Sam Buckingham is one of Australia's most respected independent artists. Her album Beautiful Machine debuted at #4 on the ARIA charts — entirely crowd-funded and self-released.

In this conversation, Sam and Mel Lathouras get into the real mechanics of building a sustainable music career without a label: how she built her community, why she chose crowd-funding over traditional paths, and what it actually takes to maintain creative control while paying the bills.

They also talk about touring life, staying grounded, and why the music industry's "rules" don't always apply.

🎙️ Sam's tour dates 🌐 Sam's website 📷 Instagram: @sambuckingham

Follow Femme Music: Mel Lathouras is the founder of Femme Music Club — an online membership for femme-identifying musicians and creatives. 👉 femmemusicclub.com 👉 Instagram: @femmemusicclub / @mellathouras

In this heart-filled, laugh-out-loud episode, I sit down with the glorious Sue Ray—a proud Gamilaraay woman, award-winning singer-songwriter, and total genre-bending powerhouse.

We talk about her roots in country and punk, her deep love for jazz, and the wild ride from 1AM Troubadour gigs to Nina Simone tributes at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

✨ Expect stories, Brisbane nostalgia, music memories, laughs, and so much heart.

🎟️ Come see us LIVE at Femme Jazz Sessions — Thursday 29 May @ The Cave Inn

Book Your Tickets Here

Let's dive into the good stuff!

00:20 – Meet Sue Ray

01:55 – The Fondelles + band beginnings

06:52 – Musical roots in Toowoomba

20:52 – Discovering jazz + first influences

26:12 – Nina Simone tribute + the Powerhouse

28:21 – Toowoomba Jazz Club magic

31:09 – Social media vs. live audience

34:35 – Nashville sessions + new music

41:26 – Final reflections + what's next

📲 Follow Sue Ray: @sueraymusic | www.sueraymusic.com

🎧 More from Mel: @mellathouras | www.fearlesssinger.com

#FearlessSinger #SueRay #FemmeJazz #SingerSongwriterPodcast #WomenInMusic

In this inspiring episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Alex Van den Broek—arranger, choral director, singer-songwriter, and vocal harmony legend.

We chat about everything from:

✨ Her creative process and how she builds those spine-tingling vocal arrangements

✨ Growing a TikTok following of nearly 300K (!!) through viral harmony videos

✨ The knock-backs, imposter syndrome and how she's navigated them with grace

✨ Her epic work with The Little Red Company and Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols

✨ Plus, she's joining us as one of our stellar line up of jazz vocalists at Femme Jazz on May 9 💃🎷

Alex is one of those rare artists who brings big inspiration and big heart—and keeps it real about the journey. This one's for singers, harmony lovers, and creatives chasing their dreams on the heart-and-soul path.

🎧 Prefer to watch this episode?

📺 Watch on YouTube

🧿 More on Alex Van den Broek

Follow her on Instagram → @alexvandenbroek

TikTok → @avdbsings

🎟️ See Alex LIVE at Femme Jazz – 9 May in Brisbane

Tix & details → https://events.humanitix.com/femme-jazz-a-celebration-of-jazzy-femme-folk

✨ About Fearless Singer

Fearless Singer is a coaching platform and creative community founded by Mel Lathouras, helping singers reclaim their voices, overcome fear, and step into their artistry—with zero perfectionism and all heart.

🌐 Learn more → fearlesssinger.com

Follow Mel → @mellathouras | @fearlesssingers

❤️‍🔥 Loved this ep? Rate + review the pod, and share it with a fellow singer who needs to hear it!

#FearlessSinger #AlexVanDenBroek #FemmeJazz #VocalHarmony #JazzVocalist #ChoralMusic #CreativeJourney #SingerPodcast #VoiceConfidence #WomenInMusic

🎙️ Ep. 50 – Growing Pains & Creative Breakthroughs with Clare Hudson

Welcome to a very special milestone episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast! 💃

Mel chats with singer-songwriter and Fearless Singer member Clare Hudson ahead of her debut show Growing Pains—a beautifully curated journey through her originals, favourite covers, and pivotal life moments.

From studying classical voice at the QLD Conservatorium, to experiencing creative burnout, to finding her way back to music through community and songwriting, Clare shares her story with honesty, humour, and heart.

If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or letting go of your dream (only to come back to it stronger), this one's for you. ❤️‍🔥🎤

⏱️ Timestamps (click to jump!)

00:00 – Intro & Special Guest Reveal!

