Meet Veronica May, musician, music therapist, activist, avid antiracist, and instructor. Managing her bipolar disorder condition has given her first-hand insights about just how cathartic music and music therapy can be. It’s kept her messages real, and her ability to be vulnerable opens up the listeners to do the same.

In our chat, we talked about a new song called “Bad Wolves” she finished with Jason Mraz, Krishna, Miki Vale, Laura Zablit, Jeff Berkley, Becca Jay, Josh Hermsmeier and Rebecca Jade. It’s a tough wakeup call on racial relations in America that the world needs to hear right now.

Our conversation revolved around several themes captured here. Enjoy and stay tuned for that song coming soon!

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How Bad Wolves was conceived

• Veronica says after George Floyd’s extrajudicial killing, she found herself asking, “Why are all these bad wolves coming out?” The phrase “bad wolves” kept replaying in her mind, so she decided to write a song about it.
• The message behind Bad Wolves is fittingly captured by the first lines in the song by Jason Mraz: “White bread, well-fed, white-collar job…” meaning it’s about the privileged positions that white people sometimes take for granted in their lives.

We need to get out of our comfort zones and start   confronting the uncomfortable issues – the more uncomfortable the conversations we have about race relations, the closer we’ll get to understand the underlying issues.

• Veronica admits that previously she didn’t talk about race in front of black people, and restricted such talk to her circle of white friends.
• Although she was worried about what her fans would think if she took a political standpoint, Veronica believes it’s important for artists to say something that matters to someone.

“It’s not the responsibility of a black person to sensitize you on the need for better racial relations and social justice for minorities.” – Veronica May

• We both agreed that the way we’re currently living isn’t sustainable and that we are in for a period of reckoning in the coming months. Things may get worse before they get better, which is scary.

Having a conversation about race is important, but it shouldn’t tear families apart.

• Although Veronica can relate to her conservative roots, she says she doesn’t understand the perspective that white people take regarding minorities because when all is said and done, everybody deserves respect and dignity.
• My own take is that a lot of changes regarding race relations will have to start at the family level.
• As much as we love our families with conservative roots, we have radical differences of opinion on race relations.
• There’s a misconception that listening to alternative views makes one vulnerable to the other person’s view, that’s why people sometimes don’t want to listen to the other side.

Going forward…

• Veronica says that although the focus of her career so far has been mental illness, she would now like to focus more on elevating black voices.
• She says she wants to “push the boundaries” through her music about race, and even if people feel uncomfortable, they should listen because it’s important. She says, “The project is about committing to something bigger than me.” She doesn’t want to return to the status quo once the pandemic is over.

Your Next Step

If you know you’ve got what it takes but don’t know where to start, I’d love to help. In my vocal coaching practice, we work on both your strategy and your craft. Contact me here to work with me.

We’re living through an experience like non-other before. Don’t let it stop you. Begin by pandemic-proofing your singing career with self-reliance, resiliency, and a strong spirit. It’ll take hard work and a bit of smart innovation. Set yourself up for success. Wouldn’t it be a shame to finally get a gig only never to get called back and be left wondering why? Try my new digital course, I’m With the Band: Do’s and Dont’s from a Lead Singer. Learn the professional and social habits that lead to a long, fruitful, and well-respected singing career.

Your opportunity is coming. Be ready for it. Pandemic-proof your singing career.

For more Pandemic-Proof Singer Series, click here.

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Hi! I’m Danielle Tucker – singer, vocal coach, and lead vocalist of The Mighty Untouchables band.

Throughout my 20-year career, I’ve equally enjoyed singing country, rock, pop, gospel, and jazz. Today, I’m a professional singer/songwriter available for solo performances, studio recording, and lead vocalist of San Diego-based band The Mighty Untouchables. I also offer vocal coaching to both solo artists and groups through my own studio. I’ve crafted a rewarding vocal career, and it’s my great pleasure to bring music to others through private bookings, performing with my band, or helping others to grow more confident in their own vocal gifts. Thanks for visiting my site I’m honored that you’d like to get to know me!

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