Interview with Cornelia Schmitt, ViP Authorized Instructor

Q & A with

 CORNELIA SCHMITT

Eurovision, the annual song contest that has captivated audiences across Europe and beyond for 68 years, continues to be a showcase of talent, creativity, and musical diversity. This year, the event was hosted in Sweden, at the 15,500-seat arena, The Malmö, drawing an impressive live television audience of 163 million viewers worldwide.

Among the glitter and glamour, a story of dedication, skill, and passion unfolded as Vocology in Practice Authorized Instructor, Cornelia Schmitt, took on the role of coach for the talented Bambi Thug, representing Ireland. Their hard work paid off spectacularly, with Bambie securing an amazing 6th place out of 37 countries.

We caught up with Cornelia to delve into her experience at Eurovision, and the preparation journey she undertook with Bambie.

Congratulations, Cornelia, on the incredible achievement with Bambie Thug at Eurovision! The energy and excitement of the contest are palpable even through the screen. Can you describe what it was  like being in the midst of Eurovision's unique atmosphere?

The atmosphere at Eurovision was truly unique and sort of like living in a bubble. Despite the overwhelming press and media presence, the experience only slowly began to sink in for me due to the tight rehearsal schedule and high-pressure environment. Sweden, as the host country, was exceptional in its organization and very warm and welcoming. I've never seen such a precise production, and I can confidently say that Eurovision is the best-organized TV music event. It was also wonderful to meet other coaches and discuss different music styles. Our team was like a little family and everyone did such an amazing job. Additionally, I served as a backing vocalist, which meant getting back on stage after a long time. Balancing that responsibility with my coaching role was a challenging yet very rewarding process for me because I had to push my own limits.

With such a grand event, preparation must be key. How long before the contest did you and Bambie arrive in Sweden, and what were some of the final preparations you focused on before the competition?

The Irish delegation arrived on April 26th, and we dove straight into intense rehearsals the following day, with the semi-final just four days away and the grand finale on May 11th. Our final preparations focused on  warm ups for cleans & screams and managing nerves. Unlike many Eurovision contestants who are backed by labels and established artists in their home countries, I was working with an independent artist being exposed to such a large audience for the first time.

Your collaboration with Bambie has certainly been successful. How long have you been working together, and when did you start preparing specifically for Eurovision?

I was introduced to Bambie in May 2023, and we've been working together since then. Our preparation for Eurovision began around the time of the national selection.

The connection between a coach and their artist is crucial. How did you and Bambie first meet, and what sparked your decision to work together for Eurovision?

Bambie and I were introduced by a PR agency in London. I had met their representative at a Bad Omens show after-party in March 2023, where we discussed vocal coaching in the metal scene. It turned out to be perfect timing, as they were looking for a vocal coach specializing in metal vocals. We were introduced online and began working together in early May and clicked right from the start. Our first in-person meeting was a few weeks later at Download Festival, where I did the vocal warm-up with them.

We would love to delve deeper into your expertise in vocal distortions, teaching philosophy, and holistic approach to vocal coaching. Bambie’s song “Doomsday Blue” used vocal distortions. In your work together did you focus solely on distortions, or did you explore other styles of singing as well?

Bambie and I worked on clean and distorted vocals, with the focus on establishing a healthy screaming technique.

Vocal distortions are a niche yet intriguing area of singing. What drew you to specialize in this, and what do you find most rewarding about teaching it?

I started singing lessons soon after joining my first band, but my teachers couldn't help with distorted vocals. I had to figure out how to perform them healthily through trial and error and it was really a lot of error at first. One classical teacher even refused to teach me unless I quit my band. This experience highlighted for me the lack of vocal coaching 1:1 for singers hailing from the Alternative scene who wanted to improve their vocals, especially those interested in vocal distortions. There was and still is a demand for voice teachers that originate from the alternative scene. In 2014, I began studying with a Complete Vocal Technique teacher who later encouraged me to become a teacher myself. I then went to Copenhagen for a three-year teacher training program, which also included  teaching rough vocal effects - exactly what I was looking for. The best part of teaching is getting to play with the voice every day and helping people connect with themselves through singing and screaming. It’s amazing to see them relieve stress, and honestly, I love getting paid to make weird noises.

