In this episode of Curious Vocalists, we step into the studio with Kimberly Shires, a classically trained clarinetist turned independent music producer, audio engineer, and owner of Hear Me Roar Studios. Kimberly shares powerful insights from her recent festival panel about breaking down technical barriers and eliminating the gatekeeping that often leaves artists feeling lost during the production process.
We explore why walking into a session relying solely on emotion can lead to miscommunication, as human feelings are entirely unique. Kimberly explains how artists can use reference tracks as a translation tool to dissect songs, identify specific sonic elements, and communicate effectively with engineers without needing to know complex technical jargon. The conversation also covers practical studio preparation—from the necessity of practicing with a metronome and marking breathing points on lyric sheets, to the psychological benefits of fixed-price recording sessions that eliminate the pressure of the clock.
Finally, Kimberly discusses the realisation that led her to launch Hear Me Roar Studios as a dedicated, welcoming environment for women, queer, and gender-expansive creators. Describing her role as "part music producer and part empowerment," Kimberly explains why a successful recording session often requires the skills of a therapist—building deep trust, reading an artist's hesitation, creating a space where it is safe to say "no," and ultimately helping vocalists access a level of confidence and power they never knew they possessed.
Key Topics
Chapters
00:00 Empowering Artists in the Studio
02:57 Navigating Emotions and Reference Tracks
06:03 How to Communicate Vision and Sound
10:17 How to Keep the Vision You Want for A Song
14:34 Co-Creation Rather Than Blind Trust
18:15 Bringing Out the Best in Reserved Artists
22:15 Navigating Creative Pressure
22:41 Preparing for A Studio Session
25:13 Mastering Timing and Rhythm
26:46 Prep for Voice and Lyrics Performance
30:26 No Music Theory Knowledge? - No Problem
31:36 The Journey to Empowerment in Music Production
34:21 The Studio As A Safe Space for Connection and Creation
36:41 Get In Touch With Kimberly
Mentions:
Kimberly’s Studio: hearmeroarstudio.com
Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/hearmeroarstudio/
Kimberly’s Free Guide to Recording Vocals From Home: https://hearmeroarstudio.com/free-vocal-guide
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
