In this case study episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace breaks down the distinctive qualities and vocal techniques that defined Ray Charles as a legendary singer and performer. Discover how he balanced a raw, unpolished grit with a deeply rooted chest resonance and forward placement to create an incredibly emotive and timeless sound. The episode explores his masterful, unpredictable phrasing that rejected a square, predictable rhythm in favour of emotional storytelling. Grace also highlights his intentional use of vocal imperfections—such as breaks, cries, and audible breaths—to drive the narrative of a song rather than simply showing off vocal acrobatics. Packed with practical, joy-driven exercises you can try at home, this episode offers actionable insights into incorporating bluesy colours, pentatonic scales, and genuine emotional intent into your own unique voice.

To hear these techniques in action, you can access the curated YouTube playlist matching the order of the songs discussed in this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxmpDkAsBTotUBLX5IoKQWHu0bcw1jU5Q

Key Topics

• Ray Charles' vocal tone and placement
• Phrasing and timing in singing
• Adding bluesy colour and emotion
• Vocal resonance
• Breath control and emotional delivery
• Using imperfections for authenticity
• Pentatonic and blues scales mastery
• Expressive embellishments and riffs

Takeaways

Ray Charles' tone combines roughness and refinement, rooted in chest resonance.

Phrasing is about storytelling—artistic fluidity with the rhythms and being lead by the emotion.

Bluesy colour comes from a solid internalisation of the minor pentatonic and blues scales.

Emotions are conveyed through tone colour, dynamics, and intentional imperfections.

Breath and timing are crucial for emotional impact and authenticity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ray Charles' Vocal Techniques

00:54 Trying out Ray's Tone and Placement

05:05 Riffs and Bends: Get The Bluesy Signature Sound

10:24 How to Use Vocal Imperfections for Emotional Connection

14:06 How to Communicate Emotion Only Through Vocal Tone

17:43 Conclusion: Character Over Perfection

Resources:

Youtube Playlist with songs mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxmpDkAsBTotUBLX5IoKQWHu0bcw1jU5Q

Songs mentioned:

I Gotta Woman

Georgia

A Fool For You

The Night time is the Right Time

I Can’t Stop Loving You

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

Vocal fitness is not a topic to store away for later life. On this episode of Curious Vocalists, Dr. Rebecca Moseley-Morgan, researcher, educator, and incoming President of the British Voice Association, breaks down the physiological shifts that begin in our late 20s and 30s. Using insights from voice science and organology, she outlines the early structural changes affecting our respiratory muscles and vocal folds. Dr. Moseley-Morgan shares highly practical prehabilitation techniques—including sirens, straw-phonation hacks, and tongue-root tension releases—designed to fit effortlessly into a busy, modern routine. Whether you are gigging nightly, teaching, or speaking on mic, this conversation delivers essential lifestyle habits and data-backed tools to stop early vocal strain and protect your long-term acoustic health.

Key Topics

• Vocal aging misconceptions
• Impact of aging on respiratory muscles and vocal folds
• Effective vocal exercises and techniques
• Importance of hydration and breath control
• Recognising early signs of vocal strain and damage

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vocal Health and Aging

02:14 Rebecca's Journey from Opera to Research

03:43 Understanding Vocal Changes Over Time

06:38 Easy Daily Techniques for Vocal Health

10:39 How to Care For Your Voice in Your 20s/30s

14:39 Recognising Vocal Issues Early

15:13 Exercises to Improve Breathy Voices

18:58 The Stigma Attached to Vocal Injury

20:22 Effect of Emotion on Voice Function

22:01 Managing Vocal Load and Care

24:56 Establishing a Vocal Routine

26:31 Managing Tension in Singing

29:07 How to Harness Power From the Belly

34:51 Menopause and Myths About Vocal Changes

38:54 Maintaining Vocal Range with Age

40:02 Key Takeaways for Singers

Resources:

Rebecca’s Website: www.singstrongerforlonger.com

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, we step into the studio with Kimberly Shires, a classically trained clarinetist turned independent music producer, audio engineer, and owner of Hear Me Roar Studios. Kimberly shares powerful insights from her recent festival panel about breaking down technical barriers and eliminating the gatekeeping that often leaves artists feeling lost during the production process.

We explore why walking into a session relying solely on emotion can lead to miscommunication, as human feelings are entirely unique. Kimberly explains how artists can use reference tracks as a translation tool to dissect songs, identify specific sonic elements, and communicate effectively with engineers without needing to know complex technical jargon. The conversation also covers practical studio preparation—from the necessity of practicing with a metronome and marking breathing points on lyric sheets, to the psychological benefits of fixed-price recording sessions that eliminate the pressure of the clock.

Finally, Kimberly discusses the realisation that led her to launch Hear Me Roar Studios as a dedicated, welcoming environment for women, queer, and gender-expansive creators. Describing her role as "part music producer and part empowerment," Kimberly explains why a successful recording session often requires the skills of a therapist—building deep trust, reading an artist's hesitation, creating a space where it is safe to say "no," and ultimately helping vocalists access a level of confidence and power they never knew they possessed.

Key Topics

• Studio environment barriers and solutions
• Using reference tracks to communicate sound
• Empowering artists through language and collaboration

Chapters

00:00 Empowering Artists in the Studio

02:57 Navigating Emotions and Reference Tracks

06:03 How to Communicate Vision and Sound

10:17 How to Keep the Vision You Want for A Song

14:34 Co-Creation Rather Than Blind Trust

18:15 Bringing Out the Best in Reserved Artists

22:15 Navigating Creative Pressure

22:41 Preparing for A Studio Session

25:13 Mastering Timing and Rhythm

26:46 Prep for Voice and Lyrics Performance

30:26 No Music Theory Knowledge? - No Problem

31:36 The Journey to Empowerment in Music Production

34:21 The Studio As A Safe Space for Connection and Creation

36:41 Get In Touch With Kimberly

Mentions:

Kimberly’s Studio: hearmeroarstudio.com

Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/hearmeroarstudio/

Kimberly’s Free Guide to Recording Vocals From Home: https://hearmeroarstudio.com/free-vocal-guide

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician