EPISODE · Feb 27, 2026 · 52 MIN
#17 The Original Artist’s Reality Check: SJ Mortimer on the Adrenaline, the Burnout, and the In-Between
from Curious Vocalists · host Grace Hancock Music
Singer Songwriter, SJ Mortimer pulls back the curtain on the reality of following her dream as a front-woman of multi award-winning Americana Rock Band, Morganway. From recognising the red flags of the burnout cycle, to the paralysing perfection trap that often kills the very creativity it’s trying to polish. We move past the highlight reels to discuss the need for healthy sleep patterns, a genuine support system and a deep look inwards as the cure for imposter syndrome, burnout and the balancing act of life, business and creativity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it—or just wondered if everyone else is struggling as much as you are—this conversation is the reality check you been needing. Takeaways Live performance has potential to be your friend and foe depending on your mindset If the love for it is gone, don’t assume it’s dead; take a break. Support from partners and friends is crucial in the music industry. Don’t go it alone. Everyone feels imposter syndrome at some point. The people you think have ‘made it’ probably feel the same about their life as you do. Perfectionism isn’t often in the best interests of the overall creation The first take is often the best Mistakes on stage can create a deeper connection with the audience. Community and shared experiences in music foster support and understanding. Chapters 00:00 SJ Mortimer's Onstage Persona 02:56 The Stage as Your Friend or Foe? 07:53 Fear of the Unknown as an Independent Musician 09:30 Balancing Everyday Life with Music 11:35 How Going Full Time Changed the Creative Process 15:06 Sleep Patterns and their Impact on Creativity 19:19 The Reality of Life as a Gigging Musician 23:52 Mistakes Onstage and The Musician's Inner Critic 31:03 Remembering the Purpose of Music in Our Lives 34:33 Working Around Perfectionism in the Recording Studio 38:33 How to Keep the Creative Juices Flowing 46:58 Where to Find Sj and Morganway 48:34 Quickfire Questions Mentions: SJ’s Americana Rock Band: www.Morganway.co.uk SJ website: www.SJMortimer.net www.instagram.com/sjmortimer/ www.facebook.com/sjmortimermusic About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection. Contact Method [email protected] www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician #Americana #rock #musicindustry #burnout #liveperformance #creativity #independentmusician #impostersyndrome #songwriting #singersongwriter #frontwoman #musicianlife
What this episode covers
Singer Songwriter, SJ Mortimer pulls back the curtain on the reality of following her dream as a front-woman of multi award-winning Americana Rock Band, Morganway. From recognising the red flags of the burnout cycle, to the paralysing perfection trap that often kills the very creativity it’s trying to polish. We move past the highlight reels to discuss the need for healthy sleep patterns, a genuine support system and a deep look inwards as the cure for imposter syndrome, burnout and the balancing act of life, business and creativity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it—or just wondered if everyone else is struggling as much as you are—this conversation is the reality check you been needing. Takeaways Live performance has potential to be your friend and foe depending on your mindset If the love for it is gone, don’t assume it’s dead; take a break. Support from partners and friends is crucial in the music industry. Don’t go it alone. Everyone feels imposter syndrome at some point. The people you think have ‘made it’ probably feel the same about their life as you do. Perfectionism isn’t often in the best interests of the overall creation The first take is often the best Mistakes on stage can create a deeper connection with the audience. Community and shared experiences in music foster support and understanding. Chapters 00:00 SJ Mortimer's Onstage Persona 02:56 The Stage as Your Friend or Foe? 07:53 Fear of the Unknown as an Independent Musician 09:30 Balancing Everyday Life with Music 11:35 How Going Full Time Changed the Creative Process 15:06 Sleep Patterns and their Impact on Creativity 19:19 The Reality of Life as a Gigging Musician 23:52 Mistakes Onstage and The Musician's Inner Critic 31:03 Remembering the Purpose of Music in Our Lives 34:33 Working Around Perfectionism in the Recording Studio 38:33 How to Keep the Creative Juices Flowing 46:58 Where to Find Sj and Morganway 48:34 Quickfire Questions Mentions: SJ’s Americana Rock Band: www.Morganway.co.uk SJ website: www.SJMortimer.net www.instagram.com/sjmortimer/ www.facebook.com/sjmortimermusic About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection. Contact Method [email protected] www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician #Americana #rock #musicindustry #burnout #liveperformance #creativity #independentmusician #impostersyndrome #songwriting #singersongwriter #frontwoman #musicianlife
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#17 The Original Artist’s Reality Check: SJ Mortimer on the Adrenaline, the Burnout, and the In-Between
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