Grace chats to fellow Piano Vocalist, Gabe Silva, whilst they work onboard a Luxury Yacht as musicians. They talk about their struggles and breakthroughs on board, including how a late night somehow made Gabe sing ‘like an angel’, how they both had to embrace regular failures to get where they are, and how making art of any kind can cleanse your mind, - (apologies to those listening at meal times when you hear Grace’s analogy). The conversation is centred around the importance of play, imperfect action, embracing vulnerability as artists and the joy of artistic expression.   Takeaways You shouldn’t wait until you feel ‘ready’ to put yourself out there as a musician. We must learn to get comfortable with failure in order to succeed. Community and networking are crucial for success in the music industry. Emotional fatigue has a big impact vocal performance. Making art of any kind is a cleanser of the mind and encourages creative thinking Artistic expression should be playful and enjoyable. The perception of art varies among audiences, making it important to share one's work.   Valuable Resources / Mentions: Book - The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Gabe’s Youtube: @itsyoboygabe6557 Gabe’s Instagram: @itsgabesilva ‘Insomnia’ on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/31yOpsrbghZQtn2aOCzyoC?si=9537b20693ff4961 Gabe Performing on The Voice Portugal:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9hMpNsQbx8   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Musical Journey 03:39 The Importance of Community in Music 06:17 Struggles of a Gigging Musician 09:26 Vocal Techniques and Range Development 12:25 The Role of Performance Experience 15:16 Learning to Accompany Ourselves on Piano 18:14 Embracing Vulnerability in Creativity 21:18 The Process of Writing and Sharing Music 24:05 Finding Joy in Artistic Expression 30:35 Quickfire Questions and Wrap-Up 33:19 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   #music, #musician, #vocaltechniques, #creativity, #performance, #failtosucceed, #songwriting, #artistic #expression, #vulnerability, #vocalrange, #artistmindset #imperfectaction 

In this episode of the Curious Vocalists podcast, Grace Hancock shares her insights on how to enhance the chat between songs during live performances. Drawing from her experiences performing on ships, she emphasises the importance of speaking with conviction, connecting with the audience on a personal level, avoiding clichés, and finding a balance between improvisation and preparation. Grace encourages performers to embrace their individuality and enjoy the experience of engaging with their audience.   Takeaways Say it with conviction, regardless of the content. Speak louder and slower to ensure clarity. Engage with the audience as individuals. Use eye contact to build trust and connection. Avoid clichés to keep the performance fresh. Be aware of your surroundings for inspiration. Balance chat and music to maintain momentum. Improvisation can lead to more genuine interactions. Trust your instincts and read the room. Enjoy the performance and be your own cheerleader.   Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:22 Speaking with Conviction: The Power of Tone and Clarity 02:34 Personal Touch: Making Connections with Individual Audience Members 04:45 Avoiding Clichés: Cultivating more Authentic Chat 08:13 Pacing Your chat in the Set List 10:41 Improvisation vs. Rehearsal: Finding Your Natural Flow 12:02 Mindset Matters: Building Confidence on Stage 13:15 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   #singer #liveperformance #audienceconnection #stagepresence #banter #confidence #music livemusic #engagement #publicspeaking #improvisation

Grace interviews Avionce Hoyles, a talented musical theatre and TV performer known for his tribute to Tina Turner named ‘Dear Tina’ and his role in the Award winning Titanique the Musical in NYC. As well as his appearances in FBI Most wanted on NBC and Orange is the new Black on Netflix… They discuss the essence of Tina's music, how she reinvented herself as an artist at the age of of 50, and the soulful, gospel vocal techniques that Avionce employs. Grace even has a (rather pathetic) go at imitating it! Throughout, Avionce emphasises the importance of alignment, personal rituals, and the journey of finding one's path in the music industry.    Takeaways The Southern Black Church is a foundational influence on both Avionce and Tina's singing styles. The raw, raspy gospel tone is made from excess air and an open throat - not restriction. The most common mental blocks for singers is breathing and placement. High notes are not reached for but opened up to. Vowel sounds play a significant role in singing and should be emphasised. Daily rituals and personal time are vital for maintaining mental health in the arts. What is meant for you will not pass you by; trust the journey.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:38 The Essence of Tina Turner and Vocal Technique 06:26 The Journey of Vocal Development 09:17 Vocal Exercises for Longevity 12:20 Understanding Vocal Tone and Resonance 18:27 Breath Control and Diaphragm Usage 21:32 Grace’s Comical Attempt at Gospel Grit 22:57 Most Common Mental Blocks in Singing 28:12 Creating a Tribute Show for Tina Turner 30:08 The Legacy of Tina Turner 32:07 Finding Your Artistic Path 33:59 The Importance of Intuition in Music 36:18 Aligning with Your Purpose 40:21 Self-Care in the Arts 46:00 The Essence of a Good Singer 50:33 Quickfire Questions   Mentions: Tina Turner, Brandy, Fantasia Barrino, Ryan Shaw   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   #TinaTurner #Singing #Alignment #musicindustry #artistlife #gospel #gospelgrit #vocalcoach 

In this conversation, Grace discusses the critical role of mindset in improving singing skills. She emphasises the importance of embracing a beginner's mindset, finding joy in the learning process, and rewarding hard work over natural ability. Grace also highlights the significance of storytelling in music and encourages singers to shift their perspective from obligation to opportunity in their practice.   Takeaways Mindset is crucial for improving singing skills. Embrace being a beginner, regardless of age or experience. Focus on the joy of learning rather than pressure to perform. Consistency and small daily habits lead to significant improvement. Reward hard work instead of just natural talent. Artists should prioritise storytelling over showcasing their vocal abilities. Shift your mindset from 'have to practice' to 'get to practice.' Creating sound is a gift that should be enjoyed. Tap into the joy and playfulness of singing, just like a child.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Learn to be Comfortable as a Beginner 04:47 Don't Let Your Ambition Immobilise You 07:57 Small Habits Make BIG changes 10:00 Rewarding Hard Work Over Natural Ability 13:28 Glorify the Song, Not Your Voice 17:39 The Joy of Singing: A Mindset Shift 19:05 Outro Like & Subscribe.mp3   Resources Book - Atomic Habits by James Clear Book - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D Brett Manning’s Singing Success - https://singingsuccess.com/   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   #singing #mindset #beginner #joy #consistency #hardwork #storytelling #practice #growthmindset #vocal training

Tom Lister, best known for his time on Emmerdale and his experience in the televised West End production of 42nd Street, opens up about the challenges of stage fright, forgetting all the lines onstage, tackling voice failures during illness and how the most rude and insensitive advice helped him override his fear of failure. Hear how he feels like an imposter in every job he’s ever had and how he prepares for those big musical theatre high notes. Lastly get a fun insight into Tom’s subconscious with light-hearted quickfire questions. Takeaways Tom Lister has been performing for nearly 25 years, best known for his role in Emmerdale. Stage fright is a common challenge for professional performers, including Tom. Internalised vocal techniques are essential for overcoming performance anxiety. You can conjure up self-belief and override fear by being ‘Johnny Big Bollocks’ Storytelling in music is crucial for connecting with the audience. Personal growth often comes from facing fears and stepping out of comfort zones. Tom believes that every job he has done has made him feel like an imposter. The best performances come from a place of conviction and feeling. Chapters and Best Bits 00:00 Introduction 01:00 From Soap Star to Stage Sensation 05:04 Forgetting all the Words Onstage! 08:04 Good Advice like a Slap Around the Face 09:07 Pushing Through Nerves for those Big Notes 11:33 Singer’s Worst Nightmare!: Flu On Stage 17:34 Imposter Syndrome With Every Role 21:51 Make Time to Face your Fears 23:12 What Makes a Good Singer 26:30 Insight into Tom’s Subconscious: Quickfire Questions 27:52 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 www.Instagram.com/gracehancockmusic  www.Facebook.com/gracehancockmusician    #Tom Lister #singing #musical theatre #stage fright #imposter syndrome #vocal techniques #Emmerdale  #explicit    'Lullaby of Broadway' (clip in the intro) - Music by: Harry Warren, Lyrics by: Al Dubin