I came across this Wall Street Journal video article today on Beyonce and her Songwriters. In summary, Beyonce has come under fire for using over 60 songwriters to help her write her latest album ‘Lemonade’. But how have things evolved over the last few decades? Why do we react so strongly to this idea of […]
I want to talk to you today about singing with simplicity. I was chatting with another vocal coach this week about what fires them up, musically and vocally speaking. This coach (female) is massively into RnB, soul, etc. THAT’S their bag. People should be going to them, not necessarily to polish their technique on a
I’ve had a number of lessons in the last few weeks that needed us to take the time to stop and visit the original melody of the song. This is completely normal, whether in lessons or outside of lessons. Whether you are an experienced singer or brand-spanking-new to singing, it’s 100% part of the process
Spectacular clinic by John Mayer on ‘making it’, and how to bring all your skills together to make a marketable whole – very helpful and worthwhile watching for anyone looking to develop their own voice, whether technically, artistically, or both. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part
Those of you who are in for lessons regularly know about my love for a songwriting guru called Ralph Murphy, but I’m also a big fan of Brett Domino and his hilarious satire on hit songwriting. While this is not quite the same sort of intellectual level of that sort of songwriting advice, this video
Quick one this time! I was working with one of my favourite students (Mike) on some guitar-y songs, and how to meld singing and guitar playing together, and we got talking about songwriters who do this really well. John Mayer is a great one, Chris Cornell is pretty cool too, and there many others too
In 2013, I got the chance to work with (and continue working with!) some fantastic vocalists (like John Jeacock, who you’ll meet about below!). I’ve had the chance to help fix some issues for them, and often help them capitalise on some great things they are already doing. So I thought it would be fun
Riffing is something many people think is harder than it actually is. Let me illustrate… So here is a video of the amazing American artist Tori Kelly. There is just incredible control and artistry in this riffing powerhouse video by Tori. Check out her stuff – really fresh and inspiring! There is a KILLER vocal
