Fearless Singer Mel Lathouras

G'day Singer! 🎤
 In this episode, I almost didn't hit that "share" button because I was wrestling with a #vulnerabilityhangover.
You see, I've been in the trenches battling imposter syndrome and the relentless chatter of my inner critic these past weeks. Juggling multiple projects and being more visible online and onstage has a way of cranking up that inner noise.
But here's the thing: the critical mind is a constant companion wherever you are on your spiritual or singing journey. And that's perfectly fine.
Embracing it as a normal part of the human experience is the key. I like to think of it as akin to popping a satisfying blackhead (pardon the analogy). Let's be honest; there's something oddly gratifying about that!
In this episode, I bare it all and share a deep-seated story that's been on repeat in my subconscious, like an old VHS tape stuck on replay. It's the tale of "nobody likes me, I had no friends in high school" – cue Pauly Shore. You'd get that reference if you grew up with 90s trashy high school comedies.
I had to confront this narrative head-on because it was gaining steam and hindering my efforts to promote gigs on social media.
I dubbed it my personal ball and chain, something I needed to let go of because it was holding me back.
And then there's the narrative of not being "Greek Enough" for a musical project with my best mates called "Girl From Greece." 😆
We're launching officially next week, and it's a big deal! We have members of our Greek community, my family, a bouzouki player from Melbourne, and a guitarist from Cairns all attending.
But here's the twist—I can't speak Greek, at least not fluently enough for meaningful conversations or even asking where the toilet is.
So, I'll walk you through my process of conquering these narratives. I'll also spill the beans on some nifty "motivation hacking" tricks I've picked up from Brendon Burchard and Mel Robbins. Plus, I even use classroom behaviour management tactics on myself.
So, if you're grappling with kickstarting your projects, this episode is a treasure trove of tools and tips.
 -----------------
Now, for some EXCITING news! We're hosting our first-ever Fearless Singer Jam this Sunday (note Jam, not Showcase).
After receiving numerous requests from talented souls wanting to perform at the showcase (which is exclusive to Fearless Singer members), we've decided to open up our performance opportunities to other singers who want to be part of our beautiful community.
 We've curated an AMAZING lineup, and you can check out all their profiles on Facebook and Instagram. If you're curious, join us at the Bearded Lady this Sunday, September 17th.
We kick off at 2 p.m., and it's just $10 at the door, with all proceeds going directly to the band. RSVP here: https://fb.me/e/3QWRt3Dbh
Let me know if you'd like to take the stage in the next one, sing your heart out, and be part of our magic!
And, of course, mark your calendars for Girl from Greece's debut concert next Saturday, September 23rd.
I'll sing in my great-grandparent’s language, share family stories, and jam with the incredible Katerini, Christina Xydi Lignou, and our stellar band. You can snag your tickets here: https://bit.ly/GirlfromGreece
 I absolutely love hearing from you! If any of this resonates with you or if you have your own strategies for coaching yourself through similar challenges, drop me a line.
Let's connect and share the love!
Lots of love, Mel Xx ❤️‍🔥🎵
Follow Mel
💜🎤 Blog: http://www.fearlesssinger.com
💜⚡️I share a lot about singing, and mindset adventures on Instagram. Come on over! https://www.instagram.com/mellathouras/ 

This is my story on how deadlines and I became friends after a tumultuous relationship, starting back when I was 10.

Yes, I have been deadline-resistant for most of my adult life until now.
A few years ago, I had finished my music degrees, and the gigs that had come so easily to me stopped.
I went quite a while without performing. And my self-confidence dwindled – I was a fish out of water.
I then realised I had to take responsibility for making my opportunities.
These brilliant ideas I kept telling people about (mostly my Mum and my best friend Amy, who I FaceTime daily) wouldn’t be manifested without action.
So, I reached out to JMI Live and asked for a gig. It was a few months into the future, so there was enough space not to freak out but a clear deadline.
And I found my new method to make things happen – book the show even when you’re not ready!
This method can apply to any project really. Set a date and tell people about it!
In this episode, you can learn about how to:
✨ Bite the bullet and give yourself a clear date (even if you don’t feel ready), and then reverse engineer your project. 
✨How to ask for a gig at a Venue - ask for what you want! 
✨Uncover resistance and coach yourself out of it.
I also let you know about all of our exciting Fearless Singer Events. If you want to stay posted, go to www.fearlesssinger.com/events 
As always, let me know what resonates with you!! 
Lots of love
Mel ❤️‍🔥🎵

Follow Mel 💜🎤 
Blog: http://www.fearlesssinger.com 
💜⚡️I share a lot about singing and mindset adventures on Instagram. Come on over! 
 

As a long-time admirer of Singer-Songwriter Emma Dean, welcoming her to the Fearless Singer Podcast was an exciting fan-girl moment.
Emma's impressive accolades includes multiple albums, iconic projects like the Cheap Trill community choir, and a standout appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Beyond her thriving performing career, Emma is now a creativity coach, offering an upcoming 8-week course that delves into creative expression.
In this episode, we explore Emma’s journey, temporarily stifled by pre-teen bullying.
She shares how her high school music teacher helped her reclaim the stage, leading to her role as Audrey in The Little Shop of Horrors.
Emma discusses how bullying can foster a fear of standing out and stifling creativity, which ties into managing the inner critic. She offers practical techniques for breaking free from self-doubt and rediscovering creative flow.
'We also talk about the importance of creative communities, self-acceptance, the power of storytelling, pursuing happiness, and reframing success.
Emma also shares how her creative output now looks different with baby twinnies and how she has learnt to embrace her new pace.
Don’t miss this beautiful episode! You can also watch it on Youtube here. 
And if you’ve ever doubted your creative abilities, Emma’s 8-week course, Exploring Creativity, might be your answer – with early bird pricing ending today. Follow Emma on Insta. 
Love
Mel ❤️‍🔥🎵
Follow Mel 💜🎤
Blog: http://www.fearlesssinger.com
💜⚡️I share a lot about singing, and mindset adventures on Instagram @mellathouras. Come on over! 