00:52 – Clare's Musical Journey (So Far)

01:40 – The Big Gig & Clare's Signature Sound

02:34 – "Growing Pains" – The Concept Behind the Show

04:13 – Real-Life Moments That Inspired the Setlist

06:44 – From Classical Rigour to Jazz Freedom

18:57 – Writing Her First Original Songs (and Loving It)

22:36 – Show Time Correction + Warm Fuzzies

22:47 – Finding Her Way to Fearless Singer

23:12 – That Creative Low Point No One Talks About

23:42 – Reconnecting with Music Gently (and on Her Terms)

24:59 – The Inner Critic & the Healing Journey

28:43 – Conservatorium Challenges & The Comparison Trap

38:25 – You're Not Alone – The Power of Shared Experience

40:14 – The Cutest Flashback – Clare at 8 Years Old

42:34 – Upcoming Show Details – Don't Miss It!

🎤 Clare Hudson Live – "Growing Pains"

🗓️ Saturday 13 April

🕒 3–5 PM

📍 Can You Keep A Secret, Woolloongabba

🎟️ Only a few tickets left!

👉🏻 Book here

With:

• Clare Hudson – vocals & originals

• Peta Wilson – keys

• Dave McGuire – guitar

• Dr. Bob – bass

Special Guest: Hope Morrison

🎧 Follow Clare: @clarehudsonmusic

✨ About Fearless Singer

Fearless Singer is a vocal coaching and creative empowerment community created by jazz singer and mindset coach Mel Lathouras. We help singers reclaim their voices, rewrite their fear stories, and live their boldest creative lives—with support, skill, and soul.

🌐 Learn more:

https://www.fearlesssinger.com/

https://www.mellathouras.com/

🎤 Follow Mel: @mellathouras

🎧 Listen to the podcast:

🟢 Spotify: Fearless Singer Podcast on Spotify

🍎 Apple: Fearless Singer on Apple Podcasts

💬 Loved this episode?

Give it a thumbs up, leave a comment, and don't forget to subscribe for more fearless, feel-good conversations with incredible artists. 🧿

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast, I dive deep into what it really means to love your voice and how that love can literally take you places—on stage, in life, and in your creative career. ❤️‍🔥🧿🙌🏻

I also share:

♡ How Cyclone Alfred (yes, an actual cyclone!) pushed me into finally creating the Vocal Love Club 🎤

♡ Why self-love and affirmations aren't just woo—they actually rewire how we feel about our voices

♡ How daily vocal rituals & EFT tapping can unlock confidence and performance opportunities

♡ Actionable steps to strengthen your vocal relationship and start showing up for your voice every day

🚀 The Vocal Love Challenge starts Monday, March 10!

Get daily vocal & EFT tapping sessions to build confidence, consistency, and joy in your singing—without pressure or perfectionism.

🎶 Join now for only $47: [https://www.fearlesssinger.com/30day-vocal-love-challenge]

Let's dive in! 🎤✨

This episode is a deep dive into the new era of Fearless Singer—a movement dedicated to emboldening the femme voice, taking up space, and redefining fear. I'm sharing what's been happening behind the scenes, why I've gone ALL IN on uplifting femme-identifying singers, and what's coming up next (spoiler alert: it's bloody exciting).

In this episode, we cover:

✨ The shift in Fearless Singer—why this movement is now laser-focused on empowering femme voices

✨ Lessons from my FREE masterclass—how to navigate fear & step into your vocal power (replay available for a limited time!)

✨ Femme Jazz is BACK! A night of jazz rebellion & femme excellence—get your tickets!

✨ The Girl From Greece Show—celebrating bold women, music & culture

✨ The real reason so many singers struggle with confidence (and how to break free)

✨ Why NOW is the time to step up & share your voice—no more waiting, no more playing small

This is for you if:

✔️ You've ever felt like your voice wasn't "good enough" or "too much"

✔️ You want to take up space in the music industry (without apology)

✔️ You're ready to OWN your artistry & start that big, bold project you've been dreaming about

🚀 Ready to be part of the movement?

♡ Join Fearless Singer Membership – Weekly coaching, classes & a powerhouse community

🔗 Sign up here

♡ Watch the FREE Masterclass Replay – Vocal Confidence: The 3-Step Formula to Tap Into Your Power - only available for 24 hours.

🔗 Watch it here

♡ Get Your Femme Jazz Tickets – A jazz party celebrating the rebel girls of jazz

🔗 Grab your seat

♡ The Girl From Greece Show – A bold celebration of women, music & culture

🔗 Book your spot

💖 Let's Stay Connected!

