Rock Singing Success

Episodios

• Vocal Coach Reacts: VAHTANG “Human” - Creative Vocal Distortion | Ep.21 28.04.2025 48m

  Join us as we dive into VAHTANG’s cover of “Human” to find creative approaches to vocal distortion. What can VAHTANG’s beatboxing, throat singing, and false cord techniques teach us about pushing the limits of rock and metal singing? From exploring rhythmic textures to developing powerful low screams safely, join Chris Fox and me as we discover how to build distortion that’s flexible, authentic, and unforgettable.In this episode:Discover VAHTANG’s beatbox cover of “Human” and his creative ways to use vocal distortion, grit, and screamsUnderstand why great distortion starts with relaxation, not brute forceLearn how to use false cord placement to shape rhythmic textures in vocalsSee the shared techniques between beatboxers and extreme vocalistsUnlock brutal low tones safely with demon speechHow jaw opening, crying, and yawning create relaxed distortionDevelop vocal flexibility to access both high-intensity grit and deep lowsBlend fry, false cord, and open resonance to create unique vocalsHow to build powerful low screams without hurting your voiceApply throat singing concepts to extreme vocals and metal stylesVAHTANG - Human (Beatbox Cover): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCnXohPhkUkJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Singing Live: How to NOT Lose Your Voice | Ep.20 16.04.2025 16m

  What do you do when your singing voice gives out mid-set? Why does your vocal endurance fail, even when you feel ready? Whether you constantly lose your voice mid-performance or force yourself to keep singing no matter how exhausted your voice is, dive into what really causes vocal fatigue on stage—and how to fix it. From mastering subtle resets to balancing distortion and clean vocals, join me as we uncover practical ways to build vocal resilience, sing with power, and deliver every performance with control and longevity.In this episode:Learn why you lose your singing voice during a performance—and how to stop it from happeningWhy endurance issues usually point to poor training, not just poor singingThe difference between shaping for belt and distortion vs. pushing for itHow yawning and sighing can reset your voice on stageHow crying prepares your voice for the hard partsWhy rehearsing your setlist like a real show preps your voice tooDiscover how small vocal cues (like “hey” or a soulful “mmm”) can lock in your voice placementLearn to balance distortion and clean singing to avoid vocal fatigueHow to keep distortion powerful without pushingWhy over-articulation creates intensity better than pushingWhy consistency, awareness, and shaping—not brute force—create lasting impactJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Vocal Recovery: Heal Your Singing Voice and Come Back Stronger | Ep.19 10.04.2025 24m

  What does it take to recover your singing voice and come back stronger? How can you rebuild vocal strength after illness, overuse, or fatigue? Whether you’ve dealt with Covid, laryngitis, or the common cold, join me as we explore targeted strategies that restore vocal health, rebuild control, and reconnect you with your voice—safely, consistently, and with lasting impact.In this episode:Learn to rebuild your voice after illness, overuse, or vocal fatigueThe vital difference between singing and trainingWhy proper vocal recovery requires specific coordination and muscle memoryHow to massage and reset the vocal cordsThe benefits of straw sirens and cry phonation for healing and stretching the voiceHow to balance breath control and compressionDiscover how yawning can promote relaxation and vocal fold connectionRecover without straining your voice using light, whimper-based octavesLearn to stabilize your mix and reduce flipping through cry coordinationDevelop compression safely with proper humming (tracking) SOVTBuild back your full voice gradually by aligning with your current limitsWhy consistency, patience, and the right feedback are essential to recover fullyJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Top Mistakes Lead Singers Make | Ep.18 07.02.2025 52m

  Even if you don’t think of yourself as the typical frontperson, understanding the dynamics of being a lead singer is essential to delivering powerful performances and building a lasting impression and connection with your fans. From balancing confidence and ego to harnessing emotion and authenticity on stage, join me, Chris Fox, Drew Cope, and Matt Sutton as we explore the key strategies that shape great performers, strengthen band dynamics, and define your unique identity and reputation.In this episode:Understanding lead singer syndrome and how it affects band dynamicsThe fine line between confidence and ego on stageThe importance of connecting with your audience rather than showcasing skillHow emotion impacts performance and stage presenceThe role of authenticity in building a strong connection with your fansLearning from on-stage experiences to refine your artistic identityThe dangers of allowing frustration to bleed into your live performanceHow humor and storytelling can enhance (or ruin) audience engagementRecognizing the impact of your reputation and the persona you createWhy defining your personal and artistic brand is key to successThe importance of self-awareness and adaptability as a performerNavigating the mental health challenges of being a front-personJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• New Year Resolutions Don't Work: Try This Instead | Ep.17 01.01.2025 1h 29m

