The Vocal Lab Collective

This week co-host Shelby Rollins from Master Vocal Studios peels back the curtain and gives us an exclusive exposé at what it's like being a vocal coach for American Idol. Is it real? Fake? Tune in to hear what actually happened and how a rogue boom mic could've gotten her fired.

This week's episode features Bret Green, AKA Dad Got Bars. From his early days in his high school cafeteria making beats on a table, to being nominated for an Emmy for his work in "The Inspectors," Bret has found a way to connect his passion for storytelling and music as a rapper to be a an honest voice sharing the real experiences women face in their everyday lives.

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.