The Femme Music Podcast by Mel Lathouras

  Sam Buckingham is one of Australia's most respected independent artists. Her album Beautiful Machine debuted at #4 on the ARIA charts — entirely crowd-funded and self-released. In this conversation, Sam and Mel Lathouras get into the real mechanics of building a sustainable music career without a label: how she built her community, why she chose crowd-funding over traditional paths, and what it...

In this heart-filled, laugh-out-loud episode, I sit down with the glorious Sue Ray—a proud Gamilaraay woman, award-winning singer-songwriter, and total genre-bending powerhouse. We talk about her roots in country and punk, her deep love for jazz, and the wild ride from 1AM Troubadour gigs to Nina Simone tributes at the Brisbane Powerhouse. ✨ Expect stories, Brisbane nostalgia, music memories, lau...

In this inspiring episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Alex Van den Broek —arranger, choral director, singer-songwriter, and vocal harmony legend . We chat about everything from: ✨ Her creative process and how she builds those spine-tingling vocal arrangements ✨ Growing a TikTok following of nearly 300K (!!) through viral harmony videos ✨ The knock-backs, impost...

🎙️ Ep. 50 – Growing Pains & Creative Breakthroughs with Clare Hudson Welcome to a very special milestone episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast ! 💃 Mel chats with singer-songwriter and Fearless Singer member Clare Hudson ahead of her debut show Growing Pains —a beautifully curated journey through her originals, favourite covers, and pivotal life moments. From studying classical voice at the QLD C...

Show Notes: In this episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast , I dive deep into what it really means to love your voice and how that love can literally take you places—on stage, in life, and in your creative career. ❤️‍🔥🧿🙌🏻 I also share: ♡ How Cyclone Alfred (yes, an actual cyclone!) pushed me into finally creating the Vocal Love Club 🎤 ♡ Why self-love and affirmations aren't just woo—they actu...

This episode is a deep dive into the new era of  Fearless Singer —a movement dedicated to emboldening the femme voice, taking up space, and redefining fear. I'm sharing what's been happening behind the scenes, why I've gone ALL IN on uplifting femme-identifying singers, and what's coming up next (spoiler alert: it's bloody exciting). In this episode, we cover: ✨ The shift in Fearless Singer —why...

🎙️ Starting My Recording Career at 41: Why It's Never Too Late In this episode, I dive into a personal and transformative journey—returning to the studio to finish two original tracks after a two-year hiatus. Fear, self-doubt, and even money blocks held me back, but I share how EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and self-coaching helped me break through those barrier...

🎙️ Episode 46 of the Fearless Singer Podcast is live! Join me, your host Mel Lathouras, as I dive into my latest adventure—signing up for a Stand-Up Comedy Course and performing a routine in front of a live audience for graduation. There were many pearls of wisdom gained through this little old escapade.❤️‍🔥🙌🏻 🎤 I'll share the powerful lessons from this experience and how they relate to the ma...

Tune in to this week's Fearless Singer chat with jazz vocalist Paula Hackney. Her journey, from discovering a Billie Holiday boxset in a thrift shop to fronting her own band - Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption - and creating the Jazz Hive, is INSPIRING! Early in her performing career, Paula grappled with her inner critic, which fueled her fear of the spotlight.  A pivotal moment led her to re...

In this episode of Fearless Singer, join me (Mel Lathouras) in a conversation with Ella Doneman, a Singer, Educator, and Advocate for people, especially performers, living with a disability, including the less spoken about invisible ones.  Ella shares her firsthand experiences with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, shedding light on the challenges of navigating life and the stage as a performer. She al...

How can you be creative when life feels a bit FKN crunchy? Tune into our Fearless Singer episode with the AMAZING @emmadeanmusic and me (Fearless Singer - Mel Lathouras)! ❤️‍🔥🙌🏻 In this episode, "Getting Your Sparkle Back" - we're diving into creativity, our singing projects and business, and reclaiming your magic in these crunchy times.  So dive in to discover how we are navigating it, being e...

Unlock the unsexy (or sexy—depending on what you're into) truth about building confidence on the Fearless Singer Podcast! Mel Lathouras (that's me) explores practical strategies for cultivating confidence, which is essential for every singer's journey. Tune in for insights and actionable steps. Plus, upcoming workshop details!   Her Voice: Vocal Confidence & Power Workshop - enrol here:    Get sta...

🎙️ Fearless Singer Podcast Episode 41: The Life-changing Magic of Turning 40 ✨ Embracing renewed fearlessness, authenticity, and taking risks! Tune in now! Make your dreams a reality, Singer!   Here's the Vocal Glow Up - FREE 8min Daily Singing Routine, ebook and course mentioned: Here's info about the Fearless Singer Membership - weekly online group coaching and access to all Fearless Singer Cou...

🎙️ An Inspiring Convo about Uncovering Your Creative Light: Meet Victoria Watson ✨ This Fearless Singer podcast episode is a  heartwarming chat with the talented Singer, Songwriting Coach, and creator of "Uke 'n' Bake," Victoria Watson.  As a member of the seminal Brisbane band Some Jerks, Victoria shares her story about embracing her creative spirit and blending her passions for music, baking an...

htIn the latest episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast, host Mel Lathouras overcomes her own fear of speaking about the political and social division as well as the atrocities happening around the world. Mel dives deep into the interconnectedness of humanity, emphasising the importance of unity and peace. She candidly shares her own fear about addressing these crucial issues but realises that her...

G'day Singer! 🎤  In this episode, I almost didn't hit that "share" button because I was wrestling with a #vulnerabilityhangover . Y ou 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 crit...

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...

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...

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 creati...

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 eithe...

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...

In this episode, I share my personal story of how I discovered my love for Jazz and ventured into the world of jazz singing and how it has profoundly impacted my life.   While my journey has been anything but linear, there were signs along the way that hinted at my affinity for this genre.   It changed my life and can also change yours – if it hasn't already!   The seed was planted at seven when m...

"Lighthouses don't go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining." Anne Lamott It was these words that produced a seismic shift in this week's Fearless Singer Podcast guest – Karen Gunton. I am beyond thrilled to have my favourite hip sage from Radelaide (haha didn't mean for that to rhyme so hard) on our 30TH EPISODE!! I honestly can't believe I'm typing…...

Making the space to spend time with your creativity is tricky when navigating responsibilities – paying the mortgage, tending to family – let only making it your "life's work". This Fearless Singer podcast episode featuring the multi-talented artist, musician, and founder of Spoony Joe – Amy Dzufer – uncovers the process it takes to make art daily. She says it all starts with giving yourself permi...

This latest Fearless Singer episode is a tribute to the late great Tina Turner and the many reasons she was a living Saint. I've always been obsessed with her! She was a part of the soundtrack of my childhood – I think most Australians have a soft spot, especially as The Best was constantly blaring from our TV sets with that enduring Rugby League ad. But I remember watching the biopic film made ab...