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!

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.

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.

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!

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…

Inspiration: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions

Motivation: a motivating force, stimulus, or influence (motive — something, such as a need or desire, that causes a person to act)

Inspiration and motivation can be fleeting, but they are two driving forces in every creative lifestyle.

It’s important to recognize that a substantial following on SM can equate to an increase in collaborative opportunities with other artists, brands, labels, etc.

It’s not about the # of followers as much as it is about the QUALITY of followers. The best way to create high quality followers is to build a community around your message.

As any musician will tell you, there is SO much more to being an artist than simply making good music.

It’s important to look at an artist career from a holistic perspective—one that includes: business acumen, musical knowledge, mental and physical health practices, as well as an understanding of nutrition and financial literacy.

Behind the scenes of every successful artist is a hard-working manager. Their job is to oversee all aspects of an artist’s career. So, you might think—all I need is a manager, and I’ll have a prosperous career! Unfortunately, an excellent manager can help you level up, but will not guarantee a successful career in the music industry.

It’s important to understand exactly when an artist should seek management, and what is involved in an artist-manager relationship…

How Networking Helps Musicians:

Networking is EXTREMELY important for musicians and yet it is one of the most difficult aspects of having a successful music career!

An artist who has developed a skill for networking makes room for tremendous opportunity, creativity, and career growth.

Our voice serves as a direct connection to our physical and emotional wellbeing. Therefore, it’s important to identify— and perhaps prepare for— any vocal changes that might arise as a result of changes in our body.

Ladies— ever feel like your voice sounds or feels different before, during, or shortly after your period? This is very common for about 33% of female singers. And no, it’s not your fault that your voice changes in this way. It’s most likely your hormones!