancockmusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
http://www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
23 min - #48 Breath Work for Singers and Voice Coaches: Ease Anxiety and Elevate Well-Being
In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Claire Turner, classical singer, singing teacher, and research and evaluation advisor for the Singing for Health Network, shares how breath work can transform both vocal performance and well-being. Holding an MA in voice pedagogy, Claire explains how intentional breathing practices like coherent breathing, nasal breathing, and breath work techniques calm the nervous system, lower anxiety, and build performance confidence. Claire and Grace discuss how students in one to one voice lessons can often open up and share things in the voice studio space and how, as voice teachers it is important for us to know our boundaries and be clear on our role. They discuss the surprising areas of connection between singing and wellbeing and the untapped potential of breath work in every day life.
Key Takeaways
- Coherent breathing at five to six breaths per minute lowers stress levels, balances the nervous system, and improves cognitive clarity for singers and students.
- Breathing through the nose stimulates calming neural pathways, reducing performance anxiety and improving vocal ease.
- Integrating structured and informed breath work into lessons offers voice teachers a way to expand their services and support students dealing with anxiety.
- Vocal practitioners can boundary their role effectively while using evidence-based breath work to support student well-being without acting as a counselor.
- Singing teachers can diversify their career pathways through specialised training with organisations like the Singing for Health Network.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Singing For Health Network
03:05 Claire's Research on Breath work and Anxiety
05:35 Knowing the Boundaries As A Coach
06:57 How Singers' Natural Breath work is a Superpower
08:30 Breathing For Nervous System Balance
11:32 The Benefits of Nose Breathing
15:34 Singing and Health: Exploring Connections
16:38 Integrating Breath work Into Daily Life
19:11 The Science of Breath and Cognition
21:45 Singing for Health Training Opportunities
24:01 Enquire at Singing For Health Network
25:16 Encouragement to Train in Breath work Facilitation
25:48 Get in Touch With Claire
Contact Claire and the SHN:
- Singing for Health Network: https://www.singingforhealthnetwork.co.uk
The Singing For Health Network offers some training and advice and can also signpost you to other organisations that have established training offerings, such as Sing to Beat Parkinsons https://www.singtobeat.co.uk/ and Singing for Lung Health, https://www.themusicalbreath.com/online-training/ .
- Compassionate Voice (Claire Turner): https://compassionatevoice.co.uk
www.linkedin.com/in/claire-turner-compassionatevoice
www.instagram.com/compassionate_voice
www.facebook.com/compassionatevoiceandbreath
Resources Mentioned:
- Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor (Book)
- Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown (app)
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
www.gracehancockmusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
http://www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
29 min - #47 Solo Artist Realities: Keeping it Authentic and Fun in a DIY World
In this episode of Curious Vocalists, host Grace Hancock connects with Florida-based performer Eddie Z, the talent behind The One-Man Singing Drummer Band. Together, they share an honest, encouraging conversation about the daily reality of running a niche solo music business completely independently.
The conversation explores the physical realities of singing behind a drum kit and what it takes to stay grounded and optimistic while managing booking, marketing, load-ins, and performance entirely on your own, using artificial intelligence tools as an administrative assistant to save time.
From navigating seasonal gig lulls to reconnecting with what your business would look like if you ‘couldn’t fail’, Grace and Eddie discuss career strategy, focusing on how independent performers can package a niche act for international travel on cruise ships and stay on track with their goals whilst keeping the love for it alive.
Filled with humour and positive energy, this conversation offers a supportive space for working vocalists and solo acts who could do with a gratitude re-vamp for the self-employed musician lifestyle!
Chapters
00:36 Introduction to Eddie Z and His Unique Act
03:01 The Art of Singing and Drumming05:48 Challenges of Being a Solo Performer10:55 Hardest Parts of Wearing All the Hats17:04 Don't Be Afraid to Think Big19:15 Insights on Performing on Cruise Ships22:18 Aligning with Purpose and Daily Routines24:11 Balancing Business and Creativity27:16 Embracing Technology and Uniqueness28:55 Quickfire Questions and Personal InsightsKey Takeaways
- Physical Adjustments for Stationary Performers: Switching from a standard boom stand to a wireless headset microphone (like the Shure SM35) allows singing drummers to maintain vocal posture, eliminate mic-distance fatigue, and increase physical movement on stage.
- Managing Multiple Roles: Running a solo performance business requires handling marketing, booking, driving, and roadie duties. Automating administrative tasks with modern technology tools helps prevent burnout.
- Strategic Venue Alignment: Instead of forcing a unique act into standard bar circuits, align your performance style with venues that value specialised entertainment, such as country clubs, luxury resorts, and corporate events.
- Repertoire Diversity: Maintaining an expansive setlist (500+ songs) provides the flexibility needed to pivot across different demographics, from country club crowds to rock venues.
- Packaging for Cruise Lines & Resorts: High-paying guest-entertainer contracts often require concise, themed 45-minute show sets. Packaging niche acts with clear, cohesive themes makes them far easier for cruise directors to book.
- Protecting Your Artistic Passion: Keep gigging fun by selecting music you genuinely love, ignoring unhelpful external opinions, and focusing on generating positive energy from the stage.
Mentions & Resources
- Eddie Z Links:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EddieZDrumBand
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddiezdrumband/
- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EddieZ-TheOneManSingingDrummer
- Gear Mentioned:
- Shure SM35 Performance Headset Condenser Microphone
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
www.gracehancockmusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
http://www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
35 min - #46 How to Sing All I Wanted: Hayley Williams Rock Belt Breakdown
In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace is coached through the notoriously tricky belt technique of Hayley Williams in the Paramore song ‘All I Wanted’ by renowned vocal coach, singer, and educator Alexandra Pengler. Together they break down what makes Hayley’s chest-dominant mix voice so massive yet sustainable. The discussion and exercises centre on subtle vowel modification and vocal tract shaping, allowing Grace to thin out her vocal folds while maintaining a rich, authentic and speech-level chest resonance. Hear in real-time how the practical exercises, including tongue placement and mouth positioning, navigate Grace through the vocal passaggio without losing power, flipping into a softer register or sounding too manipulated.
Key Takeaways
- Master Vowel Modification: High belts rely on adjusting internal vowel shapes rather than pulling raw chest voice upward or widening the lips.
- Vowel shaping happens at the back of the mouth as well as with the lips.
- Nasality is often not needed on high notes and can even be an indicator that some over-compensation is happening that a correct vowel would fix.
- Avoid the Passaggio Trap: To transition smoothly through the passaggio (A to C range), the vocal folds must thin out gradually while maintaining steady subglottal pressure.
- Internal Space / Outer Shape: Creating space at the back of the mouth (a letterbox or rectangular shape) prevents the larynx from rising and eliminates unwanted nasality.
- Keep the Tongue Forward: Placing the tongue flat and forward near the bottom front teeth prevents tongue root tension and maintains a natural, speech-level tone.
- Root the Base Notes: A solid chest voice foundation provides the necessary balance for high-register belting.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Alexandra Pengler
01:51 Understanding Chest Dominant Mix and Vowel Modification
03:22 Common Mistakes in Belting Techniques
07:11 Grace's First Attempt
07:32 Exercises For A More Speech-Like, Rock Sound
17:05 Finding The Right Vowel & Tongue Position
19:42 How the Mouth Shape Alters the Vocal Register
25:23 Grace's Final Attempt - Much Better!
25:59 Sum Up and Takeaways
30:05 General Rules for Modifying the Vowels
31:19 Get In Touch With Alexandra
Mentioned Resources & Links
- Alexandra Pengler Official Website: https://alexandrapengler.com
- Alexandra Pengler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandra.pengler.vocals/?hl=en
- Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA): Vocal education organisation referenced in the discussion.
- BIMM University Hamburg: Music higher education institution Alexandra previously lectured at.
- Alexandra is Vocal Technique Lecturer at Hamburg University for Music and Theatre: https://www.hamburg.com/residents/study/hfmt-19310
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
www.gracehancockmusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
http://www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
34 min - #45 Confessions of Anxious Performers: Emotion, Perfectionism & Loving Your Natural Sound
In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace sits down with vocalist and self-described “neuro-spicy, sensitive bean” Emily Parker (Emily Jean) who’s varied skills and interests in nature art and animals informs the incredibly intuitive and empathetic perspective on emotion and the voice. Packed with easy banter, laughs and spontaneous growth noises, the pair explore the direct link between a singer's emotional state and their physical voice. Emily shares her personal journey from experiencing extreme physical performance anxiety to discovering simple grounding habits that bring ease back into her performances. The conversation delves into using singing as a tool for emotional processing rather than a high-stakes performance for judgment, dismantling the culture of vocal perfectionism, and learning to celebrate other singers' talents without falling into the trap of self-comparison. From the healing power of songwriting to spontaneous Pokemon references, this chat is an uplifting reminder that authenticity will always trump perfection.
