By Amy Sawyer
When I first joined Onstage Podcast as a co-host, I had no idea just how much I would gain from the experience. As someone passionate about the classical crossover genre, stepping into the world of artist interviews felt both exciting and a bit daunting. But from the very first conversation, I realized how special these moments could be—not just for the audience, but for me as well.
How It All Began
Chris, the host of Onstage Podcast, first reached out after noticing my support for crossover artists on social media. He invited me to help co-host an interview with Natasha Hardy, and the experience was so well-received that he later asked me back to co-host an interview with Catrina Scullion.
Memorable Conversations with Natasha Hardy & Catrina Scullion
Each interview brought something unique. Natasha Hardy shared her journey from aspiring actress to classical crossover singer, blending her love for cinematic soundscapes with classical technique. One of my favorite moments was when she mentioned her two poodles, Pearl and Petal, who fall right to sleep when she practices—a testament to the soothing quality of her voice! She also spoke about the importance of community in her career and her firm stance against online negativity.
Each interview brought something unique. Natasha Hardy shared her journey from aspiring actress to classical crossover singer, blending her love for cinematic soundscapes with classical technique. One of my favorite moments was when she mentioned her two poodles, Pearl and Petal, who fall right to sleep when she practices—a testament to the soothing quality of her voice! She also spoke about the importance of community in her career and her firm stance against online negativity.
With Catrina Scullion, I learned so much—not just about her career but about Gaelic languages as well. We discussed the differences between Scottish and Irish Gaelic, and I was thrilled (and shocked!) when I correctly pronounced Mo Ghile Mear, despite not being fluent. We also talked about her album Úrú, which means “eclipse” in Gaelic—a word that quickly became Chris’s favorite! And, of course, we had a good laugh when I asked her about her signature Sunday Style outfits. A few weeks before our conversation, she shared with me the exciting news about her new single, You’ll Never Walk Alone, released in aid of Motor Neuron Disease. It was an incredible feeling knowing I had such special news to look forward to, but I wanted to wait until the interview so she could share it with the world herself. Hearing her passion and the meaning behind the project firsthand made the moment even more powerful.
Building Connections Through Onstage Podcast
One of the most unexpected and rewarding parts of co-hosting Onstage Podcast has been seeing how interconnected the classical crossover world is. When Chris first reached out to me to co-host Natasha Hardy’s interview, I started researching and came across Mary-Jess
Sharing this experience with fellow crossover artists and supporters has been incredible. I even reached out to Grace Foley to tell her how excited I was, and she responded with so much encouragement: “Aw, that’s so exciting! I’m delighted for you! Thank you for letting me know!”
After the interview aired, I was overwhelmed by the positive response. Jannie Rawlinson shared it, writing, “famousamos111 did an amazing interview with @natashasoprano recently, you can catch it on this link.” I was so touched by that, and I told her, “I listen to your show a lot, so I often hear Natasha’s music—it was so lovely to meet the name behind it!”
Even Chris acknowledged how well the interview went, saying, “Amy did brilliantly.”
These moments remind me why I love being part of this community. It’s not just about the interviews—it’s about the connections, the shared passion for music, and the support we all give one another.
Lessons Learned from Co-Hosting
Before my first interview, I sought advice from Natasha Barbieri, who shared some valuable insights:
- Be prepared – Have around ten questions in mind, but be ready to adapt.
- Let the conversation flow naturally – Some answers will come up before you even ask!
- Most importantly, have fun – A great interview is as much about connection as it is about content.
These conversations reinforced my belief that getting to know an artist isn’t just about discussing their career—it’s about understanding them as a person.
Taking Initiative: Bringing Sarah Vaughan & Christina Johnston to Onstage Podcast
One of the most rewarding parts of co-hosting Onstage Podcast has been taking the initiative to invite artists I admire to be interviewed. It still surprises me that both Sarah Vaughn (of Ida Girls London) and soprano Christina Johnston agreed to join the podcast—all from my own outreach!
Connecting with Sarah Vaughan
Chris and I were brainstorming potential guests when I immediately thought of Sarah. Not only is she a friend, but I’ve always loved her renditions of The Lark, Take It With Me, and Titanium. I reached out to her, letting her know how much we’d love to have her on the podcast, and to my delight, she was excited about the idea.
Scheduling took a bit of back and forth due to time zone differences—Chris in Eastern Time, me in GMT+1/CET, and Sarah in London (GMT). But after some coordination, we settled on April 1st. One thing I’ve learned from these experiences is how important it is to be flexible when working with international artists.
