Shows
Curious Vocalists#14 Music & Motherhood: Reframing the Creative Career Balance with Cloudi LewisSinger 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, a...
2026-02-0633 minCurious Vocalists#13 The Courage Hack: Creative Growth in Adulthood (with Toby & Grace)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...
2026-01-3037 minCurious Vocalists#12 Biological Hacks for Nervous Singers - Activate Your Vagus NerveIn 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 i...
2026-01-2315 minCurious Vocalists#11 Good Vocal Tone Can Be Learned - Daniel JarvisIn this conversation, Dan Jarvis, a musical director and vocal expert, discusses the intricacies of vocal tone, the anatomy of the voice, and various singing techniques to manipulate tone to suit the genre of music being sung. He discusses the differences between head voice and falsetto, nasal tonality and twang, the role of vowels and consonants in achieving a desired tone, and the techniques for developing a mix voice and belt. The discussion also touches on the essence of good singing, highlighting the need for emotional connection and storytelling in performance.
Takeaways
There's a l...
2026-01-1640 minCurious Vocalists#10 Modify Your Vowels Like A Pro - Whitney Houston StudyIn this episode, Grace delves into the intricacies of vowel alterations in singing, explaining their importance in achieving better pitch, resonance, and vocal health. She goes through the 12 vowels in the English dialect, practical ways to use them and how they resonate in different areas of the mouth. The conversation also includes an analysis of Whitney Houston’s vowel manipulation, how she gravitates each vowel towards the ‘neutral vowels’ for more powerful and fluid singing.
Takeaways
Vowels are your steering wheel for tone and placement.
The right vowel alterations can help relieve vocal strain and imp...
2026-01-0924 minCurious Vocalists#9 How to Become a Cruise Ship MusicianIn this episode of the Curious Vocalists podcast, Grace Hancock shares her journey to becoming a cruise ship musician, offering valuable insights and tips for aspiring performers. She discusses the challenges of preparing for the role, including learning a vast repertoire of songs, building a showreel, and networking with agents. Grace also addresses the health challenges musicians face on board, emphasising the importance of vocal care and managing seasickness. Throughout the conversation, she encourages listeners to embrace their passion for music and take the leap into the world of cruise ship performance.
Takeaways
You d...
2026-01-0222 min
Curious Vocalists#8 Techniques for Vocal Versatility with Stephanie WebberStephanie Webber shares her experience as a full-time vocalist and how she has developed such versatility and longevity in her voice. Hear about her time as a contestant on The Voice, being so flustered that she made the judges laugh, performing in front of Tom Jones, Rita Ora, Will.I.Am and Ricky Wilson and being mentored by Sir Tom. She discusses her vocal techniques, the importance of ongoing training, and the challenges of performing various genres. Stephanie also reflects on her growth as an artist and her aspirations for the future.
Takeaways
Stephanie W...
2025-12-1932 minCurious Vocalists#7 Seven Ways to Conquer Your Inner CriticIn this conversation, Grace Hancock shares her insights on overcoming the negative voice in our heads, particularly in the context of performance. She discusses the importance of recognising this inner critic, practical strategies to combat it, and the significance of embracing one's unique voice. Grace emphasises the paradox of performance, where caring less can lead to better outcomes, and highlights the inevitability of change and growth in both life and art.
Takeaways
Everyone has a negative voice in their head.
Regular diary entries can help clear mental clutter.
Connecting with the audience can alleviate p...
2025-12-1217 minCurious Vocalists#5 Stop Stalling, Just Start: Imperfect Action in Creativity (with Gabe Silva)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.
...
2025-11-2834 minCurious Vocalists#4 Improve Your Chat Between SongsIn 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...
2025-11-1713 minCurious Vocalists#3 Tina Turner's Sound and Finding your Artistic Path with Avionce HoylesGrace 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 th...
2025-11-1552 minCurious Vocalists#2 Improve Your Singing Through Mindset AloneIn 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 s...
2025-11-1419 minCurious Vocalists#1 Conquering Stage Fright (with Tom Lister)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...
2025-11-1327 min