Key Takeaways
- The Physical Mind-Voice Link: Mental fatigue, anxiety, and unaddressed emotional stress frequently show up as physical tension in the body, making singing feel constrained or heavy.
- Simple Grounding Techniques: Grounding habits like standing barefoot on natural ground (grass or soil), running cold water over the face, or using the physiological sigh help send safety signals to the nervous system before going on stage.
- Singing as Emotional Processing: Approaching songs as a safe avenue to process grief, joy, and raw emotion creates a cathartic experience for both the performer and the listener.
- Ditching Perfectionism: Embracing small performance mistakes and sharing imperfect moments creates authenticity and reduces the societal pressure of "all-or-nothing" performance standards.
- Overcoming Comparison: Recognising that every voice has an individual, inherent value prevents singers from tying their self-worth strictly to technical vocal prowess or competitive hierarchies.
- Inherent Worth Over Technical Ability: Moving away from analysing every vocal riff or belt allows singers to lean into their unique, natural sound and build real connection with an audience.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to How Emotions Influence Singing
08:05 Grounding Techniques for the Anxious Performer
13:29 Emotions Stored in Funny Places
16:28 Using Singing As Emotional Processing
26:36 Celebrating Individuality In Voices
27:45 Celebrating Others' Voices Without Comparison
30:58 Not Placing Your Worth on Your Singing
32:53 Fight The Perfectionist Culture!
34:31 Being Yourself Trumps Being 'The Best'
Resources and Mentions
Emily’s Vocal Work:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyjeanvocalist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyjeanvocalist/
Emily’s Make up Artistry:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EJGArtistry/Instagram:@EJGArtistry
- Curious Vocalists Episode No.40 “Acceptance is Not Defeat”
https://gracehancockmusic.podbean.com/e/40-acceptance-is-not-defeat-align-with-your-path-to-success/
- Curious Vocalists Episode with Emma G No.24 “Songwriting As Healing”
https://gracehancockmusic.podbean.com/e/24-songwriting-as-healing-turning-your-past-into-a-powerful-future-with-emma-g/
- Emma G's Book on Mental Health and Songwriting: Mental Health Sounds Like This
https://emmagmusic.bandcamp.com/merch/mental-health-sounds-like-this-book
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
www.gracehancockmusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
http://www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
43 min - #44 Vocal Coaching Essentials: Navigating Student Anxiety, Expectations and Teacher Burnout
In this episode of Curious Vocalists, host Grace Hancock sits down with European voice teacher, author, and SingWell founder, Linor Oren to explore the world of vocal coaching from behind the piano. Designed for singing teachers, vocal coaches, and those looking to branch out into the industry, this conversation is an honest and insightful look into the different approaches to teaching and ways to make it sustainable and fulfilling for student and teacher.
They strip away the pressure of quick-fix culture and discuss managing expectations, protecting teacher energy against burnout, and using a flexible, curious and open approach which doesn’t demand the teacher to have all the answers straight away.
Linor shares practical approaches from her new book, Sing Anyway, which shows how to guide students past performance anxiety, a common issue in students of all levels and they discuss ways to help students develop a healthy, authentic relationship to music through curiosity, playfulness and long-term vocal progress.
Key Takeaways
- Abandon the "Miracle Worker" Pressure: A great vocal coach does not need to have all the answers instantly. Framing lessons around trying multiple solutions takes the weight off the teacher while keeping the student empowered.
- Streamline Lesson Preparation: Avoid spending hours planning every single minute. Grouping exercises by functional category (e.g., jaw release, tongue tension, core engagement) allows you to improvise effectively based on what you hear in real time.
- Holistic Bodywork First: Prioritise whole-body preparation— release upper-body strain before diving into vocal drills. Don’t be afraid to deploy the ‘I’m not a therapist, but…’ approach to psychological issues when constant scales and drills alone don’t help the issue.
- Isolate Skills with Easy Songs: When working on vocal technique, work on one at a time. Then apply new mechanics to simple songs first. Reserve complex, challenging repertoire for fun, performance-focused sing-throughs.
