Singer Songwriter | How to Write a Song, Make Music, Song Lyrics, Music Theory, Singing Lessons — Podcast

117 | The Secret To Vocal Confidence Isn't Having a Better Singing Voice 28.07.2026 19min

What if the secret to vocal confidence isn't having a better singing voice? So many singers believe confidence comes after they improve their technique, sound better, or finally feel "good enough." But what if confidence begins somewhere else? In this episode, we're exploring a different way of thinking about vocal confidence—one that's rooted not in perfection, but in trust. I share why learning to trust your singing voice enough to let it be heard may be more important than chasing the perfect sound, and how our inner critic often pulls us out of the experience of singing and into the role of judge. Whether you're recording yourself, performing on stage, posting a video online, or simply singing for someone you trust, the invitation is the same: stay on your own side. Instead of asking, "Did I sound good?" what if you asked, "Did I stay connected to myself? Did I tell the truth?" If you've ever struggled with self-criticism, hated the sound of your own singing voice, or felt afraid to let your voice be heard, this episode will encourage you to build confidence from the inside out. <3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

116 | How Do You Know When a Song Is Finished? 21.07.2026 21min

How do you know when a song is actually finished? Not when it's perfect. Not when you've exhausted every possible revision. But when it's ready to let go. In this episode, we're exploring the final stage of the songwriting process: knowing when to stop revising and trust the song you've written. I share what happened after revisiting an old song that finally found its missing verse—only to discover myself slipping into endless tweaking, second-guessing, and overthinking every artistic decision. We'll talk about the difference between healthy revision and hypercriticism, why perfectionism keeps so many songwriters stuck, and how to recognize when another rewrite isn't helping the song anymore. Sometimes the hardest part of songwriting isn't finding inspiration or writing the first draft—it's trusting yourself enough to finish. Whether you're working on your first song or your fiftieth, this episode is an invitation to embrace the imperfect beauty of your work and remember that every finished song is simply a snapshot of who you were when you chose to let it go. In this episode, we'll explore: how to know when a song is finished the final stage of the songwriting process songwriting revision vs. perfectionism editing and revising song lyrics overcoming self-criticism in songwriting trusting your creative instincts why finishing a song is an act of trust avoiding overthinking during the songwriting process letting go of perfection and releasing your music building a sustainable creative practice Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: reawakenyourvoice.com

115 | The Hardest Part of the Songwriting Process: Choosing What Belongs 14.07.2026 18min

Have you ever held onto a lyric, melody, or song idea simply because you've lived with it for so long? In this episode, we're exploring a different stage of the songwriting process — not gathering inspiration, but choosing what belongs. I share the story of revisiting an old song and making one unexpected change that revealed a deeper, more honest version of the story it had been trying to tell all along. We'll talk about why artistic growth isn't just about creating more — it's about developing the discernment to recognize what truly serves the song. Sometimes the hardest part of songwriting isn't writing the next line. It's having the courage to let go of something good so something truer can emerge. Whether you're writing songs, making music, or simply learning to trust your creative instincts, this episode is an invitation to embrace the deeper work of choosing, revising, and telling the truth in your art. In this episode, we'll explore: the songwriting process beyond first drafts editing and revising song lyrics how to know what belongs in a song creative discernment and artistic choices telling the truth through songwriting letting go of lyrics that no longer serve the song trusting your creative instincts why honesty leads to stronger songs embracing revision as part of the creative process Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Email Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

114 | Try This 10-Minute Singing Practice When Your Voice Feels Tired 07.07.2026 18min

Feeling tired, stiff, or disconnected from your singing voice? In this episode, I'm sharing a simple 10-minute singing practice I used after a long holiday weekend to reconnect with my voice—without forcing it, judging it, or trying to sound "better." Instead of focusing on vocal technique or performance, this practice begins with noticing how your voice feels today, meeting it where it is, and allowing it to lead the way through humming, movement, improvisation, and familiar songs. We'll explore: how to reconnect with your singing voice in just 10 minutes what to do when your voice feels tired or low-energy why noticing your body's sensations can be more helpful than judging your sound how improvisation and movement can help your voice open naturally embracing your voice as it is instead of fighting against it If your singing has been feeling stale, disconnected, or you're simply looking for a gentle way back into your voice, I hope this practice helps you rediscover the joy of singing—exactly as you are today. <3 Lainey Songs Mentioned: Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers Wade In The Water - Traditional African American Spiritual Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

113 | Can't Finish Your Song? Why Some Songs Take Years to Write 30.06.2026 16min

Have you ever had a song that stayed with you for years—but never seemed ready to be written? In this episode, I'm sharing a personal reflection on a song I've wanted to write for a long time and what it's teaching me about the songwriting process, creative timing, and learning to trust inspiration instead of forcing it. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, I've found myself returning to a creative desire that's been quietly living in me for years: to write a song that captures the beauty of home, freedom, and Americana summer nights. The inspiration is there. The imagery is there. But the song itself still hasn't arrived. Rather than seeing that as failure or creative block, I'm learning to see it differently. In this episode, we'll explore: why some songs take years to write trusting the timing of the songwriting process the difference between creative readiness and creative pressure how life experience shapes the songs we're meant to write why you don't have to force inspiration to create meaningful work If you've been waiting for the right words, the right melody, or the right time to finish a song, this conversation is an invitation to trust that some songs are written slowly—not because you're doing something wrong, but because they're still becoming. <3 Lainey Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

112 | Trying to Force Your Creative Process? There's Another Way 23.06.2026 20min

Trying to force your creativity to happen? There may be another way. As artists, we often feel pressure to know exactly where we’re going. We want the finished vision, the clear plan, the perfect idea — and when we don’t have those things, we may assume we’re stuck. But the creative process doesn’t always unfold in a straight line. Sometimes the work is in the unknown. In this episode, I’m exploring what it means to stop forcing an outcome and start trusting the creative process — allowing space for exploration, discovery, curiosity, and transformation. I’ll share reflections from my own creative season of not knowing what my next project will be, and how I’m learning to embrace the adventure of creating rather than rushing toward the destination. We’ll talk about: outcome-driven creativity vs. process-oriented creativity becoming comfortable with uncertainty why the unknown is part of the artistic journey how curiosity and exploration lead to meaningful work trusting yourself when the path isn’t clear yet If you’ve been waiting for clarity before you begin, this episode is an invitation to stay engaged with your creativity and let the process reveal what comes next. <3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

111 | Rediscovering Your Singing Voice Beyond Practice & Performance 16.06.2026 19min

Have you ever felt disconnected from your singing voice—even though you still love to sing? In this episode, we're exploring a different way of thinking about singing. One that goes beyond practice, performance, technique, improvement, and achievement. I share reflections from my own creative life lately, including singing while doing dishes, gardening, playing with my children, and following little melodies as they appear throughout the day. These ordinary moments have reminded me that some of the most meaningful singing doesn't happen on stage or in a practice room—it happens in the midst of everyday life. We'll talk about: reconnecting with your singing voice the difference between the critical ear and the creative ear singing beyond practice and performance overcoming perfectionism and self-judgment finding more joy and play in singing everyday singing as a creative practice coming back to your "why" as a singer If you've been feeling out of practice, disconnected from your voice, or unsure how to get back into singing, this episode offers a gentle invitation to reconnect with singing in a way that feels natural, meaningful, and alive. <3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

110 | The Songwriting Process: Catching Song Ideas Before They Slip Away 09.06.2026 23min

Have you ever had a great song idea disappear before you had the chance to develop it? In this episode, we're exploring an often-overlooked part of the songwriting process: capturing inspiration while it's still alive. Building on last week's conversation about The Work Before the Work, we're talking about what happens when the first spark of a song finally appears. How do songwriters capture ideas before they slip away? What role do voice memos, notebooks, and unfinished songs play in the creative process? I share reflections from revisiting old voice memos, rediscovering early versions of songs, and noticing how a single song idea can evolve over time—sometimes becoming something entirely different from where it began. We'll talk about: why songwriting inspiration is often fleeting how to capture song ideas before they're lost why unfinished songs still have value how revisiting old ideas can unlock new creative possibilities why song ideas evolve throughout the songwriting process If you've ever lost a lyric, melody, or song idea you wish you'd held onto, these simple practices can help you capture inspiration and give your songs a chance to grow. <3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

109 | Finding Inspiration as a Singer-Songwriter: The Work Before The Work 02.06.2026 21min

How do you find inspiration when you don't know what to create next? As singer-songwriters, we often assume we need a clear idea, a finished vision, or a specific project before we can begin creating. But what if inspiration doesn't come from thinking harder about what to make? What if it comes from paying attention? In this episode, we're exploring the work before the work — the often overlooked phase of the creative process where artists gather clues, follow curiosity, collect observations, and remain open to inspiration before a song, project, or creative vision fully reveals itself. I share some behind-the-scenes reflections from my own creative season of uncertainty, including revisiting unfinished songs, experimenting with new creative possibilities, and learning to trust the process before clarity arrives. We'll talk about: how to find inspiration as a singer-songwriter the creative season before clarity gathering creative clues and collecting ideas why inspiration often follows engagement, not the other way around living creatively with open eyes, open ears, and an open heart overcoming the pressure to have everything figured out trusting the creative process when you don't know what's next preparing the soil before the song emerges If you've been feeling stuck, uninspired, creatively restless, or unsure what project to pursue next, this episode offers a gentler approach: stay engaged, pay attention, and trust that something meaningful will emerge in its own time. <3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

108 | Feeling Stuck With Your Singing Voice? Try This Creative Approach 26.05.2026 21min

Feeling stuck with your singing voice lately? In this episode, we’re exploring a creative approach to reconnecting with your voice through curiosity, experimentation, vocal harmonies, and creative freedom — instead of overthinking, perfectionism, or trying to sound “perfect.” I share some behind-the-scenes reflections from my own creative process lately, including experimenting with vocal layering, unfinished song ideas, singing with a different instrument, and how changing the creative environment can help the voice open up in unexpected ways. If your singing practice has started feeling rigid, repetitive, creatively flat, or disconnected, this episode will help you reconnect with the playful, expressive side of your voice again. We’ll talk about: vocal freedom for singers and singer-songwriters creative singing exercises vocal harmonies and layered vocals overcoming perfectionism in singing how curiosity helps free the voice reconnecting with your natural singing voice using unfinished songs as creative playgrounds creative approaches to your singing practice how experimentation can unlock creativity and expression Plus, I’ll give you a simple vocal exploration exercise you can try this week to help you reconnect with your voice in a more creative, alive, and pressure-free way. <3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

107 | Songwriter's Block & Creative Burnout: How to Begin Again 19.05.2026 24min

Feeling stuck creatively? Struggling with songwriter’s block, creative burnout, or feeling disconnected from your music? In this episode, we’re talking about how to begin again creatively — not through pressure, perfectionism, or forcing inspiration, but through play, curiosity, experimentation, and reconnecting with the desire to create. I share some honest reflections about my own creative process lately, the idea of creating a tiny summer creative project, and why songwriter’s block may not actually mean your creativity is gone. Maybe the flow is still there — just buried underneath fear, overthinking, comparison, burnout, or the pressure to make something “good.” We’ll talk about: songwriter’s block and creative burnout how to start writing songs again reconnecting with your songwriting practice overcoming perfectionism in creativity why play and experimentation matter creating without pressure tiny creative projects as a doorway back into flow how to rekindle your desire to create This episode is for singer-songwriters, musicians, artists, and creatives who want to reconnect with their artistic voice and begin creating again from a place that feels alive. Plus, I’ll guide you through a reflective exercise to help you imagine your own small creative project for this summer. <3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