  What does it take to thrive creatively while avoiding burnout? How can embracing flexibility, gratitude, and self-reflection unlock your potential? From aligning personal projects with core values to building systems for accountability, join Michael Amidei and me as we explore strategies to grow as an artist, develop resilience, and redefine success in 2025.In this episode:Strategies for avoiding burnout while pursuing artistic endeavorsHow reflection without judgment is paramount for achieving your goalsWhy choose flexible planning over rigid New Year's resolutionsRecognizing the value of consistent small steps and habits for long-term progressThe importance of emotional regulation for productivity and creativityBuilding resilience through understanding personal motivationThe importance of focusing on fewer, meaningful goalsCreating systems and teams for accountability and consistencyHow practicing gratitude can reshape your perspectiveThe power of letting go of perfectionism and embracing imperfectionUnderstanding that change can happen quickly and unexpectedlyThe benefits of aligning personal projects with core valuesHow to redefine success outside traditional expectationsJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• How Recording Makes You a Better Singer | Ep.16 15.12.2024 1h 20m

  Even if you don’t plan on producing your music, understanding the basics of recording and mixing is essential to becoming a better singer and musician. From finding the right microphone to improving your sound with EQ, compression, and more, join me as we explore practical production tips to elevate your vocal performance and take your recording to the next level.In this episode:How basic production skills make you a better singer and musicianThe insane value of understanding recording and mixingHow to find the RIGHT microphone for you, and why it’s incredibly importantAffordable and effective soundproofingThe benefit of using reference tracks for mixingHow to use EQ and compression to enhance your vocalsWhy mastering is importantGetting a full and polished soundThe importance of recording for improving your voiceYou don’t hear what you think you hear: why taking breaks during mixing is essentialEssential strategies to help your vocals stand out in the mixJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Creativity for Singers: Mastering Artistry, Inspiration, and Motivation | Ep.15 01.12.2024 46m

  What does it take to find and sustain creative flow? How can embracing failure and everyday rituals enhance your creativity? From connecting with mentors to drawing inspiration from daily life and the hero’s journey, join me as we uncover strategies to deepen your artistry, build creative muscles, and strengthen your connection with your audience.In this episode:How to channel flow state in songwriting and performingWhy staying motivated isn't just about productivityUnderstand why failure is essential to refining your musicHow rituals and mental cues enhance your creative processHow creative inspiration can come from everyday interactions and storiesIdentify your personal story and communicate it to build a strong connection with your audienceRecognize the power of connecting with mentors and allies to overcome inner challengesLearn from Star Wars and Harry Potter: How the hero's journey helps you be more creative in your art and careerHow leveraging everyday habits establishes a strong creative routineJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Songwriting Secrets: Mastering Your Song and Style | Ep.14 15.11.2024 48m

  Even if you don’t plan on writing music, learning the ins and outs of songwriting is essential to becoming a better singer and performer. From simplifying your music to overcoming busy schedules and writer’s block, join me in exploring essential songwriting tips that are useful both as a singer and songwriter.In this episode:The importance of making songs your ownStupid simple: why simplicity is essential in songwritingWhy writing bad songs is necessary to create good onesUsing experimentation to turn familiar riffs into something uniqueHow stripping down to simple chords leads to powerful musicWhy collaboration is key to creating memorable musicWhat covers can teach you about songwritingThe value of finding your voice and style through songwriting experimentationUtilize modern tools and apps to make songwriting accessibleHow simplifying the process can make songwriting more productive and fulfillingWhy scheduling and prioritizing songwriting is crucial—from afterthought to habitOvercome writer’s block with modern tools for inspirationHow the concepts of songwriting benefit you overall as a singerJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• High Distortion, Over-Singing, and Staying Healthy | Ep.13 01.11.2024 42m