- Transform "Dirty Fuel" into Curiosity: Reframe the student's need for external validation or perfection. Praise process, play, and individual expression over flawless execution to build long-term confidence.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Linor Oren
02:50 Transitioning from Performer to Teacher
05:29 The Pressure To Be a Know-It-All
07:22 Managing Student Expectations and Energy
09:10 Protecting Yourself from Teacher Burnout
10:59 Holistic Approaches in Vocal Teaching
13:11 Body Work and Its Importance in Singing
16:08 Lesson Prep Vs No Lesson Prep
16:44 Planning Lessons: To Plan or Not to Plan?
18:39 Finding Flexibility in Teaching Methods
21:08 Common Anxieties Among Vocal Coaches
22:29 Focusing on One Thing at a Time
25:04 Easy Songs First for Bedding in Technique
26:18 Nurturing Healthy Relationships With Music
30:47 Expectations and the Pressure to Perform
32:18 Promoting Individuality and Authentic Expression
33:50 Creating a Playful Learning Environment
39:55 Introducing 'Sing Anyway' - A Guide to Finding Your Voice
Resources & Links Mentioned
- Linor Oren's Official Website & Studio: https://singwell.eu/
- Book by Linor Oren: Sing Anyway: https://singwell.eu/book/
- Linor’s Guest Appearance Mentioned: Singing Teachers Talk Podcast by BAST Training: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-270-how-to-help-singers-overcome-fear-and-build/id1477544802?i=1000778790022
- Curious Vocalists Episode mentioned on Tori Kelly’s Melisma Mastery: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ni8mm-1b3e012
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
http://www.gracehancockmusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
http://www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
50 min - #43 Why You CAN Sing and Play Piano: An Easy Guide to Start Accompanying Yourself
Many singers dream of accompanying themselves on piano but back away due to self-doubt, technical overwhelm, or the fear of sounding childish. This episode tackles the biggest obstacles holding vocalists back from sitting at the keys. By breaking down complex playing into simple, manageable pieces, lower-stakes practice techniques, and essential 4-chord songs, this episode shows how any singer can build the skills and mindset needed to play piano while singing.
Download the Free PDF Guide Here!: The 12 Major Keys on Piano
https://gracehancockmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-12-Major-Keys-on-Piano.pdfKey Takeaways
- Most popular songs rely on just four basic chords, meaning you do not need advanced music theory to sound great.
- The most impressive musical performances often rely more heavily on expression and conviction, rather than technical prowess.
- Lower your expectations during practice; give yourself permission to spend 20 minutes focusing on just one single element at a time.
- To avoid sounding basic, focus on simple chord inversions and gentle pedal work rather than complex finger work.
- Overcome singing and playing coordination issues by separating rhythm exercises from your voice before combining them.
- Being an adult beginner is a strength: leave your ego at the door, lower the stakes, and embrace curiosity over perfection.
- Trust your ears when practicing to judge if a chord progression sounds right and feels physically efficient.
Chapters
00:36 Introduction to Self-Accompaniment
01:04 Overcoming Technical Myths
05:57 Your Starting Point - 4-Chord Song Suggestions
09:33 Tips to Sound More Professional Straight Off the Bat
14:01 Building Momentum and Avoiding Frustration
16:04 Hand and Voice Co-ordination Exercises
21:40 Embracing the Beginner's Mindset
22:10 There Is No Shame In Being A Beginner
23:58 There Is No Chance of 'Failure'
25:00 The Role of Self-Belief and Incentive
25:32 Self Belief Can Be Built Through Encouragement & Incentive
28:46 How to Know If You're Practising Right
Resources & Mentions
- Free PDF Guide: The 12 Major Keys on Piano (for all your chords at your fingertips!) - https://gracehancockmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-12-Major-Keys-on-Piano.pdf
- YouTube Tutorial: Easy Piano Chord Inversions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xuuq8DtUy_g
- Ultimate Guitar website for song chords - https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/
Suggested 4-chord song to start you off in the key of C:
(all use C G Am & F, but not necessarily in that order)
- Female Suggestions in C: Price Tag (Jessie J), A Thousand Years (Christina Perri), She Will Be Loved (Maroon 5), Fast Car (Tracy Chapman), Shotgun (George Ezra).
- Male Song Suggestions in C: Demons (Imagine Dragons), With Or Without You (U2), Someone You Loved (Lewis Capaldi), Otherside (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Zombie (The Cranberries).