Join us as we reunite with the AMAZING Katerini Manolatos, a singer, music therapist, now producer, and my dear friend. 
If you tuned into her episode last year, you might remember her story and insights into her Greek heritage and her music therapy journey. 
Since then, we've embarked on musical adventures together, including performances in Brisbane's Greek Choir, Ellinikes Fones, and the creation of our very own production company, Girl From Greece.
🎤 Highlights of the Episode:
✨ The Birth of Girl From Greece: Delve into how Katerini and I established "Girl From Greece," a dynamic project driven by a profound purpose. Discover the driving force behind this project and how it fuels our passion for music and community.
✨ Our debut Girl From Greece concert: Here about all the behind-the-scenes as we prepare for our debut concert on Saturday, 23 September 2023. 
✨ Greek Connection and Beyond: Explore the incredible power of friendship, family, and community as we share personal stories that reflect the profound influence of Greek culture on our lives and music.
✨ Manifesting Dreams: If you dream of bringing a project to life, this episode is your source of inspiration. Uncover the secrets to turning your aspirations into reality as we discuss our journey from idea to creation.
 🎟️ Join the Journey: Curious about our Girl From Greece Concert or eager to book tickets? Find all the details you need here. Immerse yourself in the power of music and culture as you experience the beauty of our upcoming concert.
📻 Extra Treat: Discover the enchanting world of Greek stories beyond our podcast! Catch us on Kate O'Toole's Music Rabbit Hole segment on ABC Brisbane Radio. We share tales of the Lathouras diaspora story and how music rekindled our connection to our Greek roots. Listen in at the 1:00:00 mark here.
🌍 Share Your Story: We're eager to hear your cultural background and how music influences your connection to it. Leave a comment or DM me on Instagram @mellathouras 
Love
Mel ❤️‍🔥🎵🎤
P.S. Prefer to watch our interview, you can do this here. 

Laine Loxlea-Danann is the epitome of a Renaissance Woman – not only is she a Singer, Musician, Writer, Producer and Talent Manager – she even makes her wine out at her Cleveland Artists’ Retreat.
I first met Laine back in 2015 at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music when we were both studying Vocal Pedagogy.
And not sure whether it was the Universe or the Instagram algorithm (I’m grateful either way!) – she came back into my orbit at the end of last year via Instagram stories.
I was captivated by her and her story!
She was living her version of Eat Pray Love as she went on a European Tour starting in Germany to watch a theatre company perform her self-penned musical theatre show – Critical Last Chance Years.
The one-woman musical is based on Laine’s experience of navigating societal pressure to find a partner in her 30s.
The musical examines the social pressures of being single in a culture where couple relationships define the norm and where you're told at an incredible volume that if you try hard enough, wishes can come true.
We spoke extensively about this and how a few years ago, while performing Laine discovered that she was not hearing sound the same way she used to.
After multiple trips to health professionals, she finally got the diagnosis that she had Semicircular Canal Dehiscence - a rare opening between the uppermost semicircular canal in the upper part of the inner ear and the brain.
The condition causes problems with hearing and balance.
Laine talks about how this prompted her to pursue her many other talents and skills, including talent management.
She now runs a boutique agency nurturing and booking work for actors from all walks of life, age groups and acting experience.
Laine said helping other artists on their creative journey is something she has always naturally done and enjoyed but gave her an enormous sense of purpose after her diagnosis.
Resilient, resourceful and downright inspirational – Laine is making her way back to performing again – and will start by being the accompanist (she’s a killer piano player) in Critical Last Chance Years when it is performed again here in Australia.
The German Theatre company will be coming over to direct it next year!
Please enjoy this episode – and as always, let me know what resonates for you!?
If you are comfortable with sharing with me, have you had a condition that has made it difficult for you to sing? Would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment! 
Love
Mel ❤️‍🔥🎵🎤
Follow Laine: 
Insta @laineloxleadanann
Website: www.loxleacreative.com

Get inspired by an incredible journey on this episode! Meet Josephine Lancuba, a Performing Arts Business Coach, Studio Owner, and Producer who turned her life around through music. From a turbulent childhood, Josephine's love for singing changed her life's course.
Discover how she landed a studio scholarship and embarked on a career as a performer, even playing Sporty Spice in tribute shows. But when motherhood arrived, she seized the opportunity to build her own teaching studio with four locations in Sydney.
Josephine shares her passion for giving back to aspiring young artists and her successful venture into talent management and creating her own children’s musical theatre show, raking in $30,000 in profit.
Tune in to hear Josephine's journey and love for coaching fellow artists. Also, explore topics like embracing innovation to stay relevant in the performing arts, monetizing talents with integrity, and the upcoming Studio Innovation Conference she's hosting for Performing Arts Studio Owners in Sydney.
Plus, book early for her conference and get a 20% discount using code INNOVATE23.
Don't miss this wisdom-packed episode!
Love,
Mel ❤️‍🔥🎵🎤
P.S Follow Josephine on Insta at @josephinelancuba