Ep. 72: Why Does Everyone Think This Song Is Right For Me, But It Feels So Wrong? with Christopher Brent Davis

Melissa Cartwright
Jun 4
2 min read

Hey friends, I’m so excited to share this episode with you. We’re back on the Passionate Performer Podcast with a conversation that feels especially close to my heart as an ally, and just in time for Pride Month. This one’s for all the singers who’ve ever felt like the songs they were told to sing didn’t quite match who they are.

Joining me is the incredibly thoughtful and talented Christopher Brent Davis - a non-binary vocalist, award-winning music director, and voice coach with so much insight on what it means to truly own your voice. And not just technically, but emotionally, spiritually, and in alignment with who you really are.

What Happens When Music Doesn’t Fit?

Christopher and I go way back to our early music days in Atlanta, and it was a joy to reconnect and hear how their journey has evolved.

They opened up about what it felt like to be vocally miscategorized early on - and how draining it is to constantly feel like you're being boxed in by other people’s ideas of what you “should” sound like. Especially for non-binary and gender-diverse artists, those boxes can feel even more rigid.

Whether you’re non-binary, an ally, or simply someone who’s ever felt out of place in your music, I think you’ll hear yourself in this conversation.

Reclaiming Joy in Your Voice

Christopher shared how a solo trip to NYC gave them the space to reflect deeply on their relationship with music. Was it something they genuinely loved, or something they felt obligated to keep doing? That level of honesty takes guts.

They also brought up a powerful truth: a lot of singers don’t actually love the sound of their voice. They just use it. And that disconnect? It shows up in performance. But when you do love your voice -not because it’s “perfect,” but because it’s yours -you protect it. You trust it. It becomes something that supports you instead of something you constantly have to prove.

So How Do You Get There?

Christopher had some great practical advice, too: record yourself often, listen back with curiosity (not criticism), and notice what actually feels good to sing. Think of it like trying on a pair of gloves or shoes. If something feels like a mismatch, don’t judge yourself - just take note, and try again. Little by little, you start building a vocal identity that feels like you.

It’s not always a linear path, but it’s so worth it.

A Safe Space For Your Voice

One of my favorite parts of this conversation was the reminder that we don’t have to do this alone. Creating and finding communities where your voice is heard, respected, and celebrated can make all the difference. Whether you're in the thick of figuring out your vocal identity or learning how to show up on stage more honestly, there’s a place for you. Listen wherever you love binging your favorite episodes. Connect with Christopher Brent Davis on Instagram @thecbdmusicstudio. And if you’re looking for a place to explore your own voice with support, flexibility, and FUN, check out the Passionate Performer Program. You don’t have to go it alone.