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
https://www.gracehancockmusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
https://www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
34 min - #42 Tori Kelly's Melisma Mastery: Secrets to Fast, Light Vocal Agility
Tori Kelly is renowned for intricate, agile vocal runs that move with hummingbird-like speed and agility. In this episode of Curious Vocalists, host Grace Hancock breaks down the foundational elements behind these irresistible melismas and shares the training exercises used to emulate her style. Drawing from R&B influences like Alicia Keys and Justin Timberlake, the episode covers how light vocal coordination, balanced air pressure, and strong diaphragmatic support create a nimble foundation. Listeners will learn the mechanics of upward agility, the laryngeal bounce for crystalline articulation, pentatonic scale mastery, and diaphragm-driven staccato exercises to transform heavy, forced runs into weightless, percussive vocal lines.
Key Takeaways
- Light Vocal Coordination: Singing with less vocal weight allows for faster, more nimble movement across notes while encouraging a quick vibrato that adds instant texture to longer tones.
- Air Pressure Balance: Straw exercises help maintain balanced breath pressure across your entire range, letting you travel through your vocal break with total volume control.
- Upward Agility: Developing fast upward scales builds the signature show-off sound characteristic of modern R&B melismas.
- The Laryngeal Bounce: Fast runs rely on subtle micro-pulses from the larynx rather than breath pushes, creating distinct, percussive notes without slurring.
- Pentatonic Scale Mastery: Decoupling complex runs by slowing them down reveals the exact pentatonic patterns needed to execute fast melismas accurately.
- Diaphragm-Driven Staccato: Practicing isolated diaphragm engagement builds clean, rhythmic micro-attacks that align naturally with the beat.
Chapters
00:35 Exploring Vocal Agility and Influences
03:04 Signature Sounds and Personal Experiences
04:40 Key Elements of Tori Kelly's Vocal Technique
07:19 Exercises for Balanced Air Pressure When Singing
11:57 The Mix Voice Belting Illusion
18:35 The UPWARDS Agility
19:54 Laryngeal Bounce and Articulation
21:42 Mastering the Pentatonic Scale
23:23 Diaphragmatic Support
Resources Mentioned
Brett Manning Singing Success Mastering Mix singingsuccess.com
Featured Artists and Track References:
- Tori Kelly - Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing (Stevie Wonder Cover)
- Tori Kelly - Pretty Young Thing (Michael Jackson Cover)
- Tori Kelly - God Must Really Love Me (Album and Title Track)
- Alicia Keys - Fallin' and How Come You Don't Call Me (from Songs in A Minor)
- Justin Timberlake - Cry Me A River (From the Justified Album)
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
www.gracehancockmusic.com
instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
28 min - #41 Abbey Road Vocal Secrets: Best Take Tips with Erika Brett
Get ready for an exclusive peek inside the most famous recording space on the planet! In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace Hancock sits down with Erika Brett—lead singer, keyboardist, Hammond organist, and harmony arranger for Chicago’s fiercely independent roots-rock band The Empty Pockets. Erika takes us behind the heavy doors of Abbey Road Studio 2 to break down the raw, thrilling process of tracking their new record live to tape in the very room where musical history was written.
Erika lifts the curtain on what it’s really like to make music surrounded by history—from playing the legendary Hammond RT3 organ (complete with cigarette burns left on the woodwork by John Lennon and Paul McCartney!) to rescuing the famous Challen "Time Out" upright piano from the corner of the studio to unlock an impromptu, groove-heavy take.
Beyond the gear magic, Erika tackles the intense pressure cooker of high-stakes recording. She shares how independent artists can conquer studio overwhelm, quiet the inner perfectionist, and capture peak vocal takes when every second counts. Packed with nervous-system warm-up secrets, microphone proximity tricks inspired by Rubber Soul, and stories from the Abbey Road floor, this conversation is an inspiring masterclass in bringing playfulness, courage, and authenticity to any recording session.
Key Takeaways
- Settle Your Nervous System Before Your Voice: Erika begins her studio vocal warmup with a vocal mist nebuliser, laryngeal and jaw massage, back-mobility breathing exercises, and SOVT straw routines to calm anxiety before singing a note.
- Beat Studio Perfectionism in 2 to 3 Takes: While first takes can feel stiff and late takes overthought, the second or third take usually captures the optimal balance of vocal control and emotional freedom.
- Try Tracking Vocals While Seated: If standing at a studio microphone creates physical rigidity or performance anxiety, sitting down can lower body tension and produce a noticeably more relaxed vocal delivery.
