Sharleen Linton has worked with many artists such as Adele, Smokey Robinson and Jennifer Hudson and coached artists like Rita Ora since 2003.
She has also designed and delivered courses and masterclasses to music schools such as Academy of Contemporary Music, Access to Music etc.
She has qualifications in psychology, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique, a psychological version of acupuncture with no needles, used to release negative emotion), counselling and vocal technique and has combined this unique approach to form Vocal Therapy Coaching.
How was it for you growing up?
I was very studious, my mum got rid of the Television so I dedicated my time to music and books. I was always singing and writing poetry, I remember reading a novel a night and being sporty. I would tackle the boys at football and score!
My mother is a vocal coach and I grew up listening to her coach people in our living room. I knew I could sing from a young age but it didn’t occur to me to make my living in the music industry until I finished my Psychology degree. I was on an interview to do my masters in Counselling Psychology and was thinking it just wasn’t for me. I got accepted to do my masters and it was either I do that or music. I chose music.
You recently wrote a blog on artists and their diva behaviour is that from personal experience with them
I have definitely observed diva behaviour in my time! But I also know where that behaviour comes from. At its core it shows me the artist has a fear of not doing well or they are not enough in some way. This causes them to control their external circumstances in a way that could be conceived as being ‘diva-ish’ when really they feel out of control and
disempowered.
The best thing about my job is helping an artist who is petrified and then as a result of the coaching they become calm and remember how powerful they are. I also love watching artists perform, take on the vocal techniques I give them and knock their performance out of the park! Makes me feel so proud of them!
What are the 3 things you would say is needed in the entertainment industry
1. Know who you are and don’t allow negativity to affect you. Let your own voice of self-love be the loudest and most authoritative.
2. Trust your instincts. This will help you select your team well and build your self-esteem
3. Be aware of your thoughts. Your voice does what your mind tells it to. When your mind is stressed and feeling intimidated your voice closes down. When you are feeling joyful and relaxed your voice opens and all of your ability comes to the forefront!
Which artists you worked with inspired you the most?
Adele was the artist who inspired me to set up the company, My Vocal Therapy, and fueled my decision to be a Vocal Therapy Coach, this happened when I realised she had stage fright. I felt great compassion towards her and registered the domain name for the company shortly afterwards.
Recently I coached Rita Ora as she was hosting the MTV EMAS in London, It was such a pleasure because she is so open to receive new techniques and she’s a great girl!
As a vocal therapy coach I help recording artists feel empowered and centered in their value, sing amazingly with less effort and with great vocal technique and to release negative emotion on the spot with a technique called Emotional Freedom Technique (also called tapping). It’s a psychological form of acupuncture (no needles) and works on the meridian points in the body to release anxiety, nervousness and can even effect addiction and past trauma.
What is the biggest obstacle you had to date in your career?
It has been my mental transition from professional backing singer to Vocal Therapy Coach. I was comfortable as a backing singer.
Do you see inequality in this industry?
There is inequality in terms of pay and women sexualized in order to get ahead. I think women have to be more centered in who they are and how valuable they are. We can’t rely on the system to change it. In the meantime we owe it to ourselves to surround ourselves with things that build us up; our friends, content we consume online, books…anything we can get our hands on. Women are ridiculously powerful!
What advice would you give an aspiring artist?
To have passion and the burning desire to be an artist above anything else. It is this passion that will help you navigate the ups and downs of the industry.
How do you spend your free time?
I meditate and practice Yoga which helps me remember how powerful I am and helps me unwind! I also like connecting with good friends and my family they’re everything to me, I love to dance and intimate dinner parties.
What’s your favourite holiday destination?
It will have to be Jamaica. I adore it, every time I go I feel at home and reset. The sun, culture and land is everything to me!
What’s next for Sharleen?
The focus is on growing My Vocal Therapy Coaching company and experience personal growth in the process.
