Curious Vocalists

In this episode, Grace dives into the energetic world of Ukulele Simon, the "beatboxing, looping ukulele guy" known for turning festivals into full-blown "rave-e-leles." They explore the unique challenges and triumphs of having a lower vocal range in a music industry full of tenors or above. Simon reveals how he has leaned into his bonkers ukulele, beatboxing niche that turns even the lowest, chest infected vocal delivery into a raving success. For the professional gigging musician who might view singing as secondary to their instrument, this conversation offers a refreshing masterclass in vocal maintenance and longevity, covering everything from rigorous fitness and dietary rituals to the technical benefits of vocal straw training for warming up on the road. Packed with "silly face noise" beatboxing demos and live looping, this episode is a toolkit for any vocalist ready to embrace their unique power and keep their voice tour-ready.
 
Key Takeaways:
Own the Low End: Stop fighting the "high-voice" industry standard. Embracing a lower range allows for more authentic, sustainable performances.
Strategic Rituals: Vocal health isn't just about the throat; it’s about dietary choices and physical fitness to support the breath.
The Power of the "Silly Face Noises": Incorporating beatboxing and texture into your vocals can fill out a sound as a solo or small-group performer.
Consistency is Key: Using vocal straws regularly is recommended as it can drastically increase vocal performance and recovery.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ukulele Simon
00:00 Beatboxing and Looping Demonstration
06:18 Live Looping and its Challenges
09:09 Embracing Your Low Range Voice
16:33 Gig Preparation Routine
22:03 Physical Fitness and Maintenance for Gigging
29:29 Pre-Gig Rituals and Voice Maintenance
32:12 Vocal Straws Alleviate Strain and Strengthen Your Registers
33:54 2026 Upcoming Gigs and Festival Excitement
37:30 Where to Find Simon Online
37:52 Quickfire Questions and Fun Insights
43:17 Bonkers Baby Shark Rave Demo
 
Resources & Links
Loopy Pro - Looping software mentioned for live performance
Simon’s Website - to order his Loop-e-lele Vol.1 tutorial book, upcoming gig information and tutorials
Instagram
Facebook
 
Vocal Straw Info:
Small Diameter (High Resistance): Best for a deep "reset" and intense vocal fold workout to help with agility and blending your registers before a gig.
Large Diameter (Low Resistance): Ideal for gentle warm-downs after a high-energy "rave-e-lele" set. The back-pressure of the bubbles up through the thicker straw acts as a ‘massage’ for your vocal cords after a strenuous vocal session.
 
Silicone straw for use with water as a ‘vocal massage’ Link to Silicone straw on Amazon UK
UK Made singing Straws Company: www.rayvox.co.uk
 
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
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Grace's Instagram
Grace's Facebook

Ever wonder, "Is that really me?" when you hear a recording of yourself? In this episode Grace talks about the phenomenon of voice confrontation—the psychological and physiological "cringe" we feel when hearing our own voices played back, the importance of recording ourselves as singers and practical ways we can overcome our discomfort.
She breaks down the science of bone conduction versus air conduction to explain why the voice in your head sounds different to the one on tape. Beyond the anatomy, learn from psychological insights, famous artists' experiences of vocal cringe, and simple exercises to improve self-acceptance.
Takeaways
Your voice sounds different to you because your own anatomy acts as a low-pass filter
Many artists disliked their recorded voices, including John Lennon and Bowie.
Recording yourself and watching back is crucial for singers’ and musicians’ improvement
Practicing recording and listening desensitises you to your voice.
The slightest anxiety or discomfort causes you to subtly ‘hold back’ which disproportionately affects how your voice comes across.
Your voice mirrors your body language.
Throwing an imaginary ball as you vocalise can help bring out confidence in your tone.
 
Chapters
00:00 The Discomfort of Hearing Our Own Voices
01:23 The Science Behind Voice Perception
02:52 Demonstration of Why Your Voice Sounds Different to You
04:06 How Beethoven Used His Bone Structures to Hear
05:58 The Disconnect Between Your Voice and Your Identity
07:43 Is Your Subconscious Sabotaging Your On-Air Voice?
09:22 Famous Voices and Their Insecurities
11:38 A Trick to Bridge the Gap to Your Recorded Voice
13:22 Reasons Why We MUST Record Ourselves as Singers
16:29 Outro 
 
