Take It From The Top

Vocal Health, Rejection & Finding Your Worth

In the final episode of series one, Hayley and Gavin answer your questions! From protecting your voice during gruelling panto runs to handling audition rejection, they share honest advice on the challenges every singer faces. They dive into the art of harmonising, discuss what it's really like singing songs in different time signatures for Strictly, and tackle the tricky subject of rates and self-worth in the industry. Plus, Gavin shares why he loves teaching young male singers, and they both reveal their takes on agents, the Musicians Union, and managing band politics. Whether you're navigating your first session gig or your hundredth audition, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and hard-won experience. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode! Follow us on socials → @takeitfromthetop.uk [https://lnk.bio/takeitfromthetop] Produced by Henry Brewster Mini Munch Productions Hayley Sanderson and Gavin Ashley-Cooper take you behind the scenes of the music industry to talk all things vocal. From session singing to the stage, they’re your industry insiders sharing honest stories, expert advice, and a few laughs along the way as they reveal what it really takes to make a living as a singer. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode! Follow us on socials → @takeitfromthetop.uk [https://lnk.bio/takeitfromthetop] Produced by Henry Brewster Mini Munch Productions Hayley Sanderson and Gavin Ashley-Cooper take you behind the scenes of the music industry to talk all things vocal. From session singing to the stage, they’re your industry insiders sharing honest stories, expert advice, and a few laughs along the way as they reveal what it really takes to make a living as a singer. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Jess Greenfield: Trust Your Gut and Find Your Superpower

Jess Greenfield joins Hayley and Gavin to talk about discovering singing as her superpower, the difficult balance between artistic ambition and financial stability, and what it's really like working with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. The conversation covers the function band trap that so many singers fall into, why having a unique voice doesn't always help in session work, and how Jess finally found a gig that respects her artistry. Jess opens up about mental health challenges in the industry, the toll of social media on creativity, difficult experiences with managers, the power of manifesting, and her retro soul band Wonder 45. It's a candid, heartfelt discussion full of hard-won wisdom for anyone trying to make it as a singer, with plenty of laughs and honest advice about trusting yourself and protecting your wellbeing along the way. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode! Follow us on socials → @takeitfromthetop.uk [https://lnk.bio/takeitfromthetop] Produced by Henry Brewster Mini Munch Productions Hayley Sanderson and Gavin Ashley-Cooper take you behind the scenes of the music industry to talk all things vocal. From session singing to the stage, they’re your industry insiders sharing honest stories, expert advice, and a few laughs along the way as they reveal what it really takes to make a living as a singer. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Studio vs Live: Two Sides of the Same Mic

Hayley and Gavin compare their experiences working in two very different worlds: the energy of live performance and the precision of the recording studio. They explore the challenge of 'red light fever' when the pressure's on to deliver in one take, the endurance needed for long sessions, and why chasing perfection in the studio can sometimes be your worst enemy. Along the way, they share their highs and lows behind the microphone, including using the right mic for your voice, and offer one golden rule every singer should live by: don't piss off the techies. Whether you're more at home on stage or behind the glass, this episode is packed with honest insights into what it really takes to perform under pressure. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode! Follow us on socials → @takeitfromthetop.uk [https://lnk.bio/takeitfromthetop] Produced by Henry Brewster Mini Munch Productions Hayley Sanderson and Gavin Ashley-Cooper take you behind the scenes of the music industry to talk all things vocal. From session singing to the stage, they’re your industry insiders sharing honest stories, expert advice, and a few laughs along the way as they reveal what it really takes to make a living as a singer. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode! Follow us on socials → @takeitfromthetop.uk [https://lnk.bio/takeitfromthetop] Produced by Henry Brewster Mini Munch Productions Hayley Sanderson and Gavin Ashley-Cooper take you behind the scenes of the music industry to talk all things vocal. From session singing to the stage, they’re your industry insiders sharing honest stories, expert advice, and a few laughs along the way as they reveal what it really takes to make a living as a singer. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Julie Atherton: From West End Stage to the Director's Chair

Hayley and Gavin head down to London's Shaftesbury Theatre to meet Julie Atherton in her dressing room, where she's currently starring in Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical. Julie takes us back to her drama school days and early West End roles, before diving into her work as a director and what it's like stepping behind the creative wheel after years in the spotlight. The conversation tackles some of the industry's tougher truths: the male-dominated nature of directing and creative leadership, generational differences in work attitude within the performing arts, and practical advice for anyone heading into auditions. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode! Follow us on socials → @takeitfromthetop.uk [https://lnk.bio/takeitfromthetop] Produced by Henry Brewster Mini Munch Productions Hayley Sanderson and Gavin Ashley-Cooper take you behind the scenes of the music industry to talk all things vocal. From session singing to the stage, they’re your industry insiders sharing honest stories, expert advice, and a few laughs along the way as they reveal what it really takes to make a living as a singer. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ensembles, group singing, and using your ears

Hayley and Gavin dive into the world of ensemble singing, exploring how it builds musicality, harmony, and the art of blending. Sharing their contrasting backgrounds, they reveal how these skills underpin everything from musical theatre to high-profile session work. Your ears are just as vital as your voice, and knowing how to work as part of an ensemble might be the most valuable skill a singer can have. Along the way, we learn Hayley enjoys a touch of filth and that a bit of friction can make for some delicious harmonies! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode! Follow us on socials → @takeitfromthetop.uk [https://lnk.bio/takeitfromthetop] Produced by Henry Brewster Mini Munch Productions Hayley Sanderson and Gavin Ashley-Cooper take you behind the scenes of the music industry to talk all things vocal. From session singing to the stage, they’re your industry insiders sharing honest stories, expert advice, and a few laughs along the way as they reveal what it really takes to make a living as a singer. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.