Best Lara Chapman Podcasts (2025)

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The Secret To Writing Lyrics That Mean Something To You (And Your Audience) 25:03

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1h ago25:03

25:03

Description If you’ve ever found yourself trying to process what’s happening in your life and put it into a song, but not quite finding the right words for it - this episode is for you. Coach Juliana and I talked about what you can do to turn your thoughts, feelings and emotions into lyrics that touch your audience on a deeper level - whether the l…

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Why You’re Not Writing (Even When You Want To) with Friedemann Findeisen 1:00:00

3d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

The hardest part about songwriting isn’t writing the song… Is setting aside the time and making the conscious choice to write the song. Today’s guest - Friedemann Findeisen from Holistic Songwriting - has some mindset tips to help us prioritize the things we really want to do in life, but never seem to find the time for. 📍Mentioned Resource: Follow…

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Structure Made Simple: How To Build A Song That Flows 20:42

5d ago20:42

20:42

Songwriters often think about taking listeners on a journey lyrically… but then forget to do the same melodically. In this episode coach Juliana and I break down what song structure is and why it’s important. 👉 Grab the Songwriting Framework PDF here (currently on sale for just $7!): https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/the-songwriting-framework-pdf …

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A Beginner’s Guide To Writing Your First Complete Song 24:03

7d ago24:03

24:03

So you have a notebook full of ideas, but no idea how to turn them into actual songs… I am here to tell you that songwriting is not nearly as hard as you might think - not when you have a step-by-step system that you can follow. Coach Juliana and I talked about what steps you need to take to turn your ideas into full songs. 👉 Grab the Songwriting F…

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Recording Vocals In A Professional NYC Studio With A Vocal Producer 55:52

10d ago55:52

55:52

Come with me as I vocal produce and coach singer Alina Victoria in the studio together with producer Miette Hope. While this wasn’t Alina’s first time in the studio she asked me to be there to get the best possible vocal takes for her new song “Waiting Room”. 📍Mentioned Resource: Download the Recording Ready Guide Here: https://lessons.voxtapestudi…

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The Reason You’re Scared To Release Your Music with Alina Victoria 39:54

12d ago39:54

39:54

Alina loves the studio. Loves the writing. Loves the moment when melody and emotion click. But when it comes time to share the final product? She hesitates and questions everything. We talked about why the creative process flows easily—until the pressure to be “professional” kicks in. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever over-polished their p…

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How To Create Accompaniment Tracks For Your Live Performances 48:13

14d ago48:13

48:13

Performing live at a bar, restaurant, hotel, or similar just got a lot more interesting! In this episode I’m breaking down my system to creating backing tracks that I can use while playing keys (or guitar) and singing at the same time. This is a great and easy/low effort way to get a fuller sound for your performances without needing to hire a whol…

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Karaoke Confidence: How to Enjoy Your Performance 1:01:12

17d ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Karaoke can be such a great way to get out there and sing in front of people without and pressure. It’s a chance to practice confidence, flexibility, and performance skills all while having fun. We’re sharing my best tips for making karaoke less stressful and way more fun. From choosing songs that fit your voice to managing nerves, even handling th…

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Inside The Journey of A Young Singer Taking Voice Lessons with Ireland Robinson 53:02

19d ago53:02

53:02

When is the right time to start voice lessons? And how do you support a young singer without pressuring them? In this session, Coach Kate works with her long-time student Ireland—an incredibly expressive and musical young vocalist from Indiana. Ireland started singing at five years old (yes, really!) and has been passionate ever since. With her mom…

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How to Build Mix Voice Without Forcing Chest or Flipping to Head 37:20

21d ago37:20

37:20

Mix voice is one of the most misunderstood and mis-taught concepts in singing. It’s not a mystical vocal mode you unlock by singing louder or higher. It’s a coordination—a blend of vocal fold closure, vocal fold thickness, and airflow balance that lets you transition seamlessly between registers. We tackled what mix voice actually is, how to develo…