References & Further Reading:
'How Did Beethoven Hear Music?' - Rick Beato: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bA2V0jZMo4
John Lennon’s "Tomato Ketchup" Vocals: As famously recalled by producer Sir George Martin in the Beatles Anthology. Lennon’s insecurity was so high he often asked Martin to "smother" his voice in effects and ADT (Artificial Double Tracking) to hide its natural sound.
David Bowie’s Vocal Identity: See Bowie’s 2003 interview on the Parkinson show (BBC), where he admits he never viewed himself as a "singer" and only took the microphone because no one else was performing his songs.
Bono’s "Early Recording" Cringe: In a 2022 interview on the Awards Chatter podcast, the U2 frontman revealed he "turns scarlet" when hearing his early vocals (specifically on the album Boy), describing his younger voice as "strained" and lacking the resonance he has today.
Jimi Hendrix’s Studio Shyness: Legendary engineer Eddie Kramer has often shared how Hendrix—despite his wild stage persona—was incredibly self-conscious about his singing. He famously requested recording screens or partitions in the studio so he could sing without the engineers or other musicians watching him.
Dolly Parton’s "High and Trilly" Critique: Dolly has often joked in interviews (including her memoirs) about her "cartoonish" or "high and trilly" natural tone. She famously credited her success to leaning into that "twang" to cut through the noise, despite her initial personal critiques of her own pitch.
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
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician

In this conversation, Grace Hancock and Jessica Quiñones delve into the complexities of musical burnout, exploring its symptoms, the impact of perfectionism, and the relationship musicians have with their craft. They discuss the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of musicianship and how to reclaim joy in music through setting boundaries and addressing personal needs. Grace and Jessica explore the complexities of maintaining a relationship with music, setting boundaries, and the therapeutic process of reconnecting with one's inner child. They discuss the challenges of songwriting, the importance of play in creativity, and how to navigate burnout in the music industry. The dialogue emphasises the significance of creating a new relationship with music that fosters joy and fulfilment, rather than pressure and expectation.
 
Takeaways
Musical burnout encompasses a variety of symptoms and experiences.
Many musicians face existential exhaustion and performance anxiety.
Perfectionism can lead to a toxic relationship with music.
Identifying personal motivations for making music is crucial.
Setting boundaries is essential for mental health in music.
Musicians often need to redefine their relationship with music.
Therapeutic work can help musicians reconnect with their essence.
Not all musicians return to music in the same way after burnout.
Understanding one's history with music can aid in recovery.
Connecting with one's inner child can unlock creativity.
Therapeutic techniques can help in reconnecting with lost parts of self.
Re-entering music after burnout requires a new approach.
Creating a new relationship with music involves changing expectations.
Engaging in playful activities can replenish creative energy.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jessica Quinones
03:04 Identifying Symptoms of Musical Burnout
05:46 The Impact of Feeling Like You Are Never Enough
09:06 Musicianship as an Abusive Relationship
11:55 Why Do We Perform?
14:12 Perfectionism and the Need for the 'Safe Zone'
17:55 Coming Back to Your Essence
19:20 Setting New Boundaries in Your Musical Relationship
22:28 The Difficulties of Accessing Creativity
25:02 Connecting with the Inner Child
27:17 Therapeutic Techniques for Reconnecting with Self
32:07 Rediscovering Joy in Music
33:12 Finding Time for Play to 'Fill the Well' of Inspiration
37:06 Re-entering Music After Burnout
39:45 Finding Support in the Music Industry
 
Mentions:
Contact Jessica: drjessicaquinones.com
The Music Industry Therapists Collective MITC: www.musicindustrytherapists.com
The Concept of ‘Artist Dates’ from the book ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron
 
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.
 
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
 
#burnout #psychology #musician #mentalhealth #self-identity #perfectionism #musictherapy #creativity #innerchild #settingboundaries #therapy #fulfillment, #musicindustry

Ever felt like someone else’s musical success is your own personal failure? If you’ve ever felt the urge to slam your instrument down in a fit of jealousy, this episode is for you. Grace explores the complex emotions of jealousy and anger that often arise in the creative process. She shares her personal experiences of feeling inadequate in the face of her partner's success and discusses the psychological mechanisms behind these feelings, including the concept of the 'amygdala hijack.' Grace emphasises the importance of recognising and addressing these emotions, understanding that each artist's journey is unique, and creating a supportive inner environment for creativity to flourish. She offers practical strategies for managing anger and energy, and encourages listeners to embrace their individual creative rhythms without succumbing to comparison and competition.
 