Instagram – @mellathouras @fearlesssingers

Facebook – Mel Lathouras

YouTube – Fearless Singer Channel

🎙️ Starting My Recording Career at 41: Why It's Never Too Late

In this episode, I dive into a personal and transformative journey—returning to the studio to finish two original tracks after a two-year hiatus. Fear, self-doubt, and even money blocks held me back, but I share how EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and self-coaching helped me break through those barriers and reconnect with my creative voice.

This episode is about more than just recording music—it's a testament to showing up for yourself, even when it's hard, and proving that it's never too late to chase your creative dreams.

✨ What you'll hear in this episode:

♡ Why fear and perfectionism held me back—and how I shifted them.

♡ The role of mindset tools like EFT and IFS in overcoming creative blocks.

♡ Lessons learned about investing in your creativity and starting, no matter your age.

♡ How I honored my late Grandma Mave by finishing what I started.

If you've been waiting for the "right time" to pursue your creative dreams, let this episode be your sign to start messy, start scared, and start NOW.

✨ Links Mentioned:

♡ Read the Blog Post

♡ Download the Free Vocal Love MP3

Join me on this journey of self-discovery, creativity, and empowerment. Your voice is your superpower—let's unlock it together!

#FearlessSinger #VocalConfidence #NeverTooLate #CreativeEmpowerment #MindsetTools

🎙️ Episode 46 of the Fearless Singer Podcast is live! Join me, your host Mel Lathouras, as I dive into my latest adventure—signing up for a Stand-Up Comedy Course and performing a routine in front of a live audience for graduation.

There were many pearls of wisdom gained through this little old escapade.❤️‍🔥🙌🏻 🎤

I'll share the powerful lessons from this experience and how they relate to the magic of the jam session—where musicians cut their teeth and learn the ropes on the bandstand.

Plus, I'm thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the Fearless Singer Jazz Club, an 8-week (6 Live Training Sessions) course designed to help you become a confident, powerful jazz singer armed with all the tools for your success and most importantly, joy. 🎶

I'll be hosting free live training on Facebook at the Fearless Singer Jazz Club leading up to the course. Don't miss out!

Tune in, and let's explore the transformative power of stepping out of your comfort zone and learning to embrace discomfort. 🙌🏻🧿✨

Register for Fearless Singer Jazz Jam and FB Group.

Become a Fearless Singer Member to get the Fearless Singer Jazz Club for free:

Lots of love Mel ❤️‍🔥Xx

Follow Me:

👌🏻 Insta

🧿 FB

🎤 Website

Tune in to this week's Fearless Singer chat with jazz vocalist Paula Hackney.

Her journey, from discovering a Billie Holiday boxset in a thrift shop to fronting her own band - Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption - and creating the Jazz Hive, is INSPIRING!

Early in her performing career, Paula grappled with her inner critic, which fueled her fear of the spotlight.

A pivotal moment led her to reframe her mindset, propelling her from occasional gigs to headlining festivals.

Learn how Paula hones her craft, from mastering songs to exploring new vocal styles, ensuring vocal longevity and a vibrant colour palette. This episode is a must-listen!

As always, I LOVE to hear your takeaways, please leave us a comment! And share this one with your mates!

If you like what you hear, subscribe now! And leave a review for others like yourself to find this podcast.

Links:

Book in to see the Jazz Hive at the Brisbane Jazz Club Sat 4 May

Follow Paula's band on:

Facebook Instagram

The Jazz Hive Facebook Instagram

Book into the Femme Voice Workshop

Join the Fearless Singer Membership

Follow Mel Fearless Singer:

👌🏻 Insta

🧿 FB

🎤 Website

In this episode of Fearless Singer, join me (Mel Lathouras) in a conversation with Ella Doneman, a Singer, Educator, and Advocate for people, especially performers, living with a disability, including the less spoken about invisible ones.

Ella shares her firsthand experiences with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, shedding light on the challenges of navigating life and the stage as a performer.

She also discusses her journey in creating a tribute show to celebrate and honour Blossom Dearie on her 100th birthday.

Tune in for insights and wisdom from Ella's remarkable journey!

Follow Ella:

Facebook InstagramBook Your Tickets to Blossoming Ella Tribute to Blossom Dearie on Sunday 28 April 3 pm.

Follow Mel:

FacebookInstagram Website

Enrol in the Fearless Singer Membership