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Should You Sing At Weddings? AITA Reddit Stories 45:12

24d ago45:12

45:12

It’s time for some more unhinged Reddit stories - this time all around singing at weddings! I don’t know what it is about people getting married, but they become some of the most entitled people ever! The whole VoxTape Team got together for this episode and we all shared our own stories from singing at weddings and how to handle being asked to sing…

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Open Mics: The Best Way To Find Paid Gigs And Network With Other Musicians with David Craver 50:01

26d ago50:01

50:01

I am joined by “The Open Mic Guy” David Craver to talk about all things open mics and opportunities for singers to get out there, meet like-minded people, find musicians to play with and perform in front of a supportive crowd. If you’re new to open mics - or as David likes to call them, Mini Music Festivals - or you moved to a new place and want to…

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Best Breathing Techniques For Contemporary Singing 56:14

28d ago56:14

56:14

Without breath there is no singing, so yes - getting your breathing right is important! Yet the way it’s been taught for the last couple of decades has been deeply rooted in classical singing techniques, which is not always serving us as contemporary singers. In this episode coach Bri, coach Emily and I break down different techniques and the best …

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Ariana Grande Style Breakdown: How To Sing Dangerous Woman 32:26

1M ago32:26

32:26

Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman is one of those songs that sounds effortless—but it’s packed with technique. I break down how Ariana mixes breathiness and brightness, keeps her resonance forward without pushing, and makes stylistic choices that give the song its signature sound. Remember, we’re breaking down her style to learn from it and better un…

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Agency Work For Singers: What Is It And How It’ll Help You Become A Full Time Performer with Rachel Beasley 36:11

1M ago36:11

36:11

Having your own band isn’t the only way to get booked as a singer for high paying gigs. There are agencies that have a roster full of incredible musicians that they’re using for the gigs they’ve booked. That means as a musician on the roster you’ll always play with different musicians. I invited Rachel Beasley - a singer working with two different …

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Why Your Voice Isn’t Moving People (Yet) | Storytelling For Singers 31:36

1M ago31:36

31:36

Singers talk a lot about technique. But what about emotional connection? The truth is: if your voice doesn’t feel something, your audience won’t either. This breakdown covers how to tap into the emotional story of a song using sensory detail, imagination, and memory—not over-acting or fake drama. You’ll learn simple ways to make your performance mo…

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How To Sing Really Hard Song Like Golden | Vocal Coach Reacts & Teaches Golden 43:56

1M ago43:56

43:56

Huntrix’s Golden has taken the internet by storm as it is one of the toughest songs to sing out there. Struggling with it doesn’t make you a bad singer - lord knows I was struggling with it too! To help you sing this song, I coached myself through it. Get some tips on how I added power, released strain and paced myself throughout the song. This is …

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How To Be Authentic In Your Art with Jennie Lopez 52:23

1M ago52:23

52:23

Jennie walked away from a successful engineering career because she couldn’t keep hiding who she was and she felt drawn to a higher calling. All her life she was told that she was too bubbly to be an engineer and too nerdy to be a dancer. But that duality—tech and dance, depth and joy—is exactly what made her magnetic. And once she fully stepped in…

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Don’t Like The Tone Of Your Voice? Here’s How To Change It (And Still Sound Like You) 55:41

1M ago55:41

55:41

Your tone isn’t set in stone. Whether you think you sound too nasally, too breathy, too dull, or just “not like yourself”—you’re not stuck. Your vocal tone is malleable, and you can shift it with surprisingly simple adjustments. This breakdown explores what makes up your tone, how to experiment with shaping it, and why impersonators are proof that …

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The Key to Switching from Musical Theatre to Pop Singing 39:47

2M ago39:47

39:47

VTS Coach and singer Emily has spent years mastering musical theatre — but when she sings pop, that polished, precise tone can sound too perfect. In this coaching session, we focused on helping her sound authentically pop: casual, conversational, and effortless. We used “lazy tongue” exercises, speech-level practice, and vowel tweaks to smooth her …

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Performing Under Pressure & Pushing Through Challenges with Nico Mueller 48:38

2M ago48:38

48:38

This episode is a bit different from our usual content. I was joined by my brother, Nico Mueller, who’s not a singer, but a race car driver. Pursuing a career in sports or in music is not for the faint of heart. Nico shares what he’s learned about managing energy, stress, and focus under pressure—and why even the most prepared performers still burn…

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How to Practice Singing Efficiently (And Actually See Results) 44:15

2M ago44:15

44:15

You’re practicing—but not getting the results you want. But why? Singing practice doesn’t automatically lead to progress. Just like a good gym routine, you need the right balance of structure, strategy, and intention. This episode walks through how to make your vocal practice actually efficient—from goal-setting to warm-up structure to knowing when…

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Are Talent Shows Worth It? POV of Contestant and Parent 1:02:38

2M ago1:02:38

1:02:38

Talent shows like the Voice or Idol can be a great opportunity for singers to gain experience and exposure! That’s why I myself auditioned for 2 shows when I was a teenager as well. My dad joined me in this episode to talk about my experiences - the good, the bad and the ugly - and we discussed some talent show stories from Reddit from parents aski…

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When the People Closest to You Don’t Support Your Music With Artist Sensata 1:05:19

2M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

What happens when your love for music doesn’t come from support—but from resistance? Sensata grew up in an environment where creativity wasn’t encouraged, yet her voice never stopped calling. We talked about what it means to choose your art anyway—when no one claps, when no one gets it, and when the dream feels like yours alone. If you’ve ever been…

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Voice Lessons for Kids: At What Age Should They Start & What To Expect 28:22

2M ago28:22

28:22

Thinking about putting your child in singing lessons? Before you dive in, there are a few things that can make a huge difference in their experience—and their success. Kids don’t need intense vocal drills or serious technique at a young age. What they do need is a safe space to play, explore, and fall in love with music. Learn what to expect when e…

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Studio Sessions: How Caleb Turned Open Mics into a Music Career 1:10:37

2M ago1:10:37

1:10:37

Caleb isn’t just a singer—he’s a full-time musician who built his career one gig, one mic night, and one conversation at a time. We talk about what it actually takes to make it as an artist: connection, consistency, and collaboration. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to break through to the next level, this episode is packed with mindset …

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What Singers Miss When They Play It Safe With Perenna King 1:03:56

2M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

I get it, singing is a very vulnerable thing, so naturally we want to hold back - especially when there’s a chance that other people could hear us. But guess what? What happens when you let it all out is complete magic and is probably that special something you feel like is missing in your voice right now. Perenna King - one of our students here at…

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Expanding Your Vocal Range: Why Force Won’t Get You There 45:26

2M ago45:26

45:26

Many singers chase higher notes thinking they need to push harder—but real range growth doesn’t come from pressure. It comes from coordination, flexibility, and patience. Expanding your range isn’t about singing louder or trying the same thing over and over. It’s about experimenting, adjusting, and giving your voice the chance to learn something ne…

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Studio Session: Polishing An Original Song with Doug Haag 1:17:33

2M ago1:17:33

1:17:33

Doug never set out to become a singer. He started on drums, picked up guitar to process emotions, and wrote songs just for himself—quietly, late at night, when no one could hear. But eventually, something shifted. It started to feel selfish not to share. We explored how to release vocal tension, how tongue placement can subtly affect tone, and even…

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How To Master (Or Reduce) Any Accent with Dialect Coach Will Van Moss 1:02:52

2M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

Have an accent you can’t seem to get rid of? Need to learn a new accent for a role you got cast in? Actor and dialect coach Will Van Moss shares how singers can approach accents with more confidence and a stronger sense of identity. We explore how rhythm, pitch, and the articulators affect the way we sound—and how language can shape emotion in the …

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The Vocal Cool Down Every Singer Needs And Why It Works 38:08

2M ago38:08

38:08

Most singers know that they are supposed to warm up before a gig, recording session or even practice. But many skip what comes after they’re done singing… Vocal cool downs are one of the most overlooked habits in singing. They aren’t about expanding range or adding power—they’re about restoring balance, releasing tension, and helping your voice rec…

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Studio Session: Letting Go of Perfection & Making Art Anyway With Verne Fritz 1:05:19

2M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Verne isn’t your typical musician. He doesn’t wait for perfect gear, a perfect plan, or perfect conditions—he just starts creating. In this episode, we talk about his experimental approach to music-making, how he learned to bend MIDI to his will, and why perfectionism is the enemy of progress. He walked us through the process behind his ambient wor…

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How To Prepare For The Recording Studio With Sound Engineer Cam Melton 55:15

3M ago55:15

55:15

Recording music isn’t just about the gear—it’s about the space you create. Sound engineer Cam Melton shared how he helps singers feel grounded and confident in the studio. From mic choice to mindset, we break down what actually matters when you hit record. You'll learn how to prep, what to ignore, and how to communicate without needing technical ja…

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Unlocking Vibrato: Why Forcing It Won’t Work 30:14

3M ago30:14

30:14

Vibrato gets overhyped, overcoached, and misunderstood. But here’s the thing… You don’t need to create vibrato—you need to release it. This episode breaks down what vibrato actually is (and what it isn’t), why trying to “make it happen” never works, and how a little silliness might be your fastest shortcut to unlocking it. You’ll hear our favorite …

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Studio Sessions: Why Singing At 80% Should Be Your New 100% With Rachel Beasley 1:09:19

3M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

Rachel’s a trained singer with years of experience—but when it came to high notes, she was still working too hard. Her volume would creep from 30% to 90% before the chorus even hit, leaving her voice tired and out of room to grow. We focused on lowering effort, reducing breath pressure, and unlocking her mix with targeted “puffer fish” and “Sisi” e…

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Music & Medicine: The Importance Of Music For Our Health with Dr. Goyal 56:54

3M ago56:54

56:54

Music isn’t just a creative outlet—it’s a powerful tool for emotional regulation, mental health, and even brain development in children. Dr. Shreya Goyal shared how singing helps her stay grounded in a demanding career and why music is essential for processing emotion. We covered the link between music and the brain, how creativity balances high-pr…

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What Singing With Support Actually Means 48:27

3M ago48:27

48:27

Contemporary singing shouldn’t constantly feel like a full-body workout—and if it does, you’re probably overdoing it. In this episode, we’re breaking down the real difference between support, control, and squeezing. You’ll learn why your diaphragm isn’t involved, and how smart engagement (not force) unlocks real vocal freedom. There’s also an air h…

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The Art of Dynamic Singing With Versatility Expert Coach Bri 1:06:30

3M ago1:06:30

1:06:30

Tone is one of the most underrated skills in singing. Everyone talks about hitting the right notes—but what about the way you sing them? Coach Bri and I dove into the middle part of vocal development: tone, dynamics, stylization, and shaping your sound. We talk about what makes a voice sound compelling (not just correct), and how to bring out more …

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Collaboration In Music: Bringing Out Each Other’s Strengths with Spencer Lynn 1:25:20

3M ago1:25:20

1:25:20

Spencer Lynn is a singer, actor, and writer who has spent his life in creative spaces—from childhood musicals to writing three full-length shows during his graduate studies at NYU. In this conversation with longtime friend Coach Emily and myself, Spencer shares how collaboration, self-awareness, and embracing your own artistic strengths can reshape…

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Distortion 101: The Healthy Way To Add Grit 28:40

3M ago28:40

28:40

Vocal distortion might sound intense—but done correctly, it’s not about screaming or wrecking your voice. It's about adding texture, edge, and emotion safely. I sat down with Coach Emily to break down what distortion actually is (and what it isn’t). This isn't a guide for death metal vocals—but it’s perfect if you're a pop, rock, musical theatre, o…

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Studio Sessions: One Small Change Can Throw Everything Off with Jess Jones 1:18:17

3M ago1:18:17

1:18:17

Singer-songwriter Jess Jones brings in his original track “Selena”—and we work through some of the biggest shifts he’s made since first recording it in 2019. From cleaning up pitch to unlocking a fuller tone (without extra force), this session is all about finding strength in ease. We try a few go-to exercises, skip the ones that don’t click (puffe…

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Singing, Sailing & Staying Sane: Life as a Traveling Performer With Sam Bello 1:08:55

3M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

What’s it really like performing around the world as a full-time singer and actor? Sam Bello opens up about life on the road—from national tours to performing on cruise ships across the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean. We talk about how she balances the vocal demands of doing 8 shows a week, how she recovers between contracts, and what it’s …

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What Is Twang & How To Use It Without Sounding Nasal 25:47

3M ago25:47

25:47

Twang is one of the most underrated vocal tools out there. It adds brightness, helps your sound cut through, and gives you more power—without pushing or yelling. But how do you actually use it? And how much is too much? Coach Emily and I walk through what twang actually is, how it works in your voice, and where it shows up in songs. We break down t…

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Control Your Power & Sing Like Whitney Houston | Studio Session with Singer Brandi 1:19:25

3M ago1:19:25

1:19:25

If you know me at all, you’ve probably heard me say that you don’t have to get louder to sing high with power. But singer Brandi took this to a while other level - Girl’s got PIPES! She almost blew me away with all that power and volume in our coaching session. Controlling the volume in these high notes is the key to longevity and stamina in your v…

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Stop Playing for Exposure: Build a Career That Pays With Indie Band Coach 1:28:46

3M ago1:28:46

1:28:46

Still playing for free? It might be time for a mindset - and systems - upgrade. I sat down with Leonard Patterson—aka The Indie Band Coach—to talk about what it actually takes to get paid for your music. From building a pitch-ready brand to using QR codes, gig cards, and automations, this is your roadmap to stop working for exposure and start build…

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When You Can Do It In The Exercise But Not In The Song 22:49

4M ago22:49

22:49

You nailed the vocal exercise. Your voice feels free, balanced, and connected… until you start singing your actual song—and it all disappears. This episode breaks down why that disconnect happens and how to fix it. The VTS coaching team (Lara, Coach Emily, Coach Juliana, Coach Bri, and Coach Kate) explain how to bridge the gap between exercises and…

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Stepping Outside Of My Comfort Zone To Expand My Repertoire With Coach Kate 1:29:10

4M ago1:29:10

1:29:10

Meet VTS coach Kate! She coaches me through 3 completely different songs I’ve never worked on before, helping me step outside of my normal comfort zone. We cover specific vocal habits like tongue placement, vowel shaping, and how to apply technique directly to music. Kate also shares her background and approach to coaching, making this a useful wat…

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How To Support Your Kids In Music - A Conversation With My Parents 1:24:32

4M ago1:24:32

1:24:32

I’ve always known how lucky I am to have parents who believed in my dream — even when it didn’t look practical or promising. Their support gave me the freedom to take music seriously, to treat it like a real path instead of just a hobby. Of course, it hasn’t always been easy. Even with support, choosing a creative path comes with doubt, fear, and a…

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Why Singing On Pitch Is Harder Than Most People Think 38:33

4M ago38:33

38:33

Struggling with pitch doesn’t mean you’re tone deaf. Most of the time, it means you just haven’t trained your brain, ears and/or vocal folds yet. Pitch is learnable—and with the right tools, anyone can improve. In this conversation, we break down why pitch issues happen, how long it actually takes to improve, what to do if you’ve been told (or told…

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Studio Sessions: Sounding More Powerful The Sustainable Way with Singer Ali 1:07:56

4M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

What if singing powerfully had less to do with pushing, and more to do with control? Ali came in thinking she needed to “do more” with her voice—but what really changed things was doing less. This coaching session shows what happens when a singer shifts their focus from volume to balance, and learns how to smooth out their sound without losing stre…