  How do you distort high notes when nothing seems to work? What do you do when your voice is worn out but you have a show in two days? How do you prevent over-singing and sustain your voice long-term? From distorting high notes to sustaining and recovering your voice, join me in exploring essential answers to student questions from the rock singing community.In this episode:Learn why light, comfortable sounds are key to mastering distortionExplore how head voice supports high-note distortionWhy you should avoid forcing distortion at higher pitchesTips to prevent over-compression and strain when adding gritHow thinning and over-crying into higher notes can unlock distortionHow to find balance between breath support and letting air through for distortionUnderstand distortion as a shape supported by airflow, not forced into placeHow mixing head voice and chest voice creates smoother transitions for distortionTechniques for maintaining vocal health while singing with distortionWhy proper warm-ups are crucial before attempting any grit or distortionStrategies for recovering your voice after over-singingThe importance of hydration and rest for sustaining your voice after heavy distortionHow to maintain energy and aggression without over-straining your vocal cords during live showsHow to adjust your set list to protect your voice during live performancesEssential strategies for recording multiple takes without wearing out your voiceJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Mastering Vocal Health: Hydration, Warm-ups, and Singing Through Sickness | Ep.12 15.10.2024 54m

  What practices are essential to keeping your voice healthy and letting you sing for longer? What do you do when you’re sick but still need to sing? How do different foods, hydration, and sleep affect your singing? From the impact of personal rituals to adopting exercises that prepare your body for singing, join me in exploring essential strategies to improve your voice, stay healthy, and perform with confidence.In this episode:Essential practices for maintaining vocal healthWhy hydration is crucial for singers and how to stay properly hydratedHow sleep and diet impact your voice and overall singing performanceEffective vocal warm-up routines and exercises for singing wellHow personal rituals can enhance your performance mindsetHow physical exercises help prepare your body for singingStrategies for singing while sick and how to recover your voice safelyThe importance of gradual warm-ups from light to intenseThe benefits of the cry technique in improving your vocal rangeHow to adjust your performance when dealing with illness or recoveryWhy keeping your voice active during recovery is importantThe role of mental preparation and adopting an alter ego for stage confidenceWhy adapting warm-ups to your individual needs is crucial to singing wellWhy avoiding harmful vocal practices is essential for longevity in singingJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Success in the NEW Music Industry | Ep.11 01.10.2024 49m

  How did Taylor Swift make over a billion from her last tour? Why is it so much harder to make money in music now vs 30 years ago? What are the top artists doing to create an army of fans? From understanding the major shift in the music business to learning how to build a community of people who support you, join me in exploring essential tips and techniques to enhance your music career.In this episode:How the music industry game has changed and what it means for youLearn from Taylor Swift's strategy of personal connection and building a lasting fanbaseUnderstand the shift from traditional music sales to creating personal connections with fansThe evolution of music formats and its impact on your music salesWhy building a supportive, engaged community is key to a successful music careerKey insights on how to leverage social media to grow your audienceThe significance of knowing your audience and building direct relationships with fansWhy being genuinely social and interested in your fans is the new path to successTips on creating meaningful interactions to enhance your singing careerBenefits of collaboration and finding your tribe in the modern music communityJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Unforgettable Stage Presence | Ep.10 15.09.2024 56m

  How can embracing imperfection elevate your performance and turn mistakes into memories? From creating a strong onstage persona to overcoming stage fright, join us in discussing essential strategies to build confidence and connect with your audience in ways that are unforgettable.In this episode:The best ways to prepare for taking the stageBuilding a ritual to get into the right mindset before your rock concert performanceStrategies for overcoming stage fright and building confidenceWhy recording and analyzing your rehearsals and performances is crucial for growthTips for maintaining energy and engagementThe impact and importance of stage setup, lighting, and movementWhy there’s no such thing as a perfect performanceHow to handle mistakes on stage and turn them into memorable momentsCreating an authentic and memorable onstage personaHow to find your unique performance style and express it with confidenceThe value of pushing your comfort zone and experimenting in safe spacesLearning to gauge audience energy and adjust your performance accordinglyThe role of humor and humility in recovering from on-stage mistakesJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Music Then vs. Now: The Evolution of Rock and Metal | Ep.9 01.09.2024 38m

  Let’s explore the rich history of modern rock and metal, what it takes to stand out in a commercialized music industry, and the ins and outs of building a powerful modern music career. From using the democratization of music to build a strong community to experimenting with versatility and combining styles, we discuss the most effective strategies to connect with your audience and redefine marketability.In this episode:Get inspired by the history of modern rock and metalLearn to use the homogenization of music to your advantageStanding out in an industry full of commercialized musicHow to use the democratization of music to build a strong community without losing the artThe freedom you have to experiment with versatility and combine different styles as a singerThe advantages of defining marketability as value and connection rather than commercializationConnecting with people with the voice you have nowNot every song needs to be a hitThe power of a community that’s a safe space, supportive, and gives constructive feedbackJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Critical Answers About Pitch, Range, and Whistle | Ep.8 15.08.2024 48m

