The Working Singer Podcast

The podcast is hijacked by a special guest host today! On this episode of The Working Singer podcast the tables are turned and I’m the one being interviewed by my good friend and guest from episode 1 Celia Chavez. We talk about the connection between being a regular “human” and performer, why I started the podcast, and how we “gracefully” handle unsolicited advice. This is a fun show you don’t want to miss!

Thomas chats about running live sound, gives his advice to singers on achieving a better live sound experience, and how singers can search for the best gear. Learn more about today’s guests and get episode show notes at http://www.theworkingsingerpodcast.com.

Dave Stroud is one of the most sought after vocal coaches around the world. Dave started his career wanting to be a singer himself, but found that his heart belonged with teaching. A few of the artists he has worked with in the past include: Natasha Bedingfield, Martina McBride, Justin Bieber, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert, One Direction.

How does someone go from having no intention of becoming a singer to being one of the top session singers and vocal contractors in Los Angeles? Find out on today’s episode as Tim Davis (Glee, Lady Gaga, Barbara Streisand) chats about being a session singer in Nashville, how he became the vocal contractor for the hit TV show Glee, and how his foundation of faith, skill and self awareness helped him carve out his life.

Paulette chats about growing up in Chicago, her early days of session singing, and what it takes to be a great back up singer.

Reena Gupta, MD FACS is the Director of the Voice and Swallowing Center at the Osborne Head and Neck Institute in Los Angeles, CA. Mindy Pack holds a certificate in Clinical Vocology from The National Center for Voice and Speech. She holds certificate in laryngeal manipulation and is the creator of one of the top Educational Apps called Voice Tutor.

Veronica Puleo from the Replicas Music Agency returns to talk to singers about how we can level up as professionals.

Vocal coach and session singer Ken Stacey has toured with Bobby Caldwell, Elton John, has worked with Michael Jackson and currently tours with Ambrosia. He chats about leaving behind law school to pursue singing full time, becoming a talent scout/first line judge on American Idol, and how vulnerability and authenticity helps performers to stand out. He also goes into detail about his “Ready 4 the World” masterclass.

Raffia Ford chats about her experience touring as a backup singer for Tito Jackson, competing on P Diddy's “making his band,” how to ask for what you want, negotiating for yourself as an artist/singer, and her time studying music education at Berklee College of Music, and what lead to her opening her own music school.

A true “working” singer in every sense of the word. Singer/rapper and CPA Tamara Bubble is killing it in the music licensing game. We chat about her journey into music, what making it means to her, and why she’s laser focused on licensing her music.

Laura Jane opens up about how her gig with Enrique Iglesias almost didn’t happen, the balance between being a singer for hire and being an artist, and what she learned working with the late great Teena Marie. She also discusses mentoring young artists and her upcoming workshops.

Veronica Puleo, co-owner of The Replicas Music in Los Angeles, CA, discusses how she started her five star music and production agency. She also chats about how she generates business, nurtures relationships, and what her criteria is for hiring singers and musicians. We also touch upon what is pro behavior at gigs and why an agency should have a strong contract with a client.

Gerald White is one of the most successful and in demand studio singers and vocal coaches in Los Angeles. You’ve heard his voice on Glee, Toy Story 3, The Simpsons and Avatar, just to name a few. He chats about how advice he almost didn’t follow lead to his thriving career as a session singer, his popular sight singing workshop at the SAG-AFTRA building, and his philosophy on the value of being a teacher.

Genevieve discusses navigating her role as a producer of children’s music, the importance of singers having basic engineering skills, and the value of collaboration.

Felice Hernandez chats about the Empowered Singer Workshops series held in Los Angeles, CA. The series offers a supportive environment for singers to enrich their skills with workshops like Career and the Authentic Self, Percussion for Singers, Cover Band 101, Harmony at Play, Social Media Marketing, Get Paid: Negotiations & Contracts, Movement for Singers and more.