The Right Questions with James Victore Episode 29: Sing Ugly, Care Less with James Sills
May 1, 2025
James Sills, a musician and choir master known for helping people reconnect with their voices, shares insights on the transformative power of singing. He discusses the joy of communal music-making and the healing aspects of singing, especially in managing anxiety. Sills reminisces about childhood experiences and the significance of individuality, all while encouraging others to express themselves freely. He highlights the cultural importance of singing in community mental health, reinforcing that reclaiming this joy can be a powerful act of self-acceptance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Childhood Uniqueness Shapes Identity
- James Sills was set apart as a kid by unique traits including his football team support and playing goalkeeper.
- He embraced these differences with pride, shaping his lifelong sense of self and approach to others.
Why People Stop Singing
- Singing has shifted from a communal team activity to a solo sport, requiring permission and mastery.
- Early teenage self-consciousness causes many to stop singing, mirroring the loss of childhood creativity.
Singing Builds Connection in Disconnection
- Singing provides deep, multiple forms of connection, crucial in today's disconnected world.
- The foundation of James Sills' work is using singing to reconnect people to themselves and each other.
