Vocal Lab

Welcome back to The Vocal Lab! Today, I’m thrilled to have the legendary Bob Rock join us. In this episode, we dive into Bob’s incredible journey from his early days at Little Mountain Sound in Vancouver to becoming one of the most influential music producers in the industry.

Bob shares invaluable insights into the importance of pre-production, his approach to working with artists, and how he manages studi...

In today's episode of The Vocal Lab Podcast, I'm joined by the inimitable Michelle Markwart Deveaux, whose unique blend of performance artistry and business acumen is reshaping how artists approach entrepreneurship. Michelle introduces us to her Beastie Boss Framework, a revolutionary approach designed to help artists and creatives establish sustainable businesses. This framework combines business savvy, radical hospit...

Welcome back to The Vocal Lab Podcast! In this second episode with Meredith Colby, we dive deeper into the vocal intricacies that distinguish classical from popular singing styles. Meredith sheds light on why many artists in the popular music scene are reluctant to seek vocal coaching, often due to fears of losing their unique vocal identity.

Throughout our conversation, Meredith emphasizes the insights fr...

Welcome to The Vocal Lab Podcast! Today, we delve into the fascinating world of singing and neuroscience with Meredith Colby, the pioneer of the Neuro Vocal Method. Meredith shares her insights into how our brains play a pivotal role in singing, even before our voices join in. She explains the common challenges singers face in altering their vocal habits due to the brain's pre-established patterns of how singing should...

Welcome back to The Vocal Lab Podcast! Continuing our insightful conversation with Sarah Johns, we delve deeper into the softer skills that have shaped her long-standing career. Today, Sarah discusses the power of authenticity and not taking oneself too seriously while performing on stage.

Sarah emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships within the industry and the advantages of being eas...

Today on The Vocal Lab Podcast, I’m joined by Sarah Johns, the charismatic frontwoman of the iconic Vancouver cover band, Dr. Strangelove. With a career that spans over three decades, Sarah brings a wealth of experience and insights into thriving in the music industry with a unique voice.

In our discussion, Sarah shares how she navigated the challenges of being a distinctively low-voiced singer in a high-p...

Welcome back to The Vocal Lab Podcast! This is the second episode of my inspiring conversation with Carrie Tennant, founder and artistic director of the Vancouver Youth Choir (VYC). In this episode, Carrie delves deeper into how the VYC has created a unique choral organization focused on joy, authenticity, and results.

VYC offers a diverse range of music, from classical to pop and compositions from underre...

Welcome to The Vocal Lab Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by the inspirational Carrie Tennant, founder and artistic director of the Vancouver Youth Choir. Carrie shares her profound insights into crafting an inclusive atmosphere that champions acceptance and vulnerability among young singers.

We dive deep into how the Vancouver Youth Choir has become a sanctuary where every voice is valued and heard. C...

Welcome back to the second half of my interview with the incredibly versatile Kevvy. Today, we dive into Kevvy's world, exploring his dual passions in music production and comedy. He shares the importance of incorporating passionate engineers into projects and prioritizes the personal touch in his music writing, underscoring his commitment to authenticity in his creative process.

In this rich discussion, K...

Welcome to this episode of The Vocal Lab Podcast where I sit down with the multi-talented Kevvy, an acclaimed figure in the music and comedy scenes. Our conversation dives deep into the heart of what makes music genuinely resonate with people—authenticity and vulnerability. Kevvy opens up about how he crafts songs that not only entertain but also touch the soul, sharing how the intricacies of personal experience can tr...

In the second part of our engaging discussion, Louise Burns and I explore the nuanced dynamics between songwriting and producing, discussing how collaboration influences the creative process in today’s music industry. Louise shares invaluable advice on maintaining vocal health while touring, offering practical tips and personal experiences on managing the demands of performing live.

Throughout the episode,...

In this episode of The Vocal Lab Podcast, I welcome Louise Burns, a seasoned artist whose journey through the music industry offers invaluable insights into the unique challenges and triumphs faced by women. Louise shares her early experiences with the band Lillix, marking the beginning of her illustrious career, and the pivotal transition to a solo path. This conversation not only highlights the hurdles like lack of r...

In this episode of The Vocal Lab, I continue my conversation with Nik Pesut, the dynamic drummer known for his electrifying performances with Carly Rae Jepsen and a host of other top acts. Nik shares his profound insights on finding the crucial balance between creativity and life—a theme that resonates deeply with musicians everywhere.

We delve into how important it is for artists to engage in varied interests and activities that s...

Welcome to The Vocal Lab! In this special episode, I'm joined by Nik Pesut, a Vancouver-born drummer whose energetic performances have been a highlight of Carly Rae Jepsen's live shows since 2010. Nik brings a wealth of experience from his extensive collaborations with a variety of artists like Holly Mc Narland, Matt Webb, and The Birthday Massacre, as well as his versatile studio work with talents such as Jordan Spark...

Picking up from Tuesday’s episode, in today's discussion Kat Reinhert ventures into the intricate art of songwriting. We unravel the threads of crafting songs that resonate, starting with the elegance of simplifying harmonic choices to the boundless creativity unlocked by learning a new instrument. Kat and Sara illuminate pathways to hone songwriting skills, emphasizing the art of completion as a pivotal step towards g...

Welcome back to The Vocal Lab Podcast, where today's episode features the multifaceted Kat Reinhert, an artist who dances on the edges of jazz, folk, and the broad spectrum of popular music with the grace of a seasoned storyteller. Our conversation unveils Kat's musical odyssey, beginning with her early influences, transitioning into the vibrant world of jazz, and embracing the art of songwriting with open arms.

Greetings, Vocal Lab enthusiasts! In this episode, we continue our fascinating conversation with Dr. Emily Koriath. We're diving deeper into the physical and emotional mechanics of singing and performance, exploring how to navigate the pressures and joys of being on stage.

We kick off with a critical look at the nervous system's role in performance anxiety and the importance of creating a nurturing space...

Welcome back to The Vocal Lab Podcast, where we dive deep into the art and science of singing, teaching, and living a life filled with music. In this episode, we're exploring the rich intersection of music, education, and personal growth with my esteemed colleague, Dr. Emily Koriath.

Emily brings a wealth of experience and insight as the editor and primary author of "Trauma And the Voice: A Guide for Sin...

Welcome back to the Vocal Lab, where melodies meet mentorship. Today we’re diving into the second half of our session with Kesi Smyth. As the General Manager of Human Resources at 604 Records, Kesi not only champions chart-topping tracks but also plays a pivotal role in guiding the future of music talents.

In this episode, Kesi steps onto the stage of advocacy and change, sharing her instrumental role in v...