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...
Apr 28, 2025•49 min
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...
Apr 16, 2025•17 min
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 fatigue The vital difference between singing an...
Apr 10, 2025•25 min
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 thi...
Feb 07, 2025•53 min
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 endeavors How reflection without judgment is paramount for achievi...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 29 min
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 musician The insane value of understanding recording and mi...
Dec 15, 2024•1 hr 20 min
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 performing Why staying motivated isn't just about productivity Understand why failure is...
Dec 01, 2024•46 min
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 own Stupid simple: why simplicity is essential in songwriting Why writing bad songs is necessary to create good ones Using experimentat...
Nov 15, 2024•49 min
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 distortion Explore how head voice supports high-note distortion W...
Nov 01, 2024•43 min
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 health Why hydration is c...
Oct 15, 2024•54 min
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 you Learn from Taylor Swift's s...
Oct 01, 2024•49 min
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 stage Building a ritual to get into the right mindset before your rock concert performance Strategies for overcoming stage fright and building confidence Why rec...
Sep 15, 2024•56 min
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 metal Learn to use the homog...
Sep 01, 2024•39 min
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 pitch The power of slowing things down How a pitch meter can be your most effective tool The importance of hearing notes...
Aug 15, 2024•48 min
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 distortion How utilizing your voice break can allow you to tap into different harmonics How addin...
Aug 01, 2024•40 min
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 vo...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 9 min
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...
Jul 01, 2024•51 min
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 storytelling Creative distractions vs focusing The problem with pivoting directions...
Jun 16, 2024•1 hr 28 min
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 a...
Jun 01, 2024•55 min
Learn from 30 years of experience of a professional musician, songwriter, performer, producer, and recording engineer. In this episode, I’m joined by long-time friend Michael Amidei who interviews me on what I’ve learned over my 30-year music career. In this episode: Knowing the right people and forming valuable relationships: It’s about who you know and if you’re worth knowing Overcoming the challenges of studio recording as a band and why learning to record is important Why hiring people based...
Jun 01, 2024•1 hr 31 min
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 one What it’s like to gain education through performance experience The benefits of having a teacher to help you train your voice One of the best ways for you to improve y...
Jun 01, 2024•1 hr 19 min
Welcome to the Rock Singing Success Podcast! With 30 years behind me as a professional musician, singer, producer, engineer, music career coach, and more, I'm looking forward to helping you with your craft and career as a rock and metal singer. Along the way, I look forward to bringing others into the conversation and having you be part of the Rock Singing Success community, where we join each other on this journey towards becoming better and more successful singers. Join the Rock Singing Succes...
May 31, 2024•2 min
