A chatty podcast raising awareness about vocal health and wellbeing, from voice, performance and wellbeing coach Leigh Martyn Thomas and her guests in media, education & the performing arts.
Episodes
Friday Jan 15, 2021
Friday Jan 15, 2021
My guest this week is the amazing artist, DJ and singer Tallulah Goodtimes.
Tallulah’s debut album “Interstellar Swing” takes you through an energetic romp through the electro-swing and the vintage remix universe! Tallulah Goodtimes is a purveyor or good times, through spreading Universal love, truth and collective good times.
Taking up the decks at the tender age of 16, Tallulah has been on an interesting and creative journey towards the here and now. Three decades later, she has just released her first self-penned album of electro swing songs which are a joy for your ears.
I encourage you all to check out her album, its on Spotify but even better please support her by downloading or buying her CD here
Sunday Dec 27, 2020
Sunday Dec 27, 2020
My guest this week is "The Vocal Alchemist" Sharleen Linton, who now helps public speakers transform their nerves into confidence and power. Sharleen has previously used her voice as a professional backing singer for artists including Adele, Smokey Robinson, Craig David, Natasha Bedingfield and John Legend.
However, after years travelling extensively, Sharleen has now shifted path and moved into helping others unlock their true vocal potential. A true entrepreneur at heart, Sharleen creates her own magic and helps others do the same.
Sharleen is all about educating, supporting and helping others understand the importance of the environment they create within themselves with their internal voice. It’s so important to recognise how you speak, feel and govern yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually, will affect how your voice behaves. If you are steadfast and focussed about what it is that you are creating, what you will discover is that often the biggest opportunities will come to you, like unseen forces are working on your behalf.
We nip off topic towards the end of the episode, dipping into the state of US politics, but it all ties in to discuss the power of unshakeable self belief.
This grammy winning performance of Layla Hathaway is referenced during our chat, it's so worth another watch even if you have seen it from when it went viral 7 years ago - around 6 minutes in she overtones.
Layla Hathaway with Snarky Puppy
You can also enjoy Sharleen singing All Night Long here
If you would like to connect with Sharleen, check out her facebook group "The Confident Speakers Corner" and follow her on socials under the name "The Vocal Alchemist".
Saturday Dec 19, 2020
Saturday Dec 19, 2020
I have one more episode to share with you next week before Christmas, but in the meantime I wanted to introduce Gethin to the Vocal Freedom community as he decided to join in the Reset & Manifest Pilot Programme I am launching on 1st January 2021. So naturally, I am quite excited about that!
Gethin and I have been together for over 26 years and know each other very very well, obvs. Gethin has a chronic health condition and today we briefly chat about this, his work, stress and how he is going to Reset & Manifest in the New Year.
We also discuss what it is to "Manifest" and reflect back on what we have manifested together over the years and how close we have managed to get towards our original plan.
The Reset & Manifest 2021 pilot programme is launching with a Welcome & Introduction Live Session on Zoom on 1st January 2021 at 2.00pm GMT. If you would like to tune in and learn more about this fantastic experiential learning study and how you can get involved, CLICK HERE applications open until midnight on 31st December 2020. We both look forward to welcoming you to The Vocal Freedom Movement!
Leigh & Gethin
Friday Dec 11, 2020
Friday Dec 11, 2020
Welcome to this special episode of the Vocal Freedom Podcast.
My guest this week is multi-award winning social impact entrepreneur, champion of diversity, inclusion and equality Joanna Abeyie, MBE. I asked Joanna onto the Vocal Freedom Podcast after recently hearing her give an inspiring talk concerning anti-racism for the Musicians Union. I find voices like Joanna's so inspiring and important to help bring about the change we need in this world.
Joanna is the founder & creator of Blue Moon click here to visit her website and learn how she can help you and your workplace. Their consultancy work champions culture transformation to ensure all voices are being heard and treated fairly in the workplace as well as other services.
Tune in and ask yourself how you feel about speaking about race. Does it make you feel too uncomfortable? Do you understand the concept of white privilege? Would you say you 'don't see colour?' Do you understand why that phrase can be taken offensively?
It can really help us grow to hold a mirror up to ourselves and ask these difficult questions about our beliefs and behaviours. How we feel about race, diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we contribute to bringing about actual change against systemic racism in the arts and well... world!
Doing nothing, will help no-one.
Staying silent will not change a thing.
Have you addressed any of these issues head on? Would you like to share your story with me? Join in the conversation and use your voice to make a difference.