  When you feel stuck, getting feedback and direction from an experienced coach is invaluable. In this episode, Draven helps Rock singing Lessons teacher, Matt Sutton, address some student issues and questions about singing on pitch, extending range, and the importance of whistle.In this episode:Pitch is a listening skill: why a reference can be useful when training to sing on pitchThe power of slowing things downHow a pitch meter can be your most effective toolThe importance of hearing notes in the context of the musicHow singing completely off-pitch, in harmony, or only slightly off-pitch have completely different fixesBarring specific medical issues, anyone can learn to sing well; rethink what’s holding you backOvercoming obstacles: the power of starting simple, both in singing and in lifeWhy you have to give yourself time to grow and improveWhy you should be training up high and how it affects your lower rangeWhy cry is essential to singing up high and singing in generalMethods of finding cry: how Ghostbusters can help you achieve cry vocal modeHow to sing higher than the upper range: going from head voice to whistle voiceHow whistle voice helps you develop better compression and stabilityTwo main ways to develop whistle voiceJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• The Best Rock Singing Techniques | Ep.7 01.08.2024 40m

  Explore the benefits of practicing range and dynamics, utilizing voice breaks, and the safe approach to high notes and distortion. From being solid in the basics of singing, to warmups and live recordings, we discuss the absolute best techniques to focus on in order to improve your voice and give you room to grow.In this episode:Why practicing both range and dynamics is valuable for high notes and distortionHow utilizing your voice break can allow you to tap into different harmonicsHow adding distortion can help relax the voice into higher pitchesBe careful on low screams: the danger of pushing distortionThe note vs the approach: knowing what you’re doing wrong when singing high notesUp and over: how to successfully sing higherTwang compression: the power of keeping your resonance up rather than pushingThe power of cry: how feminizing the voice and whimpering makes it easier to singCry vs twang: why cry and twang are useful for belting and distortionIf it feels too heavy, it probably is: going off of what you feel in your voice rather than what you hear in an album When you want to push, cry more: why crying is essential to singing wellThe main benefit of listening to live recordings: holding yourself to realistic standardsSinging is a fine motor skill: how learning new coordinations for the voice is like learning to writeGive yourself time and space to grow: learning to sing is a processThe power of the essentials: you are never too good to go back and touch up on the basicsWhy a good warmup is an essential part of singing wellJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Vocal Distortion pt.2: How to Grit & Scream | Ep.6 15.07.2024 1h 9m

  Learn how to control the false cords, use fry like an expert, and discover the best exercises for developing your grit and screams beyond what you thought possible. Explore the importance of bracing, breath support, placement, yawning, sobbing, and being versatile with your screams. In this episode, we’ll take you from the basics of vocal distortion to mastering the most advanced techniques, in a great preview of what we teach in our Extreme Singing course.In this episode:The foundations of vocal distortion: the first thing you needWhy learning to sing first is essential for developing effortless grit and screamsHow distortion works and interacts with the voiceHow to gain conscious control of the false cords for ultimate controlHow fry is useful for building vocal distortionWhat an old man’s grunt, witch’s cackle, and smoker’s voice can teach you about vocal distortionHow to use glottal stops, thinning out, and cry to develop fryCrucial steps for combining fry and the singing voiceHow to control compression and why it’s usefulThree main grit placements and how to work on themOne of the best exercises to develop effective gritThe spectrum of the two main distortion typesThe balance between singing and grit placement, and how to use it to shape your soundWhy bracing is essential to effective vocal distortion and breath supportHow yawning can affect the intensity of your distortionIf you can sing it, you can distort itHow to go from grit to screamsA simple exercise for improving your screams by letting your voice fall apartHow to use sobbing to get better at screamingUsing the feeling of the false cords to improve your grit and screamsHow to distort in your lower rangeAdele vs Randy Blythe: how to build versatility and coordination in your screamsWhat to expect about how long it takes to develop great vocal distortion that doesn’t hurt your throatJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Vocal Distortion pt.1: Grit & Screams Done Right | Ep.5 01.07.2024 50m