Takeaways
Anger is often a defence response to a more vulnerable emotion, such as jealousy
The amygdala triggers our fight or flight reactions.
It's important to separate your musical journey from others’ in your mind.
Comparison of your inner world with someone’s outer world can create an impossible standard for success.
Creativity has phases or seasons; not every stage seems outwardly productive.
Tending to your inner world is crucial for maintaining creativity.
Physical activity can help release pent-up emotions.
Trust in your unique artistic journey is essential.
Embrace the love for music that inspired you as a child.
 
Chapters
00:00 How Others' Success Can Feel Like Our Failure
04:25 Understanding How Our Emotions Try To Protect Us
05:41 Naming Emotions to Regulate Them
06:46 Separating Your Journey from Others' Success
08:26 The Comparison Trap and Its Pitfalls
09:33 How We Can Attach Our Worth to Our Achievements
13:17 There Are Seasons in a Creative Life
15:00 Physical Manifestations of Anger and How to Release It
17:08 Practical Strategies for Emotional Reset
21:14 Embracing Your Unique Creative Path
 
Mentions:
What is meant for your will not pass you by - Episode 3 with Avionce Hoyles: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ZbWBXtSN4F5eha7IYNdjC?si=54b35d9088174a59
 
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
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
 
#jealousy #music #creativity #comparison #emotions #mentalhealth #amygdala #personalgrowth #artisticjourney #angermanagement #selfacceptance #innercritic

Singer Songwriter, SJ Mortimer pulls back the curtain on the reality of following her dream as a front-woman of multi award-winning Americana Rock Band, Morganway. From recognising the red flags of the burnout cycle, to the paralysing perfection trap that often kills the very creativity it’s trying to polish. We move past the highlight reels to discuss the need for healthy sleep patterns, a genuine support system and a deep look inwards as the cure for imposter syndrome, burnout and the balancing act of life, business and creativity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it—or just wondered if everyone else is struggling as much as you are—this conversation is the reality check you been needing.
 
Takeaways
Live performance has potential to be your friend and foe depending on your mindset
If the love for it is gone, don’t assume it’s dead; take a break.
Support from partners and friends is crucial in the music industry. Don’t go it alone.
Everyone feels imposter syndrome at some point.
The people you think have ‘made it’ probably feel the same about their life as you do.
Perfectionism isn’t often in the best interests of the overall creation
The first take is often the best
Mistakes on stage can create a deeper connection with the audience.
Community and shared experiences in music foster support and understanding.
 
Chapters
00:00 SJ Mortimer's Onstage Persona
02:56 The Stage as Your Friend or Foe?
07:53 Fear of the Unknown as an Independent Musician
09:30 Balancing Everyday Life with Music
11:35 How Going Full Time Changed the Creative Process
15:06 Sleep Patterns and their Impact on Creativity
19:19 The Reality of Life as a Gigging Musician
23:52 Mistakes Onstage and The Musician's Inner Critic
31:03 Remembering the Purpose of Music in Our Lives
34:33 Working Around Perfectionism in the Recording Studio
38:33 How to Keep the Creative Juices Flowing
46:58 Where to Find Sj and Morganway
48:34 Quickfire Questions
 
Mentions:
SJ’s Americana Rock Band: www.Morganway.co.uk
SJ website: www.SJMortimer.net
www.instagram.com/sjmortimer/
www.facebook.com/sjmortimermusic
 
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
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
 
#Americana #rock #musicindustry #burnout #liveperformance #creativity #independentmusician #impostersyndrome #songwriting #singersongwriter #frontwoman #musicianlife

Are you confused about whether to sing like you speak? Grace takes you through how singing in a speech-like quality can rob your voice of a certain ‘je ne said quoi’ and how to alter your vowels for that flowing, professional sound. The episode explains the concept of dipthonging and why it’s detrimental to your sound. It’s a practical, virtual lesson focusing on the importance of vowel alterations, tongue positioning, and airflow management in singing. The discussion includes practical exercises and examples from professional singers like Adele, illustrating how to navigate high notes and manage consonant sounds effectively. The session concludes with key takeaways for singers to enhance their vocal performance.
 
