The Vocal Lab Collective

In this episode of The Vocal Lab, Jason and Shelby dive into the storm surrounding Timothée Chalamet’s recent town hall with Matthew McConaughey. Did the Marty Supreme star cross the line when he claimed "no one cares" about opera and ballet anymore, or was he just voicing a harsh reality about the struggle for cultural relevance? We’re breaking down whether this was a case of Hollywood "punching down" on vulnerable art forms—currently battling funding cuts and the rise of AI—or if the backlash is just a symptom of an industry in denial. From Misty Copeland’s pointed response to the "14 cents in viewership" joke that might have cost him an Oscar, we’re asking: is it time to stop treating these legacy arts like museum pieces and start fighting for their future?

We’re bringing this fan-favorite back to the front of the feed! In this special RE-RELEASE of The Vocal Lab Podcast, hosts Shelby Rollins and Jason Catron sit down with hit songwriter Derrick Southerland to celebrate their milestone 50th episode. From his humble beginnings "scrubbing toilets" as a studio intern to opening the door for legends like John Legend and Ryan Tedder while working as a server, Derrick’s story is a masterclass in persistence. Tune in as he shares what it was like to pass on an idea from Vince Gill, the hilarious moment he tried to "take Nelly's strawberries," and how he learned to find true success in the creative process rather than just the chart-topping hits.

In this episode of The Vocal Lab, Jason and Shelby tackle the inevitable—the aging voice. They break down the science of how your instrument changes over time and share must-know longevity tips for young artists who think they’re invincible. But the real star of the show is a piece of "transcendent" wisdom from producer Carlos, who graced the booth with the accidental comedy gold: "When you are young... you have youth." Tune in for the vocal science, but stay for the relentless teasing as Jason and Shelby try to uncover the hidden depths of the most obvious statement ever made in a recording studio.

In this episode of The Vocal Lab Podcast, Jason and Shelby are joined by Nashville’s own Sooner Routhier, a visionary production and lighting designer whose work has defined the visual identity of modern live music. As the CEO of The Playground, Sooner has earned prestigious accolades including multiple Parnelli Awards and the Live Design Achievement Award. She is the creative force behind some of the highest-grossing tours in history, notably serving as the lighting designer for Coldplay’s record-breaking Music of the Spheres World Tour and the co-production designer for The Lumineers' 2025 Automatic World Tour. Her portfolio spans genres and generations, from the theatrical world of the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience to stadium shows for The Weeknd, Rihanna, and Chris Stapleton. Beyond her technical mastery, Sooner is a champion for industry evolution as the co-founder of EVEN, an organization dedicated to fostering diversity and mentorship within the live events community.

Get ready for a masterclass in independent artistry! This week, Jason and Shelby are joined by the powerhouse herself, Jenny Teator.
Known for her soulful, "St. Louis-meets-Nashville" sound, Jenny dives deep into the creative journey behind her latest album release. But the conversation doesn’t stop at the studio—we’re exploring how her viral hit, "Rhinestone Rock,"became a certified elite line dance sensation, taking over dance floors across the country.