Given the evolving landscape of contemporary music, why do you believe vocal distortions hold significant importance today?

Vocal distortions are raw and deeply honest expressions of intense emotions. They cover a wide range of emotions, from devotion to desperation, letting you distort a note from 1% to 100%. They are also very unique and contribute to the authentic expression of an artist. It’s exciting to see vocal distortions gaining popularity in pop music, while metal bands are blending more pop styles into their sound. More and more bands have singers who switch between clean vocals and screams. In today’s polished and uniform (music)world, where production heavily relies on technology (e.g. auto-tune ), there’s a growing longing for something raw, natural, and real.

We're curious about your own journey into music and singing. What inspired you initially to pursue this path?

I grew up playing instruments and singing in choir throughout school. In 2nd grade, I got the lead in a school play for my loud screaming rather than my singing. By 14, I was into Hardcore Punk and later developed a passion for Metal. I started in a band as a bassist but ended up as the lead singer, recording my first album at 19. Throughout my twenties and early thirties, I was active in multiple bands, touring Europe and appearing on several albums. During my early years in bands, I started taking singing lessons and always wanted to understand the “why” and “what for” of an exercise. Although I’ve always loved singing, I realized I preferred working behind the scenes and helping others reach their potential. This led me to embrace teaching, where I can support and guide others in their musical journeys while staying out of the spotlight

How long have you been teaching vocal distortions, and are there other areas of singing that you're passionate about or have a keen interest in?

I’ve been teaching extreme vocals since 2019 and am deeply passionate about vocal health and mental training. Currently, I’m expanding my knowledge in performance and sports psychology, drawing inspiration from the world of soccer.

Your teaching philosophy is undoubtedly a cornerstone of your success. How do you approach teaching singing?

I named my company "VOCALS ROCK" to emphasize that singing is fun and accessible to everyone, regardless of their level or style. I strongly believe that anyone can learn to sing and scream. As a vocal technique teacher, I see my role as similar to a mechanic working on a car, helping individuals use their voices in a healthy way, whether they are singing or screaming. I approach teaching with a holistic mindset because to me, singing is about more than just hitting the right notes. It’s about connecting with your whole self, which also means that there is no one-size-fits- all-exercise- plan. I enjoy playful exploration with a customized training program tailored to each singer. Ultimately, our job  as voice teachers  is to help singers unlock their potential. Many people start their vocal journey with the goal of “finding” their voice, and we have the opportunity to guide them in discovering the sound they desire. It’s a wonderful job, but it also comes with significant responsibility.

Maintaining vocal health is paramount, especially when engaging with advanced techniques like distortions. Could you share your advice for singers to keep their voices healthy and strong?

Systemic hydration, SOVT and good sleep are crucial. I also emphasize the importance of physical warm-ups and meditation. Every artist I work with receives a PDF full of my tips and tricks to help them stay on top of their game.

Physical preparation can often be overlooked in vocal training. Do you integrate physical fitness into your teaching and performance strategy?

Absolutely. I have all my screamers follow a physical warm-up program and recommend seeing a manual therapist. I also see a manual therapist regularly myself to keep my own instrument in top shape. Additionally I refer my clients also to other resources to help them level up their fitness and overall well-being.

For teachers interested in exploring vocal distortions, what advice would you offer to them as they delve into this specialized area? ​​

Give yourself permission to be playful and get out of your head! Don’t be afraid to sound messy or imperfect. Ugly is beautiful.

Lastly, could you share a piece of wisdom or a personal mantra that has guided you throughout your career?

“Lyckan står den djärve bi.” Swedish proverb, that translates to :”Fortune favors the brave”.

Take a leap of faith in yourself and your potential. Pursue what you love, and luck will come your way.

While technique is a valuable tool, it's important to know when to set it aside. It's more about using your voice to express your emotions than simply showing off your vocal range. The deeper you dive into your craft, the closer you'll get to your true self.

Cornelia Schmitt is based in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Website www.vocalsrock.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vocalsrockofficial

Instagram @vocalsrock