In the latest episode of "Create your Kindspace," host Caroline Laurenson engages in a heartfelt conversation with Xann Schwinn, an innovative tech founder and a passionate advocate for the healing power of music. This episode explores the transformative influence of singing, not just as an art form, but as a medium for personal and communal healing.
Xann's journey, intertwined with musical anecdotes and her venture into the realm of technology, reveals the profound impact music can have on our lives. From a childhood filled with melodies to creating 'Biiah', a platform that merges music with enhancing workplace productivity, Xann's story is tale of passion turned purpose.
Join us as we uncover the depths of music's power to heal and connect, through the inspiring experiences and insights of Xann Schwinn.
Xann’s journey from a music enthusiast to the tech founder of Biiah is a tale of passion, innovation, and the transformative power of music. Biiah, as Xann explains, is more than just a platform—it's a movement that redefines the role of music in the workplace.
Xann challenges the conventional use of music as merely a tool for relaxation. With Biiah, she envisions music as a dynamic force that ignites energy and enthusiasm, particularly in professional environments.
“10 times out of 10, the people that were making music around me were able to find salvation, togetherness, purpose. Music made them part of something bigger than themselves and took them out of those hard moments. And I just felt like, man, this is so powerful. And so that was the start of my career.”
Biiah stands out by focusing on the exhilarating aspects of music-making. Xann envisions a workplace where music fosters team bonding and rejuvenation, moving beyond the conventional soothing aspects other platforms offer.
“The thing that we do best at and the thing that we're most encouraged by is helping people not only meet other people in the workplace, create that team cohesion, but also the elation that you feel when you get to sing loud, when you just get to make music and revive yourself.”
Xann sees Biiah as a key player in integrating music into everyday professional life, aiming to build happier and more productive teams. This vision is rooted in the belief that music, in all its forms, can be a powerful tool for enhancing workplace dynamics and employee wellbeing.
"If music can help everyone, why wouldn't we use it to make happier, more productive teams?"
Xann’s journey and the creation of Biiah highlight the potential of music to unite, inspire, and transform the modern workplace.
Xann reflects on the often-unspoken barriers that prevent many from embracing their singing voices. Drawing from both personal and shared experiences, she offers insights and advice on overcoming these hurdles.
There are instances where individuