Singer Songwriter | How to Write a Song, Make Music, Song Lyrics, Music Theory, Singing Lessons

100 | 100 Episodes Later: Finding Your Voice as a Singer Songwriter (And What's Next)

100 episodes.
What started as Reawaken Your Voice has grown into something clearer, more focused, and more aligned — a space for singer-songwriters navigating the creative process, finding their voice, and learning how to trust it.
In this episode, I’m reflecting on the journey so far — what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what I’ve learned from you along the way.
We talk about:
• the evolution of the podcast and stepping into the identity of “singer-songwriter”• the patterns I’m seeing in this community (starting, finishing, sharing, and perfectionism)• the episodes you’ve resonated with most — and what that reveals• where we’re going next (more process, more storytelling, more of the real work behind the songs)
🎁 To celebrate 100 episodes, I’m giving away 3 one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions.
You’ll be entered to win by filling out a short form sharing your experience, your challenges, and what you’d love more of on the podcast.
And if you leave a review, you’ll receive 5 bonus entries.
Enter Here: bit.ly/singersongwriterpodcast
Thank you for being here — whether you’ve listened to one episode or one hundred.
This is just the beginning.
<3 Lainey
Enter the Giveaway: bit.ly/singersongwriterpodcast
Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider
Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com
Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching
Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

99 | How to Find Your Songwriting Voice

How do you actually find your songwriting voice?
Is it something you discover… or something that develops over time?
Many songwriters feel stuck here — overthinking their ideas, comparing themselves to others, and wondering if what they’re creating is original or “good enough.”
But your voice isn’t something you find by thinking.
It’s something that emerges through the act of writing.
In this episode, we explore what it really means to find your songwriting voice and why the process is less about figuring it out — and more about staying in the work long enough for something true to come through.
We talk about:
• Why overthinking can keep you disconnected from your creative voice• How your life experiences and perspective shape your songwriting• The role of practice, experimentation, and finishing songs• Letting go of perfectionism and writing imperfect songs
Because you don’t find your voice before you begin.
You find it by writing.
If you’re ready to move from second-guessing your songs to developing a voice that actually feels like you, this episode will meet you where you are.
<3 Lainey
🎤 Want personalized support?My one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions help singer-songwriters move through creative blocks, build confidence, and find clarity in both their voice and their songwriting.
Book a Coaching Session:reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching
Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider
Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com
Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

98 | Permission to Sing Imperfectly: Letting Go of Perfection in Your Voice

Many singers hold themselves back because they’re trying to sound perfect.
They control their tone, their breath, their phrasing — carefully managing every detail so nothing falls apart. But sometimes that control is exactly what keeps the voice from expressing something real.
In this episode, we explore the balance between vocal technique and emotional honesty, and why perfectionism can quietly block the freedom and authenticity that make music powerful.
We talk about:
• Why singers often try to control their voice instead of expressing the emotion of the song• How perfectionism can keep you from fully connecting to the music• The courage it takes to surrender control and “go there” emotionally• Giving yourself permission to sing imperfectly but truthfully
Because the most powerful performances aren’t always technically perfect — they’re emotionally honest.
<3 Lainey
🎤 Want personalized support?My one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions help singer-songwriters build confidence, move through perfectionism, and sing their songs with greater freedom and emotional connection.
Learn more and book your session at:reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching
Join the newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider
Visit the website: reawakenyourvoice.com
Write me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

97 | When Can You Call Yourself a Singer Songwriter?

At what point are you “allowed” to call yourself a singer-songwriter?
Is it after you finish your first song?Release music publicly?Perform for other people?
Many artists carry a quiet belief that they’re not a real singer-songwriter yet — that they need to be better, more confident, or further along before claiming that identity.
In this episode, we explore the journey of becoming an artist and the internal shift that happens when you start taking your creative voice seriously.
We talk about:
• Why so many artists hesitate to call themselves singer-songwriters• The invisible rules that keep people waiting for permission• How identity grows alongside practice, not after perfection• The role of curiosity, exploration, and consistency in the creative journey
If you’ve been writing songs, exploring your voice, and wondering when you’re “allowed” to claim the title of singer-songwriter, this episode is for you.
Becoming an artist isn’t a single moment — it’s a practice.
 
<3 Lainey
 
🎤 Want personalized support?My one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions help singer-songwriters move through creative blocks, build confidence in their voice, and deepen their songwriting practice.
You can learn more at:reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching
 
Join the newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider
Visit the website: reawakenyourvoice.com
Write me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

96 | Not Finishing Your Songs? 3 Reasons Singer-Songwriters Get Stuck

You start songs all the time.But finishing them? That’s where things fall apart.
If your voice memos are full of half-written lyrics and abandoned ideas, you’re not lazy — and you’re not untalented. In this episode, we explore three common reasons singer-songwriters struggle to finish their songs: perfectionism, lack of creative systems, and hitting a skill edge.
Because sometimes the problem isn’t motivation.It’s protection.It’s disorganization.It’s growth.
If you’re ready to move from scattered ideas to steady creative momentum, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.
<3 Lainey
🎤 Want personalized support?My one-hour Vocal Breakthrough Sessions help singer-songwriters move through creative blocks, build confidence, and reconnect to their voice.
Book Yours Here: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching
Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider
Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com
Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

95 | The Quiet Artist: You Want to Be a Singer-Songwriter – But You're Still Hiding

You say you want to be a singer-songwriter. You want to share your voice, write your own songs, and be heard.
So why are you still hiding?
In this episode, we’re talking about the quiet fear that keeps so many aspiring singer-songwriters small — the fear of being seen, of sharing unfinished work, of letting your real voice be heard.
If you struggle with vocal confidence, hesitate to share your music, or feel stuck in perfectionism, this conversation is for you.
We’ll explore:• Why hiding feels safer than expression• How fear of being seen shows up in your singing voice• The subtle ways you may be shrinking your artistry• And how to begin building creative confidence — one small step at a time
You don’t need to be fearless to become an artist.You just need to be willing.
<3 Lainey
If you’re ready to stop hiding and start sharing your voice with more confidence, my one-on-one Vocal Breakthrough Sessions are designed to help you do exactly that.
Book Your 1:1 Coaching Session Here:
reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching
Write Me:
hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

94 | You Don't Have to Feel Ready: Begin Where You Are as a Singer Songwriter

You think you need more confidence.More training.More certainty.
But what if beginning is what creates those things?
In You Don’t Have to Feel Ready: Begin Where You Are as a Singer-Songwriter, I’m sharing honest stories from my own path — recording before I felt prepared, stepping into rooms that scared me, saying yes before I knew how.
We’ll talk about why waiting keeps artists stuck, how readiness is built through action, and gentle ways to start singing and writing songs from exactly where you are today.
If perfectionism or self-doubt has been keeping you on the sidelines, this episode will help you move.
And if you’re craving support, my free live songwriting workshop is happening today. Come begin with us.
<3 Lainey
Register for the FREE, LIVE Songwriting Workshop happening TODAY (February 17th @ 1PM EST) --> singersongwriterworkshop.com
Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider
Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com
Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

93 | Why Singing Feels Vulnerable (and How to Build Confidence in Your Voice)

Singing can feel incredibly vulnerable.
Your voice isn’t just an instrument — it’s part of your body, your history, and your identity. So when you share it, of course you can feel exposed.
In this episode, we explore why singers and songwriters struggle with fear, self-doubt, and perfectionism, especially after criticism or difficult experiences.
And we talk about how confidence is really built:
not by pushing or pretending you’re fearless,but through small, safe moments of letting yourself be heard.
You’ll learn practical, compassionate ways to rebuild trust in your voice, expand your comfort zone, and return to singing from a place of authenticity and creative flow.
If you’ve loved singing but felt afraid to share your voice, this episode will help you find your way back.
<3 Lainey
Next Steps:
Join the Free Live Songwriting Workshop on February 17th: singersongwriterworkshop.com
Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching
Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com
Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

92 | When We Pull Away From Our Creativity – and How to Return to Making Music

Have you ever noticed yourself pulling away from your creativity — even though making music is something you love?
In this episode, we explore why singers and songwriters disconnect from their creativity, voice, or songwriting practice — and why this distance is often a form of self-protection, not failure.
We’ll talk about the vulnerability of making music, the pressure to “do it right,” and the quiet ways perfectionism, overwhelm, or life changes can cause us to step back from our creative selves.
Most importantly, I’ll share gentle, grounded ways to return to making music without forcing inspiration or waiting to feel confident first. This isn’t about discipline or fixing yourself — it’s about rebuilding trust with your voice and your creativity.
If you’re a singer-songwriter who’s been feeling disconnected, stuck, or unsure how to begin again, this episode is for you.
<3 Lainey
P.S. Ready to Turn Your Ideas Into Songs?
✨ Join my FREE, LIVE Songwriting Workshop!
In this one hour workshop, we’ll explore simple, supportive ways to start writing songs (again) — no pressure, no performing, just space to reconnect.
🗓 Tuesday, February 17th at 1pm Eastern🎶 Register now at singersongwriterworkshop.com

91 | Song Lyrics or Melody First? 5 Ways to Start Writing a Song

Do song lyrics come first — or does the melody lead the way?The truth is, songs don’t begin in just one way.
In this episode, I walk you through five common “doorways” into songwriting — simple, human starting points that can help you move past the frozen feeling of “Where do I start?” We explore how songs can begin through lyrics, melody, rhythm, harmony, or listening to what’s already stirring beneath the surface — and how finding your doorway can make songwriting feel more natural and less intimidating.
If you’ve been searching for a simple way to start writing songs, this episode offers a clear framework you can return to again and again — without pressure, rules, or overthinking.
<3 Lainey
P.S. You're Invited to Join Me for a FREE Live Songwriting Workshop --> 
🎶 Free Live Songwriting Workshop
Learn how to turn your ideas into songs in this FREE workshop with Lainey
Tuesday, February 17th10AM PST / 11AM MST / 12PM CT / 1PM ESTLive on Zoom
Register at singersongwriterworkshop.com