The Right (Vocal) Stuff: How to Build Lasting Success through Consistent Training With Rachel James, BGV and Vocal Producer

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.

Rachel James began her musical career as a child touring the nation with a gospel group, and quickly learned the professional standards she would be expected to maintain throughout her life. Her career then brought her into an opportunity to work with top gospel artist Darwin Hobbs, who continued to help mold her personal and professional approach to life as a background singer.

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.

Since its inception, BHS has served clients in every facet of the entertainment industry, and has provided professional assistance to top industry professionals such as Kevin Bond, Adam Blackstone, Melanie Fiona, Musiq Soulchild, India Arie, Angie Stone and many more. Production credits for Rachel’s company include the Trumpet Awards, BET’s The Monique Show and Bobby Jones Gospel, Trinity Broadcasting Network’s weekly production of “Praise the Lord,” numerous shows on the Gospel Music Channel, and the list continues.


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. Now as a leader in the field herself, she is partnering with other top industry professionals to offer training opportunities like The Blended Training Day, which she is co-hosting in the summer of 2020 with fellow background singer Jasmine Crumley.

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

Other Resources:

• Learn about The 4 Questions you need to ask before going Full-Time in Arts and Entertainment
• Join our God and Gigs Facebook Group so you can watch more of our Facebook Live chats!