Vocal Lab
Vocal Lab
Sara Ramsay
This show aims to pull back the curtain on the music industry, and give up-and-coming artists some of the knowledge that veterans wish they’d had when they were just starting out. Our format on The Vocal Lab incorporates some solo episodes where it’s just Sara, talking about voice care and singing and performance coaching, the realities of life on the road, and how to prep for the studio - basically answering questions you may or may not even know to ask!We will also have TONS of guest interview episodes, where veterans can draw on their experience to lay out the yellow brick road for the next generation of artists. You’ll get to hear their perspective through the lens of “what I know now that I wish I’d known then.”If you're an emerging artist, this is your music industry primer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Season One: Epilogue
On today's show, I reflect on Season One, and all the amazing guests I had the opportunity to sit down with. And I give you the scoop on next season...I'm already looking forward to being back!In the meantime, have a great summer, and we'll see you in the fall!_________________________SUBMIT YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS or SUGGEST A GUESTTHE VOCAL LAB INSTAGRAMTHE VOCAL LAB [email protected] music for The Vocal Lab by FreshEars AudioAudio Editing for The Vocal Lab by Kurt Maas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 6, 2023
10 min
Soulful Sounds: Steve Dawson's Dedication to Crafting Memorable Music, pt 2
This week I am thrilled to welcome Steve Dawson, a prominent figure in the Canadian music scene, who is leaving an indelible mark with his natural and authentic talent. With over 200 albums to his name since the turn of the millennium, including 7 Juno Award-winning records, Steve's musical journey showcases his unwavering dedication. Originally from Vancouver and now based in Nashville, Steve is a versatile artist, sideman, and record producer. His pursuit of excellence has garnered him multiple prestigious awards, including "Producer of the Year" at the Western Canadian Music Awards three times, and at the Canadian Folk Music Awards four times. He has also been honored with Maple Blues Awards, the Grand Prix De Jazz De Montreal, Blues Blast Awards, and numerous other accolades for his work as an artist and producer. Steve's diverse musical experiences have taken him to global stages, collaborating with esteemed musicians such as Colin James, Jim Byrnes, Long John Baldry, Bruce Cockburn, and Kelly Joe Phelps. Fusing modern electric instruments with enchanting antique instruments like weissenborns and marxophones, Steve's studio productions reflect his boundless creativity. The Henhouse, Steve's beloved studio, has been a hub of creativity, nurturing over 80 releases. Previously located in Vancouver and now nestled in the heart of Nashville, this welcoming space continues to attract musicians from far and wide. Once a year, they hold the Henhouse Hang, an opportunity to look behind the scenes of recording a song or two, start to finish.In 2016, Steve launched his long form podcast, Music Makers and Soul Shakers, which has grown quite a following. In 2022, Steve showcased his passion and talent with the release of three mesmerizing albums: "Gone, Long Gone," "Phantom Threshold," and "Eye Closed, Dreaming." These records embody his unwavering dedication to crafting soul-stirring music that resonates with audiences worldwide.Tune in as we explore Steve Dawson's remarkable musical journey, from his accolades to his creative process, collaborations, and the impact of his podcast. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with this true musical visionary on The Vocal Lab Podcast!Web: www.stevedawson.caYouTube: @SteveDawsonYTIG: @stevedawsonmusicFB: @stevedawson12Henhouse Hang, September 25-27, 2023________________________SUBMIT YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS or SUGGEST A GUESTTHE VOCAL LAB INSTAGRAMTHE VOCAL LAB WEBSITETheme music for The Vocal Lab by FreshEars AudioAudio Editing for The Vocal Lab by Kurt Maas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 1, 2023
39 min
Soulful Sounds: Steve Dawson's Dedication to Crafting Memorable Music, pt 1
This week I am thrilled to welcome Steve Dawson, a prominent figure in the Canadian music scene, who is leaving an indelible mark with his natural and authentic talent. With over 200 albums to his name since the turn of the millennium, including 7 Juno Award-winning records, Steve's musical journey showcases his unwavering dedication. Originally from Vancouver and now based in Nashville, Steve is a versatile artist, sideman, and record producer. His pursuit of excellence has garnered him multiple prestigious awards, including "Producer of the Year" at the Western Canadian Music Awards three times, and at the Canadian Folk Music Awards four times. He has also been honored with Maple Blues Awards, the Grand Prix De Jazz De Montreal, Blues Blast Awards, and numerous other accolades for his work as an artist and producer. Steve's diverse musical experiences have taken him to global stages, collaborating with esteemed musicians such as Colin James, Jim Byrnes, Long John Baldry, Bruce Cockburn, and Kelly Joe Phelps. Fusing modern electric instruments with enchanting antique instruments like weissenborns and marxophones, Steve's studio productions reflect his boundless creativity. The Henhouse, Steve's beloved studio, has been a hub of creativity, nurturing over 80 releases. Previously located in Vancouver and now nestled in the heart of Nashville, this welcoming space continues to attract musicians from far and wide. Once a year, they hold the Henhouse Hang, an opportunity to look behind the scenes of recording a song or two, start to finish.In 2016, Steve launched his long form podcast, Music Makers and Soul Shakers, which has grown quite a following.  