Ep 66 - Backstage Pass: Nik Pesut on The Real Beat of the Music Business
Release Date: 04/18/2024
Ep 93 - Sarah Whitten on Healing the Singer’s Body to Unlock Vocal Freedom
Vocal Lab
Sarah Whitten, is an internationally known movement specialist for singers. Using principles of biomechanics, biotensegrity, and pain science, she works with singers’ bodies to resolve pain and physical dysfunction to improve the singing voice. She holds an MA in Pedagogy, and an MM in Performance both from The Ohio State University. Additionally she is a 500-hour certified Yoga Instructor, and holds certifications in Movement for Trauma, Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, Yoga Therapy, and Restore Your Core Method. She has presented and worked with singers and voice teachers at...
info_outline
Ep 92 - Bill Sample on Working with Legends & Crafting Timeless Music
Vocal Lab
Bill Sample is an award-winning composer, producer, arranger, and pianist, widely regarded as one of Vancouver’s top “first call” musicians. With a career spanning decades, he has worked with legends like Ray Charles, Mel Tormé, Robben Ford, and served as Music Director for David Foster, performing alongside Celine Dion, Bryan Adams, and Peter Cetera. Bill has produced for artists including Leon and Eric Bibb, Jane Mortifee, and Marcus Mosely, and contributed to the Grammy-winning Ratatouille soundtrack. A graduate of the University of Victoria in Music Composition, he was inducted into...
info_outline
Ep 91 - Jamie Leonhart on Finding Her Voice & Crafting Emotion Through Song
Vocal Lab
Drawing comparisons to Norah Jones, Feist, and Sarah Vaughan, singer-songwriter Jamie Leonhart blends jazz, indie-pop, and cabaret with sharp wit and emotional depth. A New York City native, she began her musical journey at age three and honed her craft through jazz ensembles, gospel choirs, and solo performances at iconic venues like Joe’s Pub. Jamie’s songwriting explores vulnerability, patience, and shifting perspectives, often drawing inspiration from nature. She’s a sought-after voiceover artist (Lifetime, Kohl’s, Neutrogena), session singer (Steely Dan, St. Vincent), and...
info_outline
Ep 90 - Samantha Pickard on PR, Management, and building your name in the Entertainment Industry
Vocal Lab
Samantha Pickard, President of Strut Entertainment, brings 34 years of global experience in music and entertainment. She has worked in retail buying, artist management, promotions, events, and publishing. Her career led her from Australia to Canada, where she managed The Canadian Music Network before launching Strut Entertainment 18 years ago. At Strut, Samantha specializes in PR, social media, marketing, and influencer services for entertainment, music, and lifestyle brands. She has led campaigns for Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Dolly Parton, Walk Off The Earth, TIFF, Universal Music, and...
info_outline
Ep 89 - The Keys to Vocal Performance
Vocal Lab
Welcome back to The Vocal Lab Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly talented Mindy Pack. Mindy is a Vocal coach who was a vocal performance major at the University of Utah, but her education didn’t stop there. Throughout her career, Mindy has studied vocal technique, voice science, and vocal health with nationally and internationally renowned vocal instructors, educational institutions, and accredited programs throughout the world. Mindy’s philosophy is “the minute I stop learning is the minute I stop teaching.” Mindy is an expert in complex ins and outs of voice...
info_outline
Ep 88 - Mastering the Art of Music: A Deep Dive with Legendary Jazz Drummer Terry Clarke
Vocal Lab
Welcome back to The Vocal Lab Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly talented Terry Clarke. In 1970 Terry settled in Toronto, at first working with Lenny Breau, and quickly became the city's leading studio drummer, noted for his versatility in jazz and rock settings. Concurrently, he played jazz in local clubs and concerts, and on radio and TV. Terry then moved to New York, working there and/or touring with Hall, the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra, Roger Kellaway, Helen Merrill, Toots Thielemans, Oscar Peterson, and others. Terry returned to Canada in 1999 and joined The Rob...
info_outline
Ep 87 - The Keys to Learning and Teaching Successfully in Music
Vocal Lab
Welcome back to The Vocal Lab Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly talented Stephen Richardson. Stephen is an accomplished musician, educator, and twice JUNO-nominated artist, recently recognized as the 2024 JUNO MusiCounts Music Teacher of the Year. As the creative force behind the solo project Agony of the Leaves and guitarist-songwriter for the Canadian indie rock band 3-Across-Dee-Eye, Richardson’s music has reached national and international audiences through platforms like CBC TV, syndicated shows such as Wild Kitchen, and the documentary Pixelated Heroes. His work...
info_outline
Ep 86 - Maximizing Royalties and Revenue Streams with Jonathan Simkin, part 2
Vocal Lab
In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Simkin, the dynamic founder of 604 Records, to dig into all the bells and whistles that go into building a lasting career in the music industry. Jonathan, who has played a pivotal role in the success of major artists like Nickelback and Carly Rae Jepsen, shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience. We dive deep into the essential elements that contribute to career longevity. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of staying committed to the art and constantly striving to improve. He points out that having a viral hit is great, but it doesn't...
info_outline
Ep 85 - Maximizing Royalties and Revenue Streams with Jonathan Simkin, part 1
Vocal Lab
In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Simkin, the dynamic founder of 604 Records, to dig into all the bells and whistles that go into building a lasting career in the music industry. Jonathan, who has played a pivotal role in the success of major artists like Nickelback and Carly Rae Jepsen, shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience. We dive deep into the essential elements that contribute to career longevity. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of staying committed to the art and constantly striving to improve. He points out that having a viral hit is great, but it doesn't...
info_outline
Ep 84 - Developing Your Musical Style: Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin’s Soul Ingredients®, part 2
Vocal Lab
Join me in an engaging conversation with Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin, where we dive deep into her groundbreaking teaching methodology, Soul Ingredients®. Dr. Trineice shares how this approach helps singers develop their musical style and interpretation, specifically in African-American roots-based music. She emphasizes the importance of integrating personal experiences, cultural identity, and musical influences into a singer's unique expression. In this episode, Dr. Trineice explains how Soul Ingredients® promotes self-discovery and student-led learning, encouraging musicians to communicate...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Vocal Lab, I continue my conversation with Nik Pesut, the dynamic drummer known for his electrifying performances with Carly Rae Jepsen and a host of other top acts. Nik shares his profound insights on finding the crucial balance between creativity and life—a theme that resonates deeply with musicians everywhere.
We delve into how important it is for artists to engage in varied interests and activities that stimulate the mind and maintain positivity. Nik discusses the unique challenges of maintaining regular sleep cycles and routines, especially when touring, and how these practices are vital for peak performance. Facing large audiences can be daunting, but Nik explains how thorough preparation and accumulated experience have helped him manage nerves and deliver stellar performances.
In the studio, he emphasizes the necessity of clear communication and grasping the producer's vision to ensure the best outcomes in recording sessions. Our chat also covers the importance of building connections and staying open to new opportunities, particularly for young, emerging drummers. Nik candidly addresses the pitfalls of letting ego dominate one’s career and the significance of having a skilled accountant to manage finances effectively. We touch on the lighter side of the industry as well, from the unexpected joys of touring and exploring new places to the unique experiences of playing corporate gigs and even a memorable stint on Saturday Night Live.
Nik highlights the collaborative and supportive nature of the music industry, dispelling the myth of cutthroat competition. Finally, Nik stresses the need for artists to be ready for sacrifices and underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health in their creative journeys. This episode is packed with invaluable advice for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of a music career while maintaining a healthy and fulfilling personal life.
Find Nik: IG: @nikpesut
_________________________
SUBMIT YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS or SUGGEST A GUEST
IG: @thevocallab
FB: @thevocallabpopdcast
TikTok: @sararamsayvoice
YouTube: @thevocallab
Web: thevocallabpodcast.com
Email: [email protected]
Theme music for The Vocal Lab by FreshEars Audio
The Vocal Lab Podcast is produced by Alexi Johnson, 604 Podcast Network
Some links posted in the show notes may happen to be affiliate or partner links.