Tabitha! You have been on the team at Jacob Burton Studios since December of 2019. It has been an honor to have you a part of the team! What is your background as a vocal coach?
Started vocal coaching in NYC about 9 years ago. Because of my vast experience in the music business as a lead vocalist and background vocalist, I was sought after by different producers, writers and musicians to vocal coach up-and-coming artists from all music genres.
You’re a vocal coach by day, and a renowned background singer by night! You have sung background for artists such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Sting, Carrie Underwood, and many more! That’s a pretty incredible resume! What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring singers in the music industry?
Always come prepared, perform each gig like you’re performing for millions, have a great attitude, get out there and meet everybody that you can. Go see gigs, support your musician friends and that can lead to musical opportunities for you as a singer, sing out as much as possible, most important: be the best singer that you can be! Practice, practice, practice, develop your craft/ musical and vocal skills.
What is your favorite performance of your career thus far?
Singing backgrounds for Sting’s 60th Birthday at The Beacon in NYC and singing in The House Band for Barack Obama’s 1st Presidential Inauguration on the Mall in Washington DC, such an honor.
What do you enjoy most about coaching voice?
Helping vocalist/artists become the best that they can be. Being a true mentor to my clients on every level. Doing everything in my power to elevate and support my vocal student’s dreams.
What is one of your favorite vocal coaching related stories?
Watching my student kill it on stage after not having any kind of confidence as a performer before working with me. I am about lyric and vocal connection, the lyric always informs the emotion. Then we go from there for the rest.
As an accomplished background singer, what advice would you give to aspiring background vocalists?
A background vocalist main priority is to vocally support the solo artist or artists. Blending, pitch, tone and nuance are key. You have to come in with a great attitude and be willing to do whatever’s necessary to make the gig/session as great and seamless as possible. Be professional. Preparation is everything.
What is the number one thing you feel that you have to offer singers when working with them on their voice?
Years of experience. Connecting to an audience with the lyrics, which dictates the emotion and vocal nuance.
What is the greatest compliment you have ever received?
Maybe not the greatest compliment. Simon Le Bon from Duran Duran told me that I sang my #$@! off, Lol!! He heard me sing a soul tune after a show that I did with Amy Grant and then wanted to hire me to sing on their next album.
P!nk heard me sing one of my original songs, then wanted to write with me, which was a huge compliment. Barbara Streisand is cutting a song that I did lead on for Desmond Child.
One of the most amazing moments for me was when a lady came up to me after one of my solo gigs in NYC. She was crying and was truly touched by my hour set at Rockwood Music Hall 2.
Got any funny stories?
Yes I do! I’ve fallen a few times on stage. It hurt a bit but it was more embarrassing.
Had a horrible attack of diarrhea while singing BGV’s with Englebert Humperdinck in Australia. I had to run off the stage very quickly to take care of that!