- Experiment with Microphone Proximity: Taking inspiration from Beatles sessions on Rubber Soul, moving closer or farther from the mic creates distinct tonal colours and dynamic intimacy.
- Let the Instrument Drive the Arrangement: Swapping between instruments—like moving from a grand piano to Abbey Road's vintage Challen upright—can instantly alter hand phrasing, groove, and vocal space.
- Protect Vocal Health with Keyboards: Playing keys on extended tours gives singers a practical way to manage vocal fatigue and offload pressure when performing night after night.
Chapters
00:50 Abbey Road Studios Experiences
04:52 The Empty Pocket's Ethos
08:44 How They Got Into Abbey Road
11:15 Erika's Vocal Prep for Recording Day
13:53 One-Take Wonder or Warm Into It?
15:34 Dealing With Perfectionism in The Studio
17:52 The Effects of Play & Exploration in The Studio
22:27 Challenges in Accompanying Yourself in the Studio
25:16 Journeys from Singer to Singer Pianists
29:00 Where to Find The Empty Pockets Music
29:37 QuickFire Questions
Mentions
Band & Guest
- The Empty Pockets: theemptypockets.com
- Abbey Road Mini-Documentary: Watch on YouTube
Studio & Location
- Abbey Road Studios (Studio 2, Studio 3, Studio 1) — London, UK
Gear & Vocal Tools
- Hammond RT3 & B-2 Organs (Featuring vintage cigarette burns from John Lennon & Paul McCartney)
- Challen Upright Piano (Rubber Soul era)
- Mrs. Mills Piano & Mellotron
- Vocal Tools: Vocal Mist Nebuliser, SOVT (Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract) Warmup Straws
Featured Artists & Tracks
- Al Stewart & Alan Parsons (Key industry mentors and collaborators)
- The Empty Pockets Tracks: "I Never Get Sick of You"
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
www.gracehancockmusic.com
instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
35 min - #40 Acceptance Is Not Defeat: Align with Your Path to Success
In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace Hancock explores the high-achiever’s most feared notions: acceptance of our imperfections and being brave enough to be ordinary. Using her recent revelations through the wise words of well known authors, she highlights how these are far from signs of defeat, but rather the keys to your highest, most natural success in music…and life in general. She picks apart the hidden mental resistance, perfectionism, and burnout that so many musicians experience. Drawing from personal stories—from classroom teaching tension to self-imposed pressure around mastering jazz theory—Grace breaks down why pushing harder often backfires.
By distinguishing between expectations, standards, and goals, this episode offers a fresh perspective on self-acceptance, letting go of force, and trusting your own natural flow. Learn how to transform your practice room into a play space, redefine what it means to be ordinary, and truly celebrate the small internal eureka moments that shape your musical journey.
Key Takeaways
- Mental resistance and the constant internal drive to force results are major causes of creative burnout.
- Acceptance is a supportive mindset that lets you relax into your current reality so you can move forward effectively.
- Author Ben Crowe highlights that self-acceptance must be paired with self-compassion, grounded in your inherent self-worth.
- Distinguish your expectations from your standards: expectations predict outcomes, standards reflect what you accept right now, and goals keep your long-term vision alive.
- Working hard using clean fuel (joy, connection, authentic expression) leads to sustainable progress, whereas dirty fuel (seeking validation, competing, proving yourself) leads to exhaustion.
- Embracing the courage to be ordinary releases the pressure to appear impressive, leaving space for genuine strengths to grow.
- You can control three things: your effort, your expectations, and your mindset.
- The pre-practice routine encourages treating the practice room as a laboratory rather than a stage.
Mentioned Resources & Useful Links
- Where the Light Gets In by Ben Crowe
- Healthy Gamer Podcast: Episode "Your Standards are Way Higher Than They Should Be" by Dr. K
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
- The Courage to Be Ordinary by Ichiro Kishimi
- Podcast Website: Curious Vocalists
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
www.gracehancockmusic.com
instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
24 min
About Curious Vocalists
From the publisher's feed
For the curious singers who want to find more fulfilment from their craft, join Grace for a deep dive into comprehensive vocal training techniques and profound emotional awareness.
Featuring insightful interviews with experienced performers and practitioners, listen in as Grace gleans wisdom about the technical know-how, mental resilience and ways to navigate this turbulent industry with integrity and purpose.