106 | When Your Creative Process Stops Feeling Alive 12.05.2026 21min

What do you do when the way you’ve been creating no longer feels alive? In this episode, I’m sharing an honest reflection on creativity, artistic growth, and what happens when your creative process starts feeling stale — even when you still love what you do. Lately, I’ve realized I’ve been spending so much time creating about music that I’ve started craving more space for my own songs, artistry, and creative process again. This episode is a conversation about creative seasons, outgrowing old rhythms, reconnecting with your artistic voice, and giving yourself permission to evolve as a singer-songwriter and creative. If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your creativity, stuck in a creative rut, creatively burned out, or unsure how to reconnect with making music again, this episode is for you. We’ll talk about: creative burnout vs creative growth outgrowing the way you create reconnecting with your singing and songwriting process allowing your creativity to evolve making space for a new creative season This is an artist-to-artist conversation about creativity, songwriting, and learning to create from a place that feels alive again. Thank you for joining me on this infinite journey of becoming. <3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

105 | How to Find Your Natural Singing Voice 05.05.2026 24min

Have you ever felt like you’re trying too hard when you sing — forcing your voice, chasing a certain sound, or overthinking every note? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode, we talk about how to find your natural singing voice — not by shaping or controlling it, but by learning how to let it emerge. Because your voice isn’t something you have to create. It’s something that’s already there. You’ll learn: • why forcing your voice creates tension and disconnect• how imitation and perfectionism can block your natural sound• the connection between mental tension and vocal tension• what resonance actually feels like in the body• how to sing with more ease, freedom, and emotional honesty This episode is about trusting your voice, releasing control, and allowing your sound to become more natural over time. Because the goal isn’t to sound perfect. It’s to sound like you. <3 Lainey 🎤 Want personalized support? My one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions help singers release tension, build confidence, and reconnect with their natural voice. Learn more at:reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Next Steps: Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

104 | Too Many Song Ideas? How to Turn Ideas Into Finished Songs 28.04.2026 29min

Do you have unfinished songs, scattered lyrics, or too many song ideas living in your notes app? In this episode, we talk about how to move inspiration through the songwriting process — so your ideas stop getting lost and start becoming songs. You’ll learn how to capture ideas, create one creative “home,” and move songs through different stages of development without feeling overwhelmed. Because songwriting isn’t just about having ideas. It’s about knowing what to do with them next. <3 Lainey 🎤 Want personalized support? My one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions help singer-songwriters move through creative blocks, build confidence, and reconnect to their voice. Book Yours Here: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

103 | A 20-Minute Creative Practice for Singer-Songwriters (When You Don't Have Time) 21.04.2026 24min

If you’ve been struggling to find time for your creativity — or feeling stuck in an all-or-nothing cycle with your singing or songwriting — this episode will give you a simple, realistic way to stay consistent. Because creativity doesn’t require hours of free time. It requires a way to stay connected. In this episode, I share a flexible 20-minute creative practice designed for singer-songwriters who want to build consistency without overwhelm — even in the middle of a full, busy life. We’ll walk through: • why the all-or-nothing mindset keeps you stuck• a simple 20-minute structure for singing, songwriting, and creative flow• how to stay connected to your voice through small, everyday moments I also introduce a simple “sprinkle and pour” approach to creativity — a way of weaving your voice and your music into your daily life, instead of waiting for the perfect time. Because you don’t need more time. You need a way to return. <3 Lainey 🎤 Want personalized support?My one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions help singer-songwriters build confidence, stay consistent, and reconnect to their voice and creativity. Learn more at:reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Next Steps: Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

102 | The 3 Phases of Writing a Song (Why You Get Stuck & What to Do Next) 14.04.2026 26min

If you’ve ever started a song and didn’t finish it… or felt stuck somewhere in the middle of the songwriting process, unsure what to do next — this episode will give you a clearer path forward. Songwriting isn’t just about inspiration — it’s about understanding the phases of writing a song. When you understand these phases, it becomes much easier to move from a simple idea… to a finished piece of music. In this episode, we walk through three key phases of songwriting: • gathering and developing song ideas• the messy middle — and why so many songs get stuck there• refining your ideas into a finished song You’ll also hear a behind-the-scenes look at how I move through my own songwriting practice — from scattered ideas to focused work — in a way that allows for both structure and flexibility. Because it’s not about having more ideas. It’s about knowing what to do with the ones you already have. <3 Lainey 🎤 Want personalized support?My one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions help singer-songwriters move through creative blocks, build confidence, and bring their songs to life. Learn more at:reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Next Steps: Book a 1:1 Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

101 | How to Warm Up Your Voice (Without Overthinking It) 07.04.2026 21min

If warming up your voice has ever felt confusing, rigid, or overly technical… you’re not alone. In this episode, we simplify the process. Instead of focusing on the “perfect” vocal warm-up routine, you’ll learn how to approach warming up your voice in a way that’s intuitive, flexible, and actually supportive of your singing. We’ll walk through a simple 4-part framework to help you: • gently awaken your voice and body• find ease, resonance, and connection• build flexibility and range without forcing• and bring your voice into real music—not just exercises We also talk about how overthinking and perfectionism can create tension in your voice—and how to shift into a more natural, responsive way of working with your instrument. Because your voice is different every day… and your warm-up can be, too. <3 Lainey 🎤 Want personalized support?My one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions help singer-songwriters move out of overthinking, release tension, and build a more natural, confident connection to their voice. Learn more at:reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Next Steps: Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

100 | 100 Episodes Later: Finding Your Voice as a Singer Songwriter (And What's Next) 31.03.2026 17min

100 episodes. What started as Reawaken Your Voice has grown into something clearer, more focused, and more aligned — a space for singer-songwriters navigating the creative process, finding their voice, and learning how to trust it. In this episode, I’m reflecting on the journey so far — what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what I’ve learned from you along the way. We talk about: • the evolution of the podcast and stepping into the identity of “singer-songwriter”• the patterns I’m seeing in this community (starting, finishing, sharing, and perfectionism)• the episodes you’ve resonated with most — and what that reveals• where we’re going next (more process, more storytelling, more of the real work behind the songs) 🎁 To celebrate 100 episodes, I’m giving away 3 one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions. You’ll be entered to win by filling out a short form sharing your experience, your challenges, and what you’d love more of on the podcast. And if you leave a review, you’ll receive 5 bonus entries. Enter Here: bit.ly/singersongwriterpodcast Thank you for being here — whether you’ve listened to one episode or one hundred. This is just the beginning. <3 Lainey Enter the Giveaway: bit.ly/singersongwriterpodcast Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

99 | How to Find Your Songwriting Voice 24.03.2026 18min

How do you actually find your songwriting voice? Is it something you discover… or something that develops over time? Many songwriters feel stuck here — overthinking their ideas, comparing themselves to others, and wondering if what they’re creating is original or “good enough.” But your voice isn’t something you find by thinking. It’s something that emerges through the act of writing. In this episode, we explore what it really means to find your songwriting voice and why the process is less about figuring it out — and more about staying in the work long enough for something true to come through. We talk about: • Why overthinking can keep you disconnected from your creative voice• How your life experiences and perspective shape your songwriting• The role of practice, experimentation, and finishing songs• Letting go of perfectionism and writing imperfect songs Because you don’t find your voice before you begin. You find it by writing. If you’re ready to move from second-guessing your songs to developing a voice that actually feels like you, this episode will meet you where you are. <3 Lainey 🎤 Want personalized support?My one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions help singer-songwriters move through creative blocks, build confidence, and find clarity in both their voice and their songwriting. Book a Coaching Session:reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

98 | Permission to Sing Imperfectly: Letting Go of Perfection in Your Voice 17.03.2026 21min

Many singers hold themselves back because they’re trying to sound perfect. They control their tone, their breath, their phrasing — carefully managing every detail so nothing falls apart. But sometimes that control is exactly what keeps the voice from expressing something real. In this episode, we explore the balance between vocal technique and emotional honesty, and why perfectionism can quietly block the freedom and authenticity that make music powerful. We talk about: • Why singers often try to control their voice instead of expressing the emotion of the song• How perfectionism can keep you from fully connecting to the music• The courage it takes to surrender control and “go there” emotionally• Giving yourself permission to sing imperfectly but truthfully Because the most powerful performances aren’t always technically perfect — they’re emotionally honest. <3 Lainey 🎤 Want personalized support?My one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions help singer-songwriters build confidence, move through perfectionism, and sing their songs with greater freedom and emotional connection. Learn more and book your session at:reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Join the newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com