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

Danielle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Embarking on a career as a vocalist, I never imagined the diverse and fulfilling path it would take me on. My journey to earning a six-figure income as a creative professional is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the strategic development of multiple income streams.

In the beginning, my primary source of income was live performances. This involved being the lead singer for a successful corporate showband, a role that not only sharpened my skills but also deepened my love for music and performance. However, relying solely on live gigs, although rewarding, had its limitations in terms of financial stability and growth.

Recognizing the need for diversification, I began exploring other avenues within the realm of music and vocal arts. This led to the expansion of my professional repertoire beyond performing. I ventured into private vocal coaching, tapping into my experience and knowledge to mentor aspiring singers. This not only provided a steady stream of income but also offered the deeply rewarding experience of nurturing new talent.

The launch of “The Unstoppable Singer” marked a significant milestone in my career. This platform allowed me to blend my skills in singing with entrepreneurial ventures. It includes a variety of offerings, from digital courses and virtual summits to a podcast and live stream interviews. Each of these elements serves a dual purpose: they are channels for income generation and mediums through which I connect with and empower other artists.

The key to my success in earning a full-time living from my creative work lies in not putting all my eggs in one basket. By diversifying my income streams, I’ve not only cushioned myself against the unpredictability of any single market but also found multiple ways to express my passion for music and teaching.

My advice to fellow creatives is to explore all the facets of your art. Look beyond the traditional paths and find innovative ways to monetize your skills. The journey might be challenging, but with resilience and creativity, it’s possible to build a financially rewarding career doing what you love.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Danielle Tucker, a vocalist, mentor, and the spirited force behind “The Unstoppable Singer.” My journey in music and vocal coaching has been a blend of passion, resilience, and a desire to empower others.

As a professional singer with two decades of experience under my belt I know how tough the music industry can be. From balancing a busy performing schedule against the demands of new motherhood to pivoting on a dime when the live event industry ground to a halt in 2020 (plus a thousand challenges in between), I kept pursuing my passion for singing, no matter what stood in my way. From Ed McMahon’s iconic Star Search stage to Nashville’s legendary music scene to my current hometown of sunny San Diego, I’ve covered a lot of ground in my career. I’ve sung alongside household names, been a solo performer, a studio artist, and the lead singer of a booked-out show band. By fully utilizing my talent, drive, and adaptability, I crafted a rewarding and resilient career for myself that provides a wonderful life for my family. In 2015, I decided to use my hard-won experience to help other aspiring vocalists navigate their music industry journeys. Whether I’m reaching unstoppable singers through my one-on-one coaching services, my virtual courses & summit, or my podcast, my goal is to help talented vocalists craft thriving, long-term careers doing what makes them feel most alive. Transitioning from performance to teaching, I founded “The Unstoppable Singer” to share my love and knowledge of music. My business encompasses private vocal coaching, business mentoring, live streaming, podcasting, digital courses, and virtual summits.

A little more of my bio: Danielle Tucker is a professional singer/songwriter with 25 years of experience singing country, rock, pop, gospel, & jazz. She has performed with celebrated artists like Chris Young, Jamey Johnson, Josh Gracin, Jamie O’Neil, Phil Vassar, James Otto, & Juice Newton. She currently works as a solo performer, studio artist, vocal coach/career advisor, and was a founding member and lead vocalist for the award-winning, San Diego-based band The Mighty Untouchables.

At “The Unstoppable Singer,” I focus on nurturing talent and confidence. I believe everyone has a unique voice, and my mission is to help individuals find and refine theirs. Whether it’s guiding aspiring singers or mentoring entrepreneurs in the creative industry, my approach is tailored, compassionate, and infused with a dose of humor.

What sets me apart? It’s the combination of my down-to-earth personality, professional expertise, and a heartfelt commitment to my client’s growth. I’m most proud of the transformation and success stories of my students and clients – witnessing their journey from hesitant to unstoppable.

Each year since 2020 I produce and host a 3-day virtual event for singers to break out of the starving artist mentality and learn what it takes to make a great living, build a lifelong career, and stay relevant as a musician. This event draws about 3,000 attendees and 30-40 of the music industry’s top professionals and influencers.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, know that at “The Unstoppable Singer,” you’re not just learning to sing or grow a business; you’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I’m here to guide, support, and cheer you on every step of the way. Let’s unlock your potential and make your voice heard!

Have you ever had to pivot?

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, my world as a professional vocalist, especially as the lead singer of a highly successful corporate show band, came to an abrupt pause. It was poised to be a record-setting year for us, and I was living a dream earning a six-figure income through live performances. But then, everything stopped. The pandemic not only silenced the stages but also posed an existential threat to my career in live performance.

Faced with this unprecedented challenge, I realized the need to pivot, not just for my survival but also to support my fellow artists. This led me to start a weekly livestream interview show where I connected with other professional singers. We shared stories about coping with the crisis, exploring alternative income channels, and keeping our passion for singing alive. These heartfelt discussions became a beacon of hope and camaraderie in a time of isolation and uncertainty.

This initiative evolved into my podcast, “The Unstoppable Singer,” a platform that continues to grow and inspire to this day. But the pivot didn’t stop there. Recognizing the need for more structured support and learning, I launched the annual “Unstoppable Singer Summit.” This 3-day event has become a hub for singers to learn vital skills for sustaining their careers:

1. Financial Empowerment: Guiding singers to navigate the music business with financial savvy and confidence.
2. Career Sustainability: Strategies to build a profitable, lifelong singing career without relying on a day job.
3. Diverse Income Streams: Exploring consistent, new income avenues while staying true to our art.
4. Personal-Professional Balance: Balancing personal boundaries with professional responsibilities.
5. Audience Expansion: Innovative ways to engage and grow one’s fanbase.
6. Social Media Mastery: Authentic strategies for gaining followers and enhancing online presence.
7. Artistic Productivity: Keeping the creative and vocal skills sharp and healthy.
8. Optimism for the Future: Staying encouraged and positive, even in uncertain times.

The summit has drawn around 3,000 singers at a time, along with 30-40 top industry experts and professionals, offering invaluable insights and guidance.

This pivot wasn’t just a business strategy; it was a lifeline that connected me and many others to the essence of our passion for singing. It reinforced my belief in the power of adaptability and community in the face of adversity.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In our society, there’s a crucial need to redefine and recognize the true value of artists, particularly professional singers and musicians. The distinction between a hobbyist and a professional – someone who has honed their craft and relies on it for their livelihood – is often blurred. This misunderstanding fuels the misconception that creativity is merely a contribution to society, not a service worthy of fair compensation.

A pervasive issue in the creative world is the overuse of “exposure” as a form of payment. While exposure can be beneficial, it often comes at the cost of undervaluing an artist’s work, contributing to the harmful “starving artist” stereotype. This not only devalues their art but also impacts their ability to make a sustainable living.

To foster a thriving creative ecosystem, society must shift its perspective and practice:

1. Fair Compensation: Understand that creativity is a profession. Just as one would pay for services in any other field, artists should be compensated fairly for their time, skill, and contribution.

2. Educational Awareness: Encourage educational initiatives that highlight the differences between professional and amateur artists, emphasizing the years of training, practice, and dedication professionals invest in their craft.

3. Reject the ‘Starving Artist’ Mentality: Actively work to dismantle the notion that suffering for art is noble or necessary. Artists should be able to pursue their passion while living a financially stable life.

4. Value Art as a Vital Part of Society: Acknowledge that art enriches our culture, emotional well-being, and societal health. This recognition should translate into tangible support for the arts.

5. Support Local and Emerging Artists: Attend shows, purchase music, and engage with the work of local and emerging artists. Grassroots support is vital for the growth of individual artists and the broader creative community.

6. Advocate for Better Policies: Support policies and legislation that protect artists’ rights and provide them with a safety net, including copyright laws, fair trade practices, and healthcare options.

As a professional in the music industry, my goal is to end the cycle of abuse and misunderstanding by educating both society at large and fellow artists. By valuing and supporting artists properly, we not only enrich our cultural landscape but also empower a community of creatives to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theunstoppablesinger.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unstoppablesinger/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunstoppablesinger/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/unstoppablesinger/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeGYYjmiZ42sKT3eSTsrgYg

Image Credits
Laura Bravo Mertz