Along the way, I also shared some technical tips with Sarah to ensure a smooth recording, like using Google Chrome instead of Safari for StreamYard. It felt great to be able to help make the process easier for her, and her excitement about the interview made me even more eager to co-host.
Bringing Christina Johnston On Board
Christina Johnston and I had followed each other on Instagram for a while, and I remembered when her song A Million Tears came out—she had messaged me about it, along with Warwick & Young, the incredible team behind its success. Her single A Queen of Our Hearts was even noticed by Queen Elizabeth, which must have been an incredible moment in her career.
I reached out to see if she’d be available for an interview in March. Chris had previously contacted her as well, but I followed up, and thankfully, she was interested! After checking our schedules, we confirmed a date for March 17th.
However, when the day arrived, technical difficulties struck. I logged into StreamYard multiple times, but while I could hear Chris, I couldn’t see him. After several attempts, we had to make the tough decision to postpone the interview. It was disappointing, but Christina was incredibly understanding, and we immediately started working on rescheduling.
Finding Healing Through Music: Christina Johnston’s Story
Christina is a true prodigy who was accepted into The Guildhall School of Music and Drama at just 17 years old and has since graced stages across Europe, Asia, and South America. Her operatic debut in 2012 at The State Opera, Prague, as The Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte and Adele in Die Fledermaus marked the start of an illustrious career. Since then, she’s taken on roles like Olympia in Les contes d’Hoffmann in Russia and starred as Katerina Cavalieri in the Broadway production of Amadeus. She’s also performed in iconic productions such as Puccini’s Tosca and Mozart’s Don Giovanni, captivating audiences with her soaring vocals.
Christina’s voice has reached beyond the opera stage too — featuring in film scores like Wonder Woman 1984 and on her acclaimed debut CD BLESSING, recorded with The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. She was nominated for a Classic Brit Award and is an ambassador for the Purple Poppy Appeal. Her single A Million Tears topped the classical charts in 2022, and she’s performed everywhere from prestigious festivals and solo tours to luxury cruises, appearing in over 22 countries in just six months. She even joined José Carreras on his Farewell Tour and has recently collaborated with the London Mozart Players and Russell Watson.
But what stood out to me most in our interview was how personal music has been for Christina. She shared how, from a very young age, music became her safe space — a way to communicate when words failed her. Christina opened up about how, at just three years old, her mother was in a devastating car accident and spent a year in the hospital. At that age, she didn’t have the words to express how that absence affected her, but music became her outlet. Then, tragically, she lost her father at the age of eleven, and once again, it was music that helped her process her grief. Behind all of her dazzling achievements is a story of resilience, love, and the healing power of song. She also told Chris and I that she’s in the process of recording an album about seasons, and she’s touring Canada this fall, so be on the lookout for that upcoming.
Behind the Scenes – More Than Just Scrolling
It’s funny — while working on these interviews and this article, even my parents have noticed how much time I’ve spent on my phone lately. They’ve teased me, saying I must be endlessly scrolling through TikTok. But in reality, every moment on my phone has been spent writing questions, reaching out to artists, recording interviews, and carefully crafting this article. It’s been a reminder that sometimes, when people see you glued to a screen they might not realize you’re actually building something meaningful — connecting with inspiring artists and sharing their stories with the world.
Balancing multiple interviews, scheduling across time zones, and maintaining relationships with artists is no small task, but it’s one that I’ve embraced wholeheartedly. Recently, while organizing an interview with Sarah Vaughan from Ida Girls London, I navigated multiple reschedules due to her move, and a holiday for me in Germany coming up as well, ensuring we found a time.
From Social Media to Onstage: My Friendship with Sarah Vaughan
When I first connected with Sarah Vaughan of Ida Girls London on social media, I had no idea that one day we’d be chatting like best friends. What started as a simple admiration for her vocal talent soon turned into a genuine connection through countless Instagram messages and shared excitement over music. Over time, our conversations went beyond just performances—we laughed about life, shared behind-the-scenes moments, and supported each other’s journeys in the classical crossover world.
Now, getting the chance to sit down with Sarah for Onstage Podcast feels like a full-circle moment. In our interview, she shared incredible insights about her experiences as a performer, the evolution of Ida Girls London, and the challenges and triumphs that come with being in the industry.
Spotlight on Sarah Vaughan: A Sparkle of Friendship and Fun
My long-awaited interview with Sarah Vaughan from Ida Girls London was filled with laughter, sincerity, and a few surprise moments that made it truly special. From the very start, Sarah made me smile when she said, “Amy, you asked hard questions!” — but with a grin that let me know she meant it in the best way.
One of my favorite moments came when I asked, “What are some things supporters like myself might not know about you?” She paused, laughed, and said, “Ooh, that’s a tough one! I’m an Open book — I share a lot!” That moment captured what I love most about Sarah — she’s authentic, open, and doesn’t hold back from connecting with others.
To end our conversation on a fun note, I asked Sarah to describe each of her fellow Ida Girls in one word. Without hesitation, she said, “Jasmine? Princess. Georgi? Sparkle. Wendy? Best Friend.” It was such a touching way to round out the interview — a peek into their bond and the sisterhood they share behind the scenes.
What truly stood out to me was when she shared how her audition for Ida Girls happened — not in a fancy studio or theatre, but in Georgi Mottram’s kitchen. I’ve only ever interacted with Georgi online through comments and kind exchanges on media, but hearing that story gave me a real sense of Georgi’s warmth and generosity. It said everything about the kind of person she is — someone who opens both her home and her heart to others.
Following Up with Heart
Inspired by how wonderful the conversation with Sarah was, I reached out to Wendy from Ida Girls London to invite her to join us on Onstage Podcast.
Just a little follow-up in case my last note got buried — I totally understand how busy things can get!
We recently had the joy of interviewing Sarah Vaughan from Ida Girls, and the conversation was so uplifting and thoughtful. You can give it a listen here: Sarah’s Interview Link.
There’s absolutely no pressure — just sending this with warmth and genuine admiration for your artistry.
Chris and I would be thrilled to welcome you on Onstage Podcast whenever you feel ready.
Best wishes,
Amy Sawyer”
Shortly after, I realized I’d forgotten to include Wendy’s name in the first line — a classic ADHD moment when typing quickly! I followed up with a light-hearted apology to keep things warm and human:
“Oops, I just realized I didn’t put your name in the first message — my apologies, Wendy! A girl with ADHD here — sometimes when I type fast, it doesn’t come out as proper as it should. But we’re all human, yes? 🥰
Also, Chris just gave me some dates for June if you’re interested in looking — we would absolutely love to have you join us!”
These little moments of realness — the tiny mistakes, the excitement, the genuine admiration — are what remind me that this journey is more than just interviews. It’s about connection, kindness, and celebrating the human side of music.
A Star Still Rising: Joanna Forest Reflects on Change and Connection
Interviewing Joanna Forest was both inspiring and affirming. Known for her groundbreaking debut album Stars Are Rising, which made her the first independent classical crossover soprano to reach No. 1 on the Official Classical Album Chart, Joanna brought grace, honesty, and thoughtfulness to every moment of our conversation.
One of the standout moments was when we spoke about AI in music. Joanna acknowledged that while AI may have its uses, it could never replace the unique emotion and authenticity of a human voice. That grounded perspective really resonated with me — a reminder of why artists like her are so important in an increasingly digital world.
I also asked how she felt classical crossover has evolved since the start of her career. She reflected on how, when Stars Are Rising came out, people were still largely buying CDs. But now, especially post-pandemic, we’ve shifted to digital downloads, livestreams, and virtual concerts. It was fascinating to hear how she’s watched the industry change — and continued to thrive within it.
After the recording, Chris turned to me and said, “Amy’s my admin!” — which made us both laugh — and added, “She asks incredible questions.” Joanna’s reply was the cherry on top: “We need an Amy in our life.” That moment will stay with me for a long time.
Final Reflections: A Journey of Gratitude and Growth
As I look back on my journey so far with Onstage Podcast, I’m filled with gratitude for everyone who has made this experience possible. Each interview has not only deepened my appreciation for classical crossover music but also taught me lessons about resilience, connection, and the power of community.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Natasha Barbieri for allowing me the opportunity to write this article for Crossover Music Magazine. It has truly been a privilege to share what I’ve learned from co-hosting and to highlight the incredible artists I’ve had the honor of speaking with.
A huge thank you also goes to Chris Robert, the host of Onstage Podcast, for trusting me with the chance to co-host these conversations. Your support and encouragement have made all the difference. I’m excited for all that’s still ahead — and I hope there are many more inspiring interviews to come!
If you’ve enjoyed this glimpse behind the scenes, I invite you to subscribe to the Onstage Music Podcast YouTube channel so you don’t miss out on future episodes — especially the ones where I have the joy of co-hosting!
The journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to keep sharing it with you.