In this episode of Good Job Podcast, Beth Roars chats to Classical Crossover Soprano, Joanna Forest. Joanna is the first independent artist to hit Number 1 in the classical music charts and is the winner of the 2019 Future Classic Women Award. She talks to Beth about her struggle with cancer, why she decided to be independent, building her self-confidence and the importance of musical education.
““If there is anybody out there that feels like there is a challenge. Take it. Do it. Go for it, because it could work out amazingly.””
Beth Roars introduces classical crossover Soprano Joanna Forest
Joanna talks about her music recording success
What was Joanna’s worst ever job?
What forms of education and training has Joanna had? Did she enjoy it?
In what ways is being in a show different to singing as yourself?
How did Joanna discover her desire to be involved in classical music?
What is the importance of being musically versatile?
Joanna Forest describes how her battle with breast cancer aged just 21 affected her confidence
Joanna speaks about her journey back into acting after her operation
What made Joanna decide to sing as herself as opposed to as a character?
Joanna talks about the process of organising a charity gig with CoppaFeel in which so many great artists kindly sung at
Breaking the mould and deciding to do something different
What kind of challenges did Joanna Forest face as an independent artist?
The importance of having a great team around you
How has Joanna Forest gone about finding an orchestra?
What advice does Joanna have for other indie artists who want to release their music?
Beth and Joanna discuss finding your audience and the people who resonate with your work and the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people
How does Joanna remain motivated?
Does Joanna Forest have a vocal routine for she uses to prepare?
The importance of having faith in yourself and not overly worrying about your voice - so long as everything feels healthy
Joanna talks about working with children and watching them enjoy singing and classical music
Should music be mandatory for everyone to do at school?
What suggestions does Joanna have for prospective performers?
Can anyone listen to classical music or is it for a particular group?
What are the obstacles for people wanting to become an artist professionally?
Has she found snobbery in the classical music industry being a crossover artist?
What is Joanna Forest planning for the future?
Key Points
It is easier to stay motivated when you are involved in work you are proud of
Don’t be afraid to keep shouting about what you are doing online and find your core audience. Especially if you’re an independent artist, use the tools at your disposal - facebook etc
Don’t let other people’s negativity stop you from pushing towards your goals
Drink water and steam, look after your voice. Get your sleep! But don’t actively worry about your voice, the stress can mean you don’t sing as well
Generally, people in the audience who aren’t in the industry aren’t there to critique you, they’re there to enjoy themselves
Get a good musical understanding, educate yourself if your school education isn’t good enough
Quotes
“If you always do the same thing, you always get the same thing.”
Joanna Forest
“If there is anybody out there that feels like there is a challenge. Take it. Do it. Go for it, because it could work out amazingly.”
Joanna Forest
“You do have people who help you, but you have to find the right people and get a really good team”
Joanna Forest
“Facebook advertising is your friend because you can target the exact audience that you think is going to like your music.”
Joanna Forest
“It’s hard work and constantly knocking on doors, trying to keep motivated and keep going. You never know what amazing things could happen down the road”
Joanna Forest
“Don’t be afraid of shouting about everything everywhere, people who are your friends or fans will absolutely love it and they’ll want to follow you on your journey”
Joanna Forest
“If you keep on knocking at doors, some will open and there will be lovely people on the other side”
Beth Roars
“All the skills that I learned and all the different little jobs that I did, even if that one didn’t work out at the time, has culminated in making me able to be the person I am now”
Beth Roars
“Classical music should be for everybody, it shouldn’t be intimidating”
Joanna Forest
Resources Mentioned
Joanna’s Album: The Rhythm of Life
Featured Charity: CoppaFeel!
Palace Theatre - Paul Potts - Joe McEldry - Jessie Wallace - Frances Ruffelle - Rhydian Roberts - Shayne Ward - Kingsland Road
