As November rolls in, gratitude becomes the theme of the season. But for artists—especially singer/songwriters—gratitude is more than a yearly sentiment; it’s an essential part of the creative process.

Songwriting is one of the most powerful ways to express your voice and connect with others. But finding inspiration and developing your lyrics can sometimes feel daunting, especially during this busy time of year when schedules are packed and creativity feels out of reach.

Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced songwriter, this post covers a blend of creative prompts, practical songwriting tips, and tools to help you tap into your potential.

Another incredible weekend in the books! Four talented artists from across the country ( CA —> VA ) joined us for a weekend intensive filled with 1-on-1 coaching with some of the best in the business.

It’s always a pleasure working with these talented young artists. They are daring, bold, and vulnerable!

Sheridan and I started New Roots Empower with the idea of becoming the mentors we wish we had while growing a career in the music industry. This past weekend intensive proved yet again the power of a supportive and uplifting community and the impact we can have when we work to elevate each other.

Beyond just a means of self-expression, branding and style have become essential tools for artists to carve out their identities, connect with audiences, and leave a lasting mark on the world stage.

In this blog, we'll explore the importance of hearing health for musicians, the benefits of seeing an audiologist, and practical steps you can take to safeguard your auditory well-being.

The Importance of Hearing Health

Your ability to create, interpret, and enjoy music revolves around your hearing. Prolonged exposure to sounds at high decibel levels can cause hearing loss and may lead to irreversible changes that alter your perception of music.

Regular hearing check-ups with an audiologist are crucial for musicians. By scheduling regular appointments, you can detect potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention to preserve your hearing!

Whether or not you have a human (or pet) love in your life, there is another thing out there that us musicians and artists may need to step up and send some metaphorical roses to….our music. 

I recently had a conversation with Sheridan that completely shifted my mindset when it comes to the artists we work with and my own identity as an artist.

Sheridan made a simple, yet profound point:

She doesn't resonate with the idea of an "aspiring artist." Instead, she prefers "developing artist."

It’s amazing how words have the power to impact your perception. This struck a chord with me. Why wait to become something you've always been? From the moment we picked up a paintbrush, strummed a guitar, or sang in our living rooms as kids, we were artists.

It’s that time of year again when stores are bustling (or your Amazon cart overflowing) and the time for exchanging gifts is upon us. Knowing what to get those performing artists in your life can leave you puzzled…so we are here to help!

The human voice is the most powerful instrument ever created. It has the ability to convey raw emotion, ignite the deepest of feelings, and transport listeners to imaginary places. While our magnificent instrument holds the key to storytelling, it is not invincible!

I wanted to share a few of the exercises that I use with my artists to help develop their vocal control, tone, and power. Below are three exercises that I have created to help get you started! You may use the audio clips to follow along.

We’ve all been there — rushing to a gig, belting out our songs in the car to try to warm up before hand… Unfortunately, there’s never enough time, you don’t have access to a piano, and it’s hard to focus on your singing!

Warming up your voice is crucial to ensure vocal flexibility, prevent strain, and achieve your best performance. Therefore, it is essential to have efficient warm-up routines that — when you’re in a less than ideal situation — can be completed in a short time period.

I’ve spent years refining my 10 minute warm-up routine to help with this issue. And, I’d like to share some of the exercises with you!

When reading any contract in the music industry, it's important to be aware of certain red flags that may indicate unfavorable terms or potential issues. Here are some red flags to look out for.

In order for an artist to enjoy a lengthy career, they must learn how to evolve. Successful artists not only evolve their sonic palette, but they also continue to explore different styles of clothing, ways to fix their hair, and topics to sing about.

Artistry requires having a “pulse” on current events and a uniquely innovative perspective on what it means to be human.

It’s not easy to make money making music. We all know that. AND, it has historically been super confusing and difficult to collect all the different royalties that are owed to you…UNTIL NOW!

The performers who are going to sell out night after night are the ones who have mastered the balance of being rehearsed/prepared but still leave room for the magic and spontaneity to let authentic moments happen on stage. This takes practice! Here are a few tips for growing your performance skills…

With fame or any remote level of success comes an INCREDIBLE amount of responsibility. Artists have the responsibility to use their talent to the best of its ability, to progress and work harder than anyone else, and to make an impact with the gifts that the world has bestowed upon them.

I loved getting to hear from other Alums about their experiences at New Roots, so I am here to represent the “New Roots Class of Feb 2023” with my 5 take-aways from my experience.

Musicians find themselves constantly searching for ways to “move the needle” and improve their music career. What most of us don’t realize is that the success of a music career is predicated on small, consistent, productive habits that eventually come to fruition in the form of positive opportunities!

If you rely on being productive ONLY during the times that you feel motivated, you will find that you may spend a lot of time thinking about what to do and less time actually doing it!

Use this simple, FREE tool we’ve created to help you get started!

Collaborations can be a beautiful way to grow your fanbase, create a unique piece of art, and not feel so isolated, BUT if they aren’t approached correctly, they can turn into a headache for all parties involved. 

If you haven't noticed yet, we are big on community here at New Roots! We feel that it is important to grow and develop a supportive community that allows artists to feel welcome to grow at their own pace and freely tell their story. With each new weekend event, webinar, or workshop, we continue to build a community of like-minded artists that envision a future filled with collaboration and support.

We finished yet another incredible New Roots weekend on Sunday — this time with artists from Washington DC, Arizona, and California! Each artist brought a unique story and a passion for sharing their message with the world. There were MANY things that stood out to me about this weekend…