Takeaways
Singing requires breaking the habits of conversational speech.
Diphthonging is when a singer sings through the smaller vowel sounds in each word
Maintaining a consistent airflow is crucial for singing
Tongue positioning affects sound quality and resonance
Professional singers often alter their vowel sounds without you realising
The largest part of the vowel should be juiced for maximum resonance
Narrow vowels should open up when singing higher notes, wide vowels should round off.
Consonant sounds should be softened to maintain airflow.
Understanding vowel trees can reduce pressure and resistance especially in higher ranges
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Diphthonging and Vowel Juicing
01:46 Understanding Diphthonging and Its Impact on Singing
06:17 Practical Examples of Adele's Vowel Alterations
09:52 Consonant Sounds and Maintaining Airflow Exercise
14:13 Vowel Trees Exercises to Relieve Pressure Up High
19:51 The General Rule for Making Your Vowels Work For You
21:10 Breath Support Exercise for Maintaining Open Throat
25:20 Conclusion
 
Mentions/Resources:
Brett Manning’s Singing Success - https://singingsuccess.com
Vowel Trees (part of Brett Manning’s Singing Success teachings): -
‘Oo’ as in ‘boot’ —> ‘Ouh’ as in ‘book’ —> ‘Uhh’ as in ‘buck’
‘Ee’ as in “beat’ —> ‘Ih’ as in ‘bit’ —> ‘Eh’ as in ‘bet’
Narrow vowels should open a little and wide vowels should round slightly as you sing higher in your range to enable better airflow and resonance. Feel the pressure lessen on the top notes as you migrate these vowels from left to right.
To use this in practise, pin point ‘problem words’ in any song you’re singing where the pitch is high and the vowels are narrow or splatty. You might find it feels squeeze or shaky. You can tweak the vowel more towards the left side of the diagram to release some of the pressure and stabilise the sound in your voice.
 
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
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
 
#vocaltechniques #dipthonging #singingesson #diphthonging #vowelshapes #vocaltone #singing #vocalexercises #airflow #highnotes #consonants #singingcoach
 

Need help navigating the technical and nerve-wracking world of Musical Theatre singing? In this episode, powerhouse vocalist, Rebecca Southard who won 2nd place in her vocal category in the New York IMTA contest 2023, talks about the vast landscape of the Musical Theatre sound—from the bell-like clarity of Julie Andrews to the more modern emotive belt. They clear up the distinction between twang and nasality, give practical exercises for vocal stamina, strengthening your head voice and ways to combat tension for optimal vocal performance. Rebecca gives tips on how to approach those dreaded auditions and reminds us that singing in character requires a surrendering to the role and a trade-in of anxiety for overt self-belief. It’s an invitation to stop competing and start trusting, ensuring your craft is driven by a love for the music rather than the weight of comparison.
 
Takeaways
There are a variety of vocal styles to explore within Musical Theatre
The Legit musical theatre sound is the classic, bell-like quality like Julie Andrews
Twang and nasality are two different things
Belting is a style, not a register
Vocal stamina starts with a mindset shift
Balancing head and chest voice can lead to natural development of mix voice
Singing in character requires an element of self trust and surrender to the character
Audition anxiety can be combatted with overt self-belief
Singers should assess what drives them - the love of it or the culture of competition and comparison
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rebecca Southard
04:07 The Legit Musical Theatre Sound
08:57 The Belt Box for Muffling Loud Rehearsals
11:01 The Difference Between Twang and Nasal
13:47 Vocal Longevity For Regular Belting
18:16 The Importance of Strengthening the Head Voice
20:29 The Art of The Mix Voice
22:54 Character Development in Musical Theatre
26:20 Override Nerves With Belief
29:28 What Do You Do Onstage When NOT Singing??
36:11 Relieving Tongue Tension for Optimal Singing
41:36 The Importance of Self-Observation in Performance
47:44 Tips for Music Theatre Auditions
50:25 Finding Joy and Perspective in Performance
53:25 Where To Hear Rebecca's Work
54:53 QuickFire Round
57:14 Outro
 
Rebecca’s Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjsouthard/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecondNature-s7o8c
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7G1JAoODQoiPyoB5kFEbT8?si=uwzybX9MS7G2I6KxSEdWhw
Website: https://www.rebeccasouthard.co.uk/
 
Mentions:
Belt Box: https://beltyafaceoff.com/
Curious Vocalists episode on vocal tone including mentions of difference between nasal and twang: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-b58qn-1a18f99
 
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
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
 
#musicaltheatre #vocaltechniques #singing #characterdevelopment #auditions #performanceanxiety #belting #headvoice #chestvoice #twang #nasality

Singer songwriter Cloudi Lewis discusses the surprising benefits to her creative career since having children. Hear how she faced disillusionment with life and music after graduating from her Popular Music Degree and how the additions to the family have shaped her creative powers - from ultra efficient time management, to discovering her own resourcefulness in monetizing a wider range of her creative skills. This episode is a light in the dark for those anxious about the balance between family life and a creative career.
 