References made through this episode include some great further reading on this topic, links here:
Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong
Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? by Beverly Danial Tatum, PhD
Me & White Supremacy by Layla Saad
Why I'm no longer talking to white people about race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
How to be an Anti-racist by Ibram Kendi
If you are on facebook @vocalfreedom, please give us a like or follow to keep up to date with new episodes and special offers coming over the holidays!
Come learn more about us and how you can share your story here
Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas Season! Stay well and be kind xx
Friday Dec 04, 2020
Friday Dec 04, 2020
Host update and Invitation episode!
I'm sharing some exciting research work from January 2021 and am reaching out for test subjects to participate in a short eight session pilot study.
Tune in today to hear if this resonates with you and sign up on the podcast page to ensure you don't miss the chance to apply! I am so excited to be moving forward with this study and offering new opportunities to the Vocal Freedom podcast community starting on 1st January 2021.
If you are looking for motivation for the new year and are interested in hacking your nervous system, overcoming your performance fears and experiencing something new, do tune in to hear what its all about...as well as a few personal stories which seemingly wanted to flow out of me today... touching on parents, panic attacks & experiencing trolls...
Easily keep up to date with news by joining the Vocal Freedom Movement here
Love and peace to all of you, Leigh x
Friday Nov 27, 2020
Friday Nov 27, 2020
My guest this week is Chief Executive Officer for BAPAM (The British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) Claire Cordeaux. BAPAMs expert clinicians understand the demands of a performing arts career and can help you with physical and mental health problems related to your creative practice.
Every month BAPAM offer free training sessions on keeping mentally well, vocal health and injury prevention for performing artists and those in training. Since Lockdown they have started new online community drop in sessions on Tuesday afternoons at 3pm. Claire has a background in social care and shares her wealth of experience combined with love of playing live music.
You don’t have to be sick to get help from BAPAM, if you do have a health problem that is affecting your ability to do your job in performing arts call them on 0207 404 8444 or visit https://www.bapam.org.uk.
For many who participated in the first online community group over the summer, Claire observed it wasn’t only the common issues of being unable to work (due to covid restrictions/lockdown), having no money, being missed out completely from the government financial help schemes through lockdown and the stress that all that can bring in itself but also that suddenly how you identify yourself comes into question. Being a musician or singer is very often a calling and if you can’t do it, or there doesn’t appear to be a purpose in doing it, you can lose all motivation, you can experience grief-like symptoms, develop feelings of isolation and hopelessness, which in turn can affect your mental health and wellbeing. If you need help with this please get in touch with BAPAM, who are funded by Help Musicians, MU (Musicians Union), Equity, PPL, PRS Members Fund and others.
During our chat Claire references some of her favourite performances which you can enjoy here:
Anjelique Kidjo - Akwaba
Joni Mitchell - Little Green (Live NYC 1967)
The above link has a brief audio interview with a young Joni talking about stumbling into music. Followed by a live performance of Little Green in New York in 1967. I hadn’t watched this performance before and found it quite captivating, I was interested how natural her flow was and how much the lyrics got me thinking! Don't you love song lyrics that seem like they are offering advice, or a view that offers new possibilities?
Sinead O'Connor - He moved through the fair
If you have anything to feedback about this episode please leave your comments on our Facebook page @vocal freedom and join in the conversation!
Friday Nov 20, 2020
Friday Nov 20, 2020
My guest this week is respected musician, multi-instrumentalist, choir director, arranger, singing tutor and vocalist Andi Hopgood.
Andi Hopgood is a name you will probably know if you are a member of the MU (Musician's Union). Andi joined when she was just 16 and went on to vice-chair the executive committee (the decision-making body of the Union) as well as chairing the Equalities Sub-Committee, working on MU policies promoting equality and challenging inequality across the music industry.
Andi's work with the MU has taken her to Parliament to challenge MPs about issues including low and no pay, access to music education and most recently mental health. Her activism is not just confined to the MU. Andi has also been a local counsellor, on her local trades council, and leads a local network of music industry professionals, all in her home town of Ipswich.
Join us as we learn about Andi's journey into making music, which at times has been very challenging, how music has proven to be the best medicine and continues to bring purpose to Andi and her community.
Andi mentions during the podcast, she is directing a special online workshop for the Cambridge Jazz Festival Choir and you can sign up if you visit Cambridge Jazz Festival Choir Workshop Saturday 21st November 2020 The workshop will feature learning one song "You Need Hope" by renowned jazz educator Pete Churchill. You then video record your part at home and send it in to be included in a large group video and featured as part of the (now online) festivals finale performance on Sunday 27th November.
Andi mentioned some of these performances as most inspiring, so do check these out when you have time, your ears will thank you!
Betty Carter with Carmen McRae - Stolen Moments (Live)
Friday Nov 13, 2020
Friday Nov 13, 2020
My guest this week is UK Vocalist/Pianist/Touring Musician Emily Lynn. Emily has been singing with the Australian Pink Floyd Show since 2010, a tribute act that are so good they were even engaged by David Gilmour to perform at his 50th birthday celebration. Having sold over four million tickets to concerts that have taken place in 35 countries, Emily is used to travelling and performing in stadiums and arenas across the globe!
Outside of Aussie Floyd, Emily has performed and recorded with rock band Thunder, shared the stage with Dame Cleo Laine, Scott Gorham from Thin Lizzy and Andy Taylor from Duran Duran.
Join us as we discuss her journey into music, how she has learned to overcome prior vocal hurdles and develop a trustworthy routine to prepare her voice for her usually hectic touring schedule. Since lockdown in March, obviously all gigs have been paused but Emily has stayed creative during this time and found time to focus on her own production service to keep going (www.24hourvocals.com).
Check out the following songs Emily referenced and some of her performances:
The King's Singers - Goodnight my Angel
Lianne La Havas - Bittersweet (Live with orchestra)
Heather Findlay - Caught in a fold (live with Emily on keys)
Australian Pink Floyd - Great gig in the sky (Emily sings last)
The Rockabellas Promo from 2017
Follow Emily @emilylynnvocals on socials and give her a shout if you need any vocals recorded! Emilys full website is www.emilylynnvocals.com
Happy Friday y'all - I hope you are staying safe and well xx
Friday Oct 30, 2020
Friday Oct 30, 2020
My guest this week is successful recording artist Errol Reid. Errol achieved worldwide chart hit success as the lead singer of the band China Black, signed to the Polydor label Wild Card, and sang the Rugby World Cup Anthem Swing Low Sweet Chariot with Ladysmith Black Mombaza. He has worked with some incredible artists during his professional singing career and shares some incredible stories of meeting and even singing with some of his own idols. Tune in to learn about his journey from Birmingham to London, training as a town planner for Brent Council to help fund his musical endeavours, before making it big, appearing on Top of the Pops with China Blacks no. 2 single “Searching”, which led to success touring the world, duetting with Barry White in Paris and more recently one of his heroes Howard Hewitt from Shalamar.
Errol has a varied back catalogue and range of musical influences and after China Black he has also found massive success working with acts like Swedish House Mafia and Axwell, so you can also hear his incredible range on the Dance Music Scene.
I really enjoyed Errol’s zest for music and how he uses his voice throughout the interview to recall songs and stories I am sure you will love hearing about too! Littered with great advice for anyone who is thinking of going into the music business.
Errol references several great songs and artists which you can enjoy by clicking the links below.
Omar - There's nothing like this
Aquarius - The Fifth Dimension
You can also enjoy watching Errol performing here:
China Black - Searching (Live on Top of the Pops)
Errol Reid singing Feel the Vibe and Nothing but Love Live!
Errol singing with the Legendary Barry White!
Errol Reid with Lady Blacksmith Mambazo - Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Eddie Thonieck & Kurd Maverick - Lonely (feat.Errol Reid)
SO MUCH BRILLIANT MUSIC!!!
Happy listening!
Friday Oct 23, 2020
Friday Oct 23, 2020
My guest this week is triple threat professional Mark Willshire. This cheeky northerner, as he describes himself, has been in the business for nearly 20 years now.
As a young adult Mark trained at Laine Theatre Arts, since graduating has toured in countless productions including Carousel, Mamma Mia, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Starlight Express and Our House. His lucky break, first lead role was in the UK tour of the Take That musical Never Forget. Mark has lived the 8 shows a week lifestyle, with high vocal demands, which has given him terrific insight into what his voice is capable of and how to work around normal seasonal colds and fatigue. Mark went on to have lead roles in 9 to 5 and The Bodyguard.
Most recently, (pre-covid) he was swing and cover as Cal and Earl in Waitress at The Adelphi, where he got to play Earl with the amazing Sara Bareilles as his wife Jenna, during her brief west-end stint. I was lucky enough to see him in action and he did an amazing job!
West end singers are like vocal athletes, so of course, like in sports, you train to be performing at at elite level but it is also vital to know your boundaries and work within them at all times. Mark has learned some lessons of his own along the way, I hope you enjoy learning from his stories, lightbulb moments and personal wisdom.
As well as being a performer, Mark is also an experienced and professional photographer. You can view his work on his instagram page @markwillshirephotography or click here for more options.
Friday Oct 16, 2020
Friday Oct 16, 2020
My guest this week is Emily Foulkes, Director of a music for well-being charity, Cymaz Music based in Cornwall, UK. During the interview, Emily shares how grief affected her relationship with music and singing, which I can certainly relate to from the months of difficult gigs following the death of my Mum in 2011. Finding her voice again after joining the Eden Choir, Emily is a multi-faceted voice user, a singer, a helping practitioner, a researcher and trainer. Emily is passionate about sharing knowledge, creating the Singing for Health Network that will provide resources & intelligence for other helping practitioners, singing teachers, choir directors, group leaders, for anyone who would greatly benefit from understanding emerging findings in voice and health research.
Emily shares about her own research working with children and young people who have suffered adverse childhood experiences. Creating a safe, comfortable environment, leading intuitive person-centred music practice, working creatively to support children with their wellbeing and mental health. At the centre of helping someone, is the trust and development of that relationship. By using voice, musical instruments and drums, as working with rhythm is particularly useful in terms of helping people to get into a regulated state after suffering trauma. This work is so needed, everywhere right now.
During lockdown, Emily and her partner Jane, were busy providing Mindfulness and Sound Healing practices online, that resulted in such powerful positive effects for all the people who took part for 80 straight days!
The Singing for Health project in Cornwall runs alongside the Social Prescribing Initiative, to provide groups for people with various health conditions. This includes a respiratory group, mental health group, fibromyalgia group and on the horizon a new group for people with Multiple Sclerosis. At the moment all groups are running well online but will return to face to face when it is safe to do so.
I’d go as far to say everyone would benefit from increasing their knowledge and understanding about how regular practice of singing, meditation & relaxation; developing your connection to your breath and your voice, improves your general well-being, particularly for those living with any health issues, chronic pain, depression or anxiety. Inclusive to all human beings, we can all benefit from connecting and understanding how we can use our voices more mindfully, to do good in this world. The Vocal Freedom podcast fully supports the Singing For Health Network. Emily is invited to return as a guest to keep us updated as the network grows and progresses.
The two songs that Emily mentioned are The Carpenters - Goodbye to Love & The Indigo Girls - Power of Two
You can learn more about Emily by visiting these websites:
Singing For Health Network Website
Friday Oct 09, 2020
Friday Oct 09, 2020
My guest this week is Kim Chandler, a renowned CCM vocal coach & session singer. She runs a busy private studio in Marbella (Spain) where she coaches a worldwide clientele of signed artists, professional singers and other vocal coaches online. Since 2004 she has run a successful online recording business with her producer husband (www.virtualvocals.com) and has led large corporate recording sessions at London’s Abbey Road Studios since 2011.
Kim coaches high-profile artists and has worked as a vocal coach for audition tours of “The Voice UK”. She is regularly invited to run master classes, workshops & teacher training events and is also a regular presenter at national & international voice conferences, including being a keynote speaker in her home country of Australia.
In the academic world, Kim is the “Head of Communications”, past president and director of the British Voice Association, was a principal/senior lecturer at Leeds College of Music & London College of Music respectively and was the Head of Vocals at Vocaltech (now BIMM London). Her pedagogical work features in many masters & doctoral theses and in compendiums such as “Training Contemporary Commercial Singers” (Compton), “Teaching Singing in the 21st Century” (Springer) and “The Ultimate Guide To Singing” (TC-Helicon). Kim is the sole creator of the popular “Funky ‘n Fun” vocal exercise series (www.funkynfun.com).
As a performer, Kim has three decades of high-end performing experience in both live performance and studio singing. Aside from her voice being heard on films, albums, cruise shows and thousands of jingles worldwide, she has also sung with artists such as The Bee Gees, Natalie Cole, Michael McDonald, Bjork, Michael Bolton and Susan Boyle, in addition to having performed at some of London’s most iconic locations such as the Royal Albert Hall, Downing Street, Wembley Arena & Stadium, the O2 Arena and Buckingham Palace (www.kimchandler.com).