  Delve into the spectrum of vocal distortion, from grit to screams, and how to find the right balance. Discover the physical mechanics of distortion, various screaming techniques, and the parallels with other types of singing. Learn the best improvement methods, warning signs, and the importance of breath support and compression in mastering distortion without harm, allowing you to master your screams and grit with minimal pain.In this episode:The spectrum of vocal distortion and the difference between grit and screamsFinding the proper balance between screaming and gritFixing the most misunderstood thing about screams and distortionWhat actually happens (physically) when distortingScreaming in various ways, from high to lowDistortion is the same position for everyone, but there are a ton of different approachesOne of the best ways to improve distortion early onThe parallels between distortion and classical singingOne of the fastest ways to develop gritIf it hurts, you’re doing it wrong, but don’t be afraid to exploreDeveloping loud distortion and expecting it to take a long time, especially for low distortionThe power of curiosity and following the processThe primary warning signs when learning distortion and knowing when to step awayKnowing the difference between grinding forward and conditioning for the extra vibration happening in the false cordsThe primary reason distortion goes wrong: going too hardPerceived loudness vs physical loudnessChanging the acoustics that distortion happens around vs the actual distortionWhy you should be crying: how to get compression without yellingOne of the easiest ways to get into distortion: learning how to use compression correctlyWhat pushing actually is and its difference from bracingThe importance of breath support and its placementBecoming comfortable with making weird sounds and moving the voice around: learning to screamJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Leveraging Creativity to 10X Your Music Career | Ep.4 16.06.2024 1h 27m

  In this episode, we explore essential strategies for a successful music career, from the importance of storytelling and balancing creativity with focus to the power of high-quality production. Learn why hiring experts, testing the market, and setting ambitious goals are key to growth, and discover how to leverage your resources and unique skills to amplify your progress.In this episode:Why you need to lean into storytellingCreative distractions vs focusingThe problem with pivoting directions for othersFinishing projects vs releasing at the right timeTesting the market before producing moreCompetition vs being #1 in your own categoryThe power of producing high-quality and working with world-class peopleWhy hiring experts is the best answer to getting things done and growing your music careerHow and when to hire a team to amplify your progress, even without a budgetSpending money on what helps move you forward vs good ideasWorking with what you have to amplify your creativityWhat to learn about or buy for recording on your own to save time in the studioWhen to hire help, like a producer, for songwriting and recordingHiring the RIGHT team of expertsWhy you should lean into what you are good at and what makes you uniqueThe benefits of 10X goals and going bigHow to break the cycle of going nowhere, and finally get the boost you needWhat are the next most critical steps you should take?How to leverage what you have to get the highest quality out of your recordingsJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Are These Rock and Metal Singing Myths Holding You Back? | Ep.3 01.06.2024 54m

  There are far too many myths, ignorant statements, and misconceptions that hold us back as singers; especially in the world of rock and metal. Some are incredibly limiting, others are overly cautious, and even others are downright wrong and a complete misunderstanding of how the voice works – which we’ve heard other vocal teachers repeat as truth! Join us as the other Rock Singing Lessons teachers and I address the top myths we hear far too often, hopefully answering some big questions for you and helping you get the breakthrough in your voice you’ve been wanting.In this episode:Talent vs intuition: why “you have it or you don’t” is BSYou’re not stuck in a certain range and can train to expand itBarring a medical issue, It’s always possible to train for the voice you wantThe benefits of knowing what you’re capable of and looking at live performances of songsThe power of meeting the essentials and not expecting perfectionYou’re allowed to change songs to make them easier to singYou’re not confined to a certain vocal categorizationKnowing what actually impacts your voice vs what people say impacts your voiceThe difference between what hurts your voice and what you should be paying attention toThinking of distortion as an effect rather than a different type of singingWhy you should be trying to keep a natural larynx rather than a neutral larynxVarying techniques: why all technique doesn’t transfer to all genresThe #1 thing holding you back from a successful singing career: thinking you don’t have timeFinding time & space to practice singing even with full-time commitments or limited optionsSimple ways to practice singing when you don’t have much time to dedicate specifically to singingJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about
• Why You Don’t Need Music Education but Should Teach | Ep.1 01.06.2024 1h 19m

  Is formal education, or any education, necessary for singing rock and metal? The answer might surprise you. In this episode, I’m joined by Rock Singing Lessons' voice teachers and phenomenal musicians Matt Sutton and Drew Cope to discuss this topic.In this episode:The pros and cons of getting a music education or not getting oneWhat it’s like to gain education through performance experienceThe benefits of having a teacher to help you train your voiceOne of the best ways for you to improve your singingOne of the oldest, most popular, and easiest ways to make money as a singer and musician: TeachingThe ins and outs of teaching music and singing and how to get startedHow to avoid the pitfalls we ran into when we got started in teachingStart making money quickly while also improving your skills as a musicianJoin the Rock Singing Success community for podcast discussions, courses, and an incredible community of supportive singers who are on the same journey as you.https://www.skool.com/rocksingingsuccess/about