The Working Singer Podcast

How uncomfortable does a situation have to be for us to finally pull ourselves out of it and live out our purpose? Cabaret artist Pat Whiteman (Amanda McBroom, Carol Hall, Musical Performance Workshop) reveals what finally made her trust her life and take the leap and into being a full time singer. She also gives her insights on why workshops are important for an artist’s growth, her own process for developing her shows, and her observations on reality singing competitions.

Felice Hernandez chats about her Empowered Singer workshop series, being authentic as an artist, choosing the right gigs for you, and why you should always put your best foot forward.

Can you separate the singing voice from the human being? What is the connection between trauma we experience in daily life and difficulties we experience with our singing voice? In this episode, opera singer Jamie Chamberlin speaks candidly about these subjects. She also discusses her work with Stewart Copeland (The Police), her relationship with her inner critic, body shaming in the music industry, the emotional toll of having a vocal injury, and much more.

What if you had to choose between embracing your true self and having the career you spent years building? Los Angeles-based performer, studio vocalist, arranger and composer, Connor Smith answers this question, discusses getting work as a session singer in Los Angeles, and what it means to have his compositions published.

How do you go from majoring in communications to touring the world as a one of Bette Midler’s Harlettes? Carol Hatchett chats about what she learned working with the likes of Bette Midler, Tina Turner and Sheila E., what compelled her to move from Chicago to Los Angeles, and golden wisdom she gives to her own students.

How do you go from working a day job as a legal assistant to spending almost two decades playing Janis Joplin on broadway? Kacee Clanton answers this question and more, revealing what she learned working with Joe Cocker, how she’s overcome stage fright, and techniques she uses to help her singing students to dig deeper in their own work.

Jay Jackson is a seasoned performer and as a singer has shared bills with Nancy Wilson, Poncho Sanchez and Sheila E. He's gone on to play the hilarious Perd Hapley on Parks and Recreation, Scandal and most recently Good Girls. Jay also discusses the ups and downs of being a live talent booker on the music scene in Los Angeles.

In part two of this interview with Melanie Taylor she discusses her work with Donna Summer, what she’s learned working with Barry Manilow, her thoughts on cultivating interests outside of singing, and her advice on singing as a business.

Melanie Taylor is a seasoned performer who in her extensive career has worked with the likes of Aerosmith, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, The Righteous Brothers, Connie Stevens, Donna Summer, John Mayer, Joe Walsh and many more. Melanie shares what she’s learned along the way, how she helps young artists develop their creative process, and insights on what it takes to be a serious performer.

April Kelly discusses her experience being a touring recording artist with a record contract and singles on the Billboard charts to becoming the leader of her own successful New Jersey based wedding band, Band of Gold, for the past twenty plus years.

Have you ever met a singer with an incredible career and wondered how they did it? The road to a singing career can be full of twists and turns, and every journey is vastly different. Meet Windy Wagner, who early on even with a full time day job, always sang. She had a band, wrote songs and even had a record deal, but like many singers, reached the point where she had to take the leap and make singing her full time career.

Singer, songwriter and vegan chef Kitten Kuroi is simply an inspiration when it comes to staying open and saying yes to life. Listen to how Kitten went from “Facebook star” to touring the world with artists like Elvis Costello, Engelbert Humperdinck, Natasha Bedingfield, Blondie.

Erica Canales chats about touring, singing and gives words of wisdom.

Celia Chavez chats about touring, singing and her Harmony at Play Workshop.

A new weekly podcast where singers discuss making a creative living in the music business. Subscribe now! New episodes coming soon!