In 2022, Steve showcased his passion and talent with the release of three mesmerizing albums: "Gone, Long Gone," "Phantom Threshold," and "Eye Closed, Dreaming." These records embody his unwavering dedication to crafting soul-stirring music that resonates with audiences worldwide.Tune in as we explore Steve Dawson's remarkable musical journey, from his accolades to his creative process, collaborations, and the impact of his podcast. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with this true musical visionary on The Vocal Lab Podcast!Find SteveWeb: www.stevedawson.caYouTube: @SteveDawsonYTIG: @stevedawsonmusicFB: @stevedawson12Henhouse Hang, September 25-27, 2023________________________SUBMIT YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS or SUGGEST A GUESTTHE VOCAL LAB INSTAGRAMTHE VOCAL LAB [email protected] music for The Vocal Lab by FreshEars AudioAudio Editing for The Vocal Lab by Kurt Maas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 29, 2023
49 min
The DIY Approach to Success in the Music Industry with Brandon Hart, pt 2
In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Brandon Hart, a natural storyteller and talented musician, and successful DIY bootstrapper. Brandon's music serves as a therapeutic journal of his soul, tackling profound themes such as love, loss, addiction, and perseverance. With his unique blend of upbeat alt-rock and pop anthems, he creates a sound that pays homage to the 90s era he grew up in. Join us as we delve into his musical journey, recent accomplishments, and his advocacy for mental health.One of Brandon's notable achievements is his collaboration on the album "As Far As The Stars" with Tom Macdonald and Nova Rockafeller. The album's thought-provoking themes resonated with audiences, leading to its placement on 18 different Billboard charts, including two number ones, a number three, and a number four. We discuss the creative process behind this collaboration and the profound impact it had on Brandon's career.Brandon' previous album, titled "Worried Sick," delves into deep emotions and further showcases his storytelling abilities. To complement the album, he released five captivating music videos that garnered 800,000 views on YouTube within the first three months.Having toured extensively throughout North America, Brandon has built a strong following both offline and online. With 190,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify, his music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. We explore his live performances, the connection he establishes with his fans, and the journey of growth he has experienced in the digital realm.Brandon's latest single, "Space Trash," featuring Tom Macdonald, has made waves in the music industry. With over half a million views within the first two days and chart success, the song is captivating audiences and trending on YouTube at number 19. Join me as I sit down with Brandon and talk through the fascinating journey of DIY bootstrapping in the world of pro music.Where to find Brandonweb: iambrandonhart.comIG: @iambrandonhartFB: @iambrandonhartYouTube: @brandonhartSpotify: Brandon HartApple Music: Brandon Hart_________________________SUBMIT YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS or SUGGEST A GUESTTHE VOCAL LAB INSTAGRAMTHE VOCAL LAB [email protected] music for The Vocal Lab by FreshEars AudioAudio Editing for The Vocal Lab by Kurt Maas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 25, 2023
37 min
The DIY Approach to Success in the Music Industry with Brandon Hart, pt 1
In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Brandon Hart, a natural storyteller and talented musician, and successful DIY bootstrapper. Brandon's music serves as a therapeutic journal of his soul, tackling profound themes such as love, loss, addiction, and perseverance. With his unique blend of upbeat alt-rock and pop anthems, he creates a sound that pays homage to the 90s era he grew up in. Join us as we delve into his musical journey, recent accomplishments, and his advocacy for mental health.One of Brandon's notable achievements is his collaboration on the album "As Far As The Stars" with Tom Macdonald and Nova Rockafeller. The album's thought-provoking themes resonated with audiences, leading to its placement on 18 different Billboard charts, including two number ones, a number three, and a number four. We discuss the creative process behind this collaboration and the profound impact it had on Brandon's career.Brandon' previous album, titled "Worried Sick," delves into deep emotions and further showcases his storytelling abilities. To complement the album, he released five captivating music videos that garnered 800,000 views on YouTube within the first three months.Having toured extensively throughout North America, Brandon has built a strong following both offline and online. With 190,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify, his music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. We explore his live performances, the connection he establishes with his fans, and the journey of growth he has experienced in the digital realm.Brandon's latest single, "Space Trash," featuring Tom Macdonald, has made waves in the music industry. With over half a million views within the first two days and chart success, the song is captivating audiences and trending on YouTube at number 19. Join me as I sit down with Brandon and talk through the fascinating journey of DIY bootstrapping in the world of pro music.Where to find Brandonweb: iambrandonhart.comIG: @iambrandonhartFB: @iambrandonhartYouTube: @brandonhartSpotify: Brandon HartApple Music: Brandon Hart_________________________SUBMIT YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS or SUGGEST A GUESTTHE VOCAL LAB INSTAGRAMTHE VOCAL LAB [email protected] music for The Vocal Lab by FreshEars AudioAudio Editing for The Vocal Lab by Kurt Maas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 22, 2023
54 min
The Sound of Success: Insights from Recording Engineer Roger Monk, pt 2
In this episode, I sit down with Roger Monk, a recording and scoring engineer with over 50 years of experience in the music industry. Roger has worked with top artists such as Bryan Adams, AC/DC, and Michael Buble, and he shares his insights on studio processes, from prep work to the actual recording session.Roger is a Grammy and Juno Award-winning recording and scoring engineer with an impressive portfolio of work. He has spent 50 years in the industry, and his experience and expertise shine through as he discusses his studio process. Roger talks about his early days as a chief engineer at Little Mountain Sound, where he spent 18 years honing his craft. He then opened his own studio, Dick & Roger's Sound Studios in 1990, and has since worked on dozens of motion picture scores, countless television movies, and album projects.Roger shares his insights on studio prep work, highlighting the importance of understanding the artist's vision and ensuring that all equipment is in good working order before the session begins. During the actual recording session, Roger discusses the importance of paying attention to every detail, from the sound of the room to the placement of the microphone.Find RogerWeb: www.dickandrogers.comIMDB: Roger Monk_________________________SUBMIT YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS or SUGGEST A GUESTTHE VOCAL LAB INSTAGRAMTHE VOCAL LAB [email protected] music for The Vocal Lab by FreshEars AudioAudio Editing for The Vocal Lab by Kurt MaasSome links posted in the show notes may happen to be affiliate or partner links. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 18, 2023
31 min
The Sound of Success: Insights from Recording Engineer Roger Monk, pt 1
In this episode, I sit down with Roger Monk, a recording and scoring engineer with over 50 years of experience in the music industry. Roger has worked with top artists such as Bryan Adams, AC/DC, and Michael Buble, and he shares his insights on studio processes, from prep work to the actual recording session.Roger is a Grammy and Juno Award-winning recording and scoring engineer with an impressive portfolio of work. He has spent 50 years in the industry, and his experience and expertise shine through as he discusses his studio process. Roger talks about his early days as a chief engineer at Little Mountain Sound, where he spent 18 years honing his craft. He then opened his own studio, Dick & Roger's Sound Studios in 1990, and has since worked on dozens of motion picture scores, countless television movies, and album projects.Roger shares his insights on studio prep work, highlighting the importance of understanding the artist's vision and ensuring that all equipment is in good working order before the session begins. During the actual recording session, Roger discusses the importance of paying attention to every detail, from the sound of the room to the placement of the microphone.Find RogerWeb: www.dickandrogers.comIMDB: Roger Monk_________________________SUBMIT YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS or SUGGEST A GUESTTHE VOCAL LAB INSTAGRAMTHE VOCAL LAB [email protected] music for The Vocal Lab by FreshEars AudioAudio Editing for The Vocal Lab by Kurt MaasSome links posted in the show notes may happen to be affiliate or partner links. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 15, 2023
34 min
The Importance of Movement in Music with Choreographer Christian Lagasse, pt 2
In this interview, I sit down with Christian Lagasse, a highly experienced choreographer, dancer, and movement specialist in the entertainment industry. With over 20 years of experience, Christian has worked on and appeared in over 250 projects for various companies, including 20th Century Fox and the CW Network. He has also worked with numerous recording artists, creating dance moves that have been seen by audiences around the world.As a choreographer, Christian has had the chance to work with a wide variety of recording artists, including Vials, Michaela Slinger, Jen Z, Harlequin Gold, Serena Sun, Sorah, and many others. In this episode, we discuss the creative process of creating iconic dance moves, specifically for music videos and live performances.Christian shares his insights into how artists can effectively collaborate with choreographers to bring their vision to life. He discusses the importance of understanding the artist's style, personality, and message, and how to create dance moves that effectively convey that message. Christian also talks about the challenges of choreographing for music videos, including working with tight schedules and budgets.Throughout the interview, Christian provides valuable advice for musical artists looking to incorporate dance into their performances. He emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration between the artist and choreographer, and the benefits of building a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Christian also provides tips for selecting the right choreographer and how to make the most out of rehearsals.This week's episodes of The Vocal Lab Podcast provide a fascinating look into the world of choreography and the entertainment industry, specifically for musical artists. Christian Lagasse's insights and experiences provide a wealth of knowledge for artists looking to incorporate dance into their performances and effectively collaborate with choreographers.As usual, this interview is split into two episodes, Monday & Thursday.Where to find ChristianIG: @thechristianlagasseFB: @christian.lagasseWeb: www.christianlagasse.comPlatform on Camera:IG: @theoriginalplatformWeb: www.platformoncamera.com_________________________SUBMIT YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS or SUGGEST A GUESTTHE VOCAL LAB INSTAGRAMTHE VOCAL LAB [email protected] music for The Vocal Lab by FreshEars AudioAudio Editing for The Vocal Lab by Kurt Maas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 11, 2023
52 min
The Importance of Movement in Music with Choreographer Christian Lagasse, pt 1
In this interview, I sit down with Christian Lagasse, a highly experienced choreographer, dancer, and movement specialist in the entertainment industry. With over 20 years of experience, Christian has worked on and appeared in over 250 projects for various companies, including 20th Century Fox and the CW Network. He has also worked with numerous recording artists, creating dance moves that have been seen by audiences around the world.As a choreographer, Christian has had the chance to work with a wide variety of recording artists, including Vials, Michaela Slinger, Jen Z, Harlequin Gold, Serena Sun, Sorah, and many others. In this episode, we discuss the creative process of creating iconic dance moves, specifically for music videos and live performances.Christian shares his insights into how artists can effectively collaborate with choreographers to bring their vision to life. He discusses the importance of understanding the artist's style, personality, and message, and how to create dance moves that effectively convey that message. Christian also talks about the challenges of choreographing for music videos, including working with tight schedules and budgets.Throughout the interview, Christian provides valuable advice for musical artists looking to incorporate dance into their performances. He emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration between the artist and choreographer, and the benefits of building a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Christian also provides tips for selecting the right choreographer and how to make the most out of rehearsals.This week's episodes of The Vocal Lab Podcast provide a fascinating look into the world of choreography and the entertainment industry, specifically for musical artists. Christian Lagasse's insights and experiences provide a wealth of knowledge for artists looking to incorporate dance into their performances and effectively collaborate with choreographers. As usual, this interview is split into two episodes, Monday & Thursday.Where to find ChristianIG: @thechristianlagasseFB: @christian.lagasseWeb: www.christianlagasse.comPlatform on Camera: IG: @theoriginalplatformWeb: www.platformoncamera.com_________________________SUBMIT YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS or SUGGEST A GUESTTHE VOCAL LAB INSTAGRAMTHE VOCAL LAB [email protected] music for The Vocal Lab by FreshEars AudioAudio Editing for The Vocal Lab by Kurt Maas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 9, 2023
1 hr
Finding Success in the Music Industry: the Journey of Chin Injeti, pt 2
In this episode I sit down with the multi-talented Chin Injeti, who has made his mark on the music industry as a producer, singer, and songwriter. With over two decades of experience in the industry and having collaborated with heavyweights like Dr. Dre, Eminem, and P!nk, Chin has a wealth of knowledge and insights to share.Chin shares his journey from being in a band (Bass is Base) to producing chart-topping hits, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and having faith in your abilities. He talks about the nuances of songwriting and the evolution of the production process, offering valuable tips and tricks for aspiring producers and songwriters.In the interview, Chin also delves into the changing landscape of the music industry and how artists need to be adaptable to succeed in today's digital age. He offers strategies for navigating the business side of the industry and ways to stay motivated and inspired, despite the challenges.Whether you're an aspiring musician or simply a lover of pop music, this episode is a must-listen. Don't forget to subscribe to The Vocal Lab for more insightful conversations with music industry insiders. And if you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on your favourite listening platform!Where to find Chin:IG: @chinstogramSpotify: Chin Injeti_________________________SUBMIT YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS or SUGGEST A GUESTTHE VOCAL LAB INSTAGRAMTHE VOCAL LAB [email protected] music for The Vocal Lab by FreshEars AudioAudio Editing for The Vocal Lab by Kurt MaasSome links posted in the show notes may happen to be affiliate or partner links. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 4, 2023
39 min
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