Despite my experience in singing and acting, at some point in the 2000s, I was stuck in a job I hated. I was working in a kitchen, supporting my music career, which wasn’t going well. The stress, long hours, and poor working conditions took a toll on me. I started getting panic attacks and found it hard to communicate, even with people close to me.

It got to the point where even my own mother couldn’t understand me. I withdrew from the world. I became hyper-aware of speaking, almost afraid of being heard. The only time I felt comfortable was on stage, with a microphone and a band behind me... it was like wearing a mask. But in everyday life, you can’t wear a mask forever.

I had to fix my voice, my confidence, and my ability to communicate. I started working with an acting teacher on breathing, body alignment, and posture, which helped me feel more emotionally stable. Once I did that, my voice naturally improved. I then had speech therapy and worked on articulation to overcome mumbling and strengthened dormant vocal muscles that I had neglected.

Through this process, I realised something... if you don’t actively train your voice, it weakens. The same way muscles deteriorate without use, your voice does too. But by reversing tension, building strength, and regaining confidence, I was able to find my true voice again.

It changed the course of my life and just a few years later (after gaining an MA in acting) I was performing on stage in Londons West end. I was singing, acting and even operating the world’s most beloved Puppet (with vocal horse sounds too) Joey in Warhorse.