We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Courtney Cutchins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Courtney below.

Hi Courtney, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My debut album, “Grunge to Grace,” comes out on October 18th! It has not only been a labor of love over the past year and a half, but it’s been on my mind for nearly a decade. The first spark began in 2015, at which point, I began combining my decades-long love and study of jazz with my original music. And to tap into my 90s Seattle roots, I simultaneously began rearranging grunge rock songs that could blend with my themes of authenticity and living unapologetically. Years passed, I went through a number of health struggles, and after my own personal transformation, I’ve now had the opportunity to refocus on my own music once again. And live the dream of recording and releasing it into the world!

From my liner notes: “There’s no better title than “Grunge to Grace” for the way I strive to see life. Beauty can be found in the most unexpected places – even in the midst of suffering, we can find daring, honest freedom in that which lights us up. Through us, there’s a great force of love connecting all things, even when times seem dark. May we rise up, take up space in our galaxy and show up as our brightest and boldest laser beam self. The world needs each and every one of us to shine.”

Courtney, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a jazzrock vocalist and songwriter, as well as vocal coach and founder of Seadragon Songhouse. It’s my mission to empower people to be their most free, creative and beautiful selves.

As a musician, I’ve been singing my whole life, but first fell in love with jazz when I bought an Ella Fitzgerald boxed set of CDs in middle school at the age of 11. After earning my Bachelor of Music degree from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, I moved to NYC and earned my Master of Music degree in Jazz Voice from the Manhattan School of Music, during which time, I was able to perform around the country, as well as at NYC venues like Rockwood Music Hall, Cornelia Street Cafe and 55 Bar.

In 2018, I founded my vocal studio, Seadragon Songhouse, where we support clients to tap into their vocal and creative abilities in profound and deep ways – however best serves them. The voice is a beautifully and sometimes frustratingly complex instrument, so I’m quite privileged to walk alongside people on this path of vocal discovery. It’s the coolest thing!

My new jazz album, “Grunge to Grace,” features three reimagined grunge rock arrangements (Soundgarden, Nirvana) along with six of my original, genre-bending songs. The grunge combines with the jazz to fit the theme of living in your authentic truth. It’s about the journey of finding freedom to become who you are and who you want to be.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I found myself creatively stuck at one point because, after really intense, focused study on jazz for so many years of my life, I starting tying myself up in knots trying to fit myself into a jazz box in just the “right” way, or in the way I thought I was “supposed” to. I realized that, while I do feel its important to to fully absorb and honor all the sounds, language, tradition, culture and rules of a musical genre or other art form, it may also be necessary to abandon these things in a way in order to simply create from a place that brings us the most joy. This is how I ended up with grunge tunes on my jazz album, in addition to some really unique harmonies, forms and odd time signatures.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love that songwriting gives me a space to be vulnerable with myself and others in a way that feels empowering. I get to sing my stories, and the stories of others, with my whole heart. I can discuss my struggles with perfectionism, or my thoughts on being an introvert, or my soul-searching journey or any other deep topics that I enjoy – and through the music, hopefully connect with like-minds who relate and can be inspired to share more of their own selves. One of my favorite authors and teachers is the amazing Brene Brown: “we cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known.” Ultimately, for me, love is the answer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://courtneycutchins.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/courtneycutchins
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/courtneycutchinsmusic
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/courtneycutchins
• Other: https://seadragonsonghouse.com

Image Credits

Mackensey Alexander, Shervin Lainez, Anna Yatskevich and Pacharachai