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

Lainey Prendeville Crawford - Vocal Coach, Singer, Songwriter, Songwriting Coach
  • 4.9 (29)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Weekly

*** TOP 5% GLOBAL PODCAST *** Have you ever felt a song stirring inside you — but you’re not sure how to bring it to life? Do you dream of writing and singing your own music, but find yourself held back by doubt, perfectionism, or the fear that you’re “not good enough”? Maybe you’ve spent years studying, performing, or people-pleasing with your voice… or maybe you’ve never let yourself believe you could be a singer or a songwriter. And all the tutorials, drills, and music theory lessons? They just make the process feel more complicated — and less creative. If you’re ready to quiet the noise and reconnect with the song in your heart, I’m so glad you’re here. This podcast will help aspiring singer-songwriters like you: 🎵 find your authentic voice and unique sound 🎵 write and sing your own songs — even if you don’t know where to begin 🎵 simplify the creative process from inspiration to finished song 🎵 build confidence to share your music with the world Whether you dream of performing on stage, recording an album, or simply creating music that feels like you, this podcast will meet you where you are — and guide you toward becoming the artist you’re meant to be. Hey, I’m Lainey — former opera singer turned singer-songwriter and voice & creativity coach. This podcast was born from a time in my life when I had worked so hard to mold my voice into what I thought it was supposed to be that I lost my way as an artist… and stopped singing altogether. After years of trying to perfect my sound, I realized I didn’t want to perform other people’s music anymore. I wanted to sing my own. So I started writing songs — raw, imperfect, honest songs — and rediscovered the joy of creative freedom. Now, I help other aspiring singer-songwriters do the same. If you’re ready to: ✨ reconnect with your voice through creative, holistic practices ✨ learn simple, soulful ways to write your own songs ✨ let go of judgment and rediscover your love of singing Grab your notebook, pour a cup of tea, and let’s uncover the songs that have been waiting inside you. Let’s find your voice! ＜3 Lainey Next Steps: Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  1. 2d ago

    117 | The Secret To Vocal Confidence Isn't Having a Better Singing Voice

    What if the secret to vocal confidence isn't having a better singing voice? So many singers believe confidence comes after they improve their technique, sound better, or finally feel "good enough." But what if confidence begins somewhere else? In this episode, we're exploring a different way of thinking about vocal confidence—one that's rooted not in perfection, but in trust. I share why learning to trust your singing voice enough to let it be heard may be more important than chasing the perfect sound, and how our inner critic often pulls us out of the experience of singing and into the role of judge. Whether you're recording yourself, performing on stage, posting a video online, or simply singing for someone you trust, the invitation is the same: stay on your own side. Instead of asking, "Did I sound good?" what if you asked, "Did I stay connected to myself? Did I tell the truth?" If you've ever struggled with self-criticism, hated the sound of your own singing voice, or felt afraid to let your voice be heard, this episode will encourage you to build confidence from the inside out. 3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  2. Jul 21

    116 | How Do You Know When a Song Is Finished?

    How do you know when a song is actually finished? Not when it's perfect. Not when you've exhausted every possible revision. But when it's ready to let go. In this episode, we're exploring the final stage of the songwriting process: knowing when to stop revising and trust the song you've written. I share what happened after revisiting an old song that finally found its missing verse—only to discover myself slipping into endless tweaking, second-guessing, and overthinking every artistic decision. We'll talk about the difference between healthy revision and hypercriticism, why perfectionism keeps so many songwriters stuck, and how to recognize when another rewrite isn't helping the song anymore. Sometimes the hardest part of songwriting isn't finding inspiration or writing the first draft—it's trusting yourself enough to finish. Whether you're working on your first song or your fiftieth, this episode is an invitation to embrace the imperfect beauty of your work and remember that every finished song is simply a snapshot of who you were when you chose to let it go. In this episode, we'll explore: how to know when a song is finished the final stage of the songwriting process songwriting revision vs. perfectionism editing and revising song lyrics overcoming self-criticism in songwriting trusting your creative instincts why finishing a song is an act of trust avoiding overthinking during the songwriting process letting go of perfection and releasing your music building a sustainable creative practice Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: reawakenyourvoice.com

  3. Jul 14

    115 | The Hardest Part of the Songwriting Process: Choosing What Belongs

    Have you ever held onto a lyric, melody, or song idea simply because you've lived with it for so long? In this episode, we're exploring a different stage of the songwriting process — not gathering inspiration, but choosing what belongs. I share the story of revisiting an old song and making one unexpected change that revealed a deeper, more honest version of the story it had been trying to tell all along. We'll talk about why artistic growth isn't just about creating more — it's about developing the discernment to recognize what truly serves the song. Sometimes the hardest part of songwriting isn't writing the next line. It's having the courage to let go of something good so something truer can emerge. Whether you're writing songs, making music, or simply learning to trust your creative instincts, this episode is an invitation to embrace the deeper work of choosing, revising, and telling the truth in your art. In this episode, we'll explore: the songwriting process beyond first drafts editing and revising song lyrics how to know what belongs in a song creative discernment and artistic choices telling the truth through songwriting letting go of lyrics that no longer serve the song trusting your creative instincts why honesty leads to stronger songs embracing revision as part of the creative process Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Email Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  4. Jul 7

    114 | Try This 10-Minute Singing Practice When Your Voice Feels Tired

    Feeling tired, stiff, or disconnected from your singing voice? In this episode, I'm sharing a simple 10-minute singing practice I used after a long holiday weekend to reconnect with my voice—without forcing it, judging it, or trying to sound "better." Instead of focusing on vocal technique or performance, this practice begins with noticing how your voice feels today, meeting it where it is, and allowing it to lead the way through humming, movement, improvisation, and familiar songs. We'll explore: how to reconnect with your singing voice in just 10 minutes what to do when your voice feels tired or low-energy why noticing your body's sensations can be more helpful than judging your sound how improvisation and movement can help your voice open naturally embracing your voice as it is instead of fighting against it If your singing has been feeling stale, disconnected, or you're simply looking for a gentle way back into your voice, I hope this practice helps you rediscover the joy of singing—exactly as you are today. 3 Lainey   Songs Mentioned: Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers Wade In The Water - Traditional African American Spiritual   Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  5. Jun 30

    113 | Can't Finish Your Song? Why Some Songs Take Years to Write

    Have you ever had a song that stayed with you for years—but never seemed ready to be written? In this episode, I'm sharing a personal reflection on a song I've wanted to write for a long time and what it's teaching me about the songwriting process, creative timing, and learning to trust inspiration instead of forcing it. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, I've found myself returning to a creative desire that's been quietly living in me for years: to write a song that captures the beauty of home, freedom, and Americana summer nights. The inspiration is there. The imagery is there. But the song itself still hasn't arrived. Rather than seeing that as failure or creative block, I'm learning to see it differently. In this episode, we'll explore: why some songs take years to write trusting the timing of the songwriting process the difference between creative readiness and creative pressure how life experience shapes the songs we're meant to write why you don't have to force inspiration to create meaningful work If you've been waiting for the right words, the right melody, or the right time to finish a song, this conversation is an invitation to trust that some songs are written slowly—not because you're doing something wrong, but because they're still becoming. 3 Lainey Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  6. Jun 23

    112 | Trying to Force Your Creative Process? There's Another Way

    Trying to force your creativity to happen? There may be another way. As artists, we often feel pressure to know exactly where we’re going. We want the finished vision, the clear plan, the perfect idea — and when we don’t have those things, we may assume we’re stuck. But the creative process doesn’t always unfold in a straight line. Sometimes the work is in the unknown. In this episode, I’m exploring what it means to stop forcing an outcome and start trusting the creative process — allowing space for exploration, discovery, curiosity, and transformation. I’ll share reflections from my own creative season of not knowing what my next project will be, and how I’m learning to embrace the adventure of creating rather than rushing toward the destination. We’ll talk about: outcome-driven creativity vs. process-oriented creativity becoming comfortable with uncertainty why the unknown is part of the artistic journey how curiosity and exploration lead to meaningful work trusting yourself when the path isn’t clear yet If you’ve been waiting for clarity before you begin, this episode is an invitation to stay engaged with your creativity and let the process reveal what comes next. 3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  7. Jun 16

    111 | Rediscovering Your Singing Voice Beyond Practice & Performance

    Have you ever felt disconnected from your singing voice—even though you still love to sing? In this episode, we're exploring a different way of thinking about singing. One that goes beyond practice, performance, technique, improvement, and achievement. I share reflections from my own creative life lately, including singing while doing dishes, gardening, playing with my children, and following little melodies as they appear throughout the day. These ordinary moments have reminded me that some of the most meaningful singing doesn't happen on stage or in a practice room—it happens in the midst of everyday life. We'll talk about: reconnecting with your singing voice the difference between the critical ear and the creative ear singing beyond practice and performance overcoming perfectionism and self-judgment finding more joy and play in singing everyday singing as a creative practice coming back to your "why" as a singer If you've been feeling out of practice, disconnected from your voice, or unsure how to get back into singing, this episode offers a gentle invitation to reconnect with singing in a way that feels natural, meaningful, and alive. 3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

  8. Jun 9

    110 | The Songwriting Process: Catching Song Ideas Before They Slip Away

    Have you ever had a great song idea disappear before you had the chance to develop it? In this episode, we're exploring an often-overlooked part of the songwriting process: capturing inspiration while it's still alive. Building on last week's conversation about The Work Before the Work, we're talking about what happens when the first spark of a song finally appears. How do songwriters capture ideas before they slip away? What role do voice memos, notebooks, and unfinished songs play in the creative process? I share reflections from revisiting old voice memos, rediscovering early versions of songs, and noticing how a single song idea can evolve over time—sometimes becoming something entirely different from where it began. We'll talk about: why songwriting inspiration is often fleeting how to capture song ideas before they're lost why unfinished songs still have value how revisiting old ideas can unlock new creative possibilities why song ideas evolve throughout the songwriting process If you've ever lost a lyric, melody, or song idea you wish you'd held onto, these simple practices can help you capture inspiration and give your songs a chance to grow. 3 Lainey Next Steps: Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

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*** TOP 5% GLOBAL PODCAST *** Have you ever felt a song stirring inside you — but you’re not sure how to bring it to life? Do you dream of writing and singing your own music, but find yourself held back by doubt, perfectionism, or the fear that you’re “not good enough”? Maybe you’ve spent years studying, performing, or people-pleasing with your voice… or maybe you’ve never let yourself believe you could be a singer or a songwriter. And all the tutorials, drills, and music theory lessons? They just make the process feel more complicated — and less creative. If you’re ready to quiet the noise and reconnect with the song in your heart, I’m so glad you’re here. This podcast will help aspiring singer-songwriters like you: 🎵 find your authentic voice and unique sound 🎵 write and sing your own songs — even if you don’t know where to begin 🎵 simplify the creative process from inspiration to finished song 🎵 build confidence to share your music with the world Whether you dream of performing on stage, recording an album, or simply creating music that feels like you, this podcast will meet you where you are — and guide you toward becoming the artist you’re meant to be. Hey, I’m Lainey — former opera singer turned singer-songwriter and voice & creativity coach. This podcast was born from a time in my life when I had worked so hard to mold my voice into what I thought it was supposed to be that I lost my way as an artist… and stopped singing altogether. After years of trying to perfect my sound, I realized I didn’t want to perform other people’s music anymore. I wanted to sing my own. So I started writing songs — raw, imperfect, honest songs — and rediscovered the joy of creative freedom. Now, I help other aspiring singer-songwriters do the same. If you’re ready to: ✨ reconnect with your voice through creative, holistic practices ✨ learn simple, soulful ways to write your own songs ✨ let go of judgment and rediscover your love of singing Grab your notebook, pour a cup of tea, and let’s uncover the songs that have been waiting inside you. Let’s find your voice! ＜3 Lainey Next Steps: Book a Coaching Session: reawakenyourvoice.com/coaching Join the Newsletter: reawakenyourvoice.com/insider Visit the Website: reawakenyourvoice.com Write Me: hello@reawakenyourvoice.com

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