Key Topics
The impact of parenthood on creativity, time management, and personal identity
Strategies for juggling multiple roles: performer, teacher, photographer, and community contributor
How moving back to Devon and networking transformed her music scene involvement and opportunities
The role of support from her partner Sam and how shared responsibilities enable her to thrive creatively
The effect of motherhood on her productivity, mindset, and self-confidence
Practical insights on adapting to life's unpredictability and finding creative inspiration in daily routines
Reflection on postnatal depression, anxieties, and how her perspective on time and self-care evolved
Cloudi’s upcoming projects, including new singles, gigs, and freelancing work under her creative brand Studio Cloud Creative
 
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Cloudi Lewis
02:38 Disillusionment with Life and Music
06:13 Kids Made Me More Productive
09:09 Embracing New Opportunities
10:13 Motherhood Quietened my Inner Negative Voice
11:58 The Importance of Sharing the Load
14:00 Creating In And Around Family Life
15:58 Getting Creative With Skill Monetisation
19:19 How 'Mother Mode' Helps Conquer Fears
20:21 Anxiety Before Vs After Kids
22:53 The Hardest Part is Also the Most Fleeting
26:14 Financial Reality and Opportunity
28:43 Where To Find Cloudi's Music
33:14 Outro
 
Connect with Cloudi Lewis
Instagram
Spotify
Facebook
For more info on Cloudi's Music Photography and Videography: https://www.instagram.com/studiocloudcreative?igsh=MnZ5ajNhazZqYnVs 
 
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
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician

Lost that passion for your music you had when you were a kid? In this conversation, Toby and Grace explore the pitfalls of their courage in their creative lives as adults, how adulthood can grind your creativity down to a pulp, and the mindset shifts around courage that are key to claiming back your passion. They invite you to analyse your subtext: are you being impatient with yourself? Could your priorities be re-jigged a bit? Who are you ultimately trying to please? Avoid being crushed by your own ambition as a singer and put your craft firmly in the place of enrichment. Then you will see it blossom in an environment like the free, joy-filled one you had as a child.
 
Takeaways
Courage is often misunderstood as the absence of fear.
Creativity can become pressured as adults, leading to self-doubt.
Courage can be engineered and is often the one thing missing in creative adults.
Overcoming fear involves accepting mediocrity and failure.
Setting small, achievable goals can lower inertia in creative practice.
Poor creativity levels can be directly linked to poor self-care practices.
The vague ‘what ifs' of negative thought need to be brought into the light to be countered.
Relationships and community should take precedence over work.
Creative work should be seen as enrichment, not your whole life and worth.
Action is the key to overcoming fear and self-doubt.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Courage in Creativity
02:30 Falling Short of Childhood Expectations
08:23 Strategies for Building Courage
13:11 Fostering Self-Belief
18:54 Self-Care and its Impact on Creativity
19:52 Patience is Key for a Creative Life
22:51 Talk Back to the Self Criticism
26:48 Overthinking Sucks Balls
31:57 A Priorities Shift Changes Everything
35:41 Final Words of Encouragement
 
Books mentioned:
The War of Art - Steven Pressfield
Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl
 
Find today’s co-host, Toby Brown on:
Facebook: @tobybrownmusic
Instagram: @tobybrownguitar
 
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
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
 
Keywords
#courage #creativity #self-doubt #mentalhealth #artisticjourney #overcomingfear #selfcare #relationships #creativepractice #personalgrowth

In this episode, Grace explores the intricate relationship between singing and the vagus nerve and how singing can serve as a powerful tool for relaxation and emotional regulation. She explains the physiological mechanisms behind the vagus nerve's influence on vocal control and stress reduction, and shares practical exercises to stimulate the vagus nerve, ultimately highlighting the profound impact of singing on mental health and well-being.
 
Takeaways
The vagus nerve activation is crucial for vocal control.
Singing can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Diaphragmatic breathing massages the vagus nerve.
Singing activates a sense of safety in the body.
Warm-up exercises can stimulate the vagus nerve.
Singing in groups can synchronise heart rates.
Vocal exercises can improve mood and emotional state.
The vagus nerve connects physical and mental health.
Singing is a way to manipulate your biological state.
It's normal- and helpful- to feel a little nervous before a performance.
 
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:34 The Vagus Nerve and Its Role in Singing
03:16 Singing as a Tool for Relaxation
04:50 Vagus Nerve Stimulation Exercises
14:39 Outro
 
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
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
Instagram: @gracehancockmusic
Facebook: @gracehancockmusician
 
#vagusnerve #singing #relaxation #vocalcontrol #diaphragmaticbreathing #nervoussystem #performanceanxiety #vocalexercises #mentalhealth #musictherapy #optimization