In an industry that often seems to reward ‘overnight success’, is it worth it to perfect your craft, maintain professional principles, and learn from the best mentors you can find? According to creative entrepreneur, background vocalist and vocal producer Rachel James of Bridge Hooks & Stuff Entertainment, it's more than worth it - it’s the most valuable thing you could do to ensure you maintain a spot in the rough and tumble role of being a backing vocalist. Noticing a need for a consistent presence in the background vocalist space, she founded Bridge Hooks & Stuff Entertainment in 2009, as a network of professional vocalists that would serve as the “Go-To” agent for entertainment industry professionals to find singers for their musical endeavors and projects. In this frank and powerful discussion, Rachel reveals how tough love and consistent mentoring helped her earn the valuable respect and reputation needed to sustain a career in the music industry. In this interview, you will learn: How being trained at an early age affects your outlook on performing How Rachel struggled figure out professional standards and apply them - both for her self and her clients The mentors that helped her make the shift to being a professional business owner Why you might need to stay close to your current position, and when to shift and take a risk The importance of investing in training development and knowledge How her new event will bring together the biggest names in the industry to help train BGVS and artists the essential tools for success as a background vocalist Learn more about Rachel Bridges, Hooks and Stuff Entertainment Register for The Blended Training Day Connect with Rachel on Instagram Follow BHS on Instagram We’ve love to hear your thoughts about this episode… Tap HERE to send us a text! Support the show NEW DEVOTIONAL ON YOUVERSION! Would you like to understand God's creative process and apply it to your life? Check out our new YouVersion Bible reading plan here! NEW "DISCOVER YOUR CREATIVE PERSONALITY" QUIZ! We've developed this quiz to help you diagnose and discover where you currently stand in your journey as a faith-focused artist. You'll find out which of the 5 Christian Creative Personalities you're currently operating in and how to improve on your strengths and get help with your weaknesses. Take the 5- minute quiz HERE PODCAST MERCH Get God and Gigs themed gear, clothing and accessories HERE! GOT VALUE FROM THIS PODCAST? Exchange VALUE 4 VALUE! You can share: TIME: Send this episode to someone who you know would enjoy it TALENT: Email your art or music to add to our community to allen@godandgigs.com TREASURE: Tap HERE to pick an amount to support the podcast monthly, OR: Get a modern podcast app that allows you support us IN REAL TIME by sending us value digitally! Get a new podcast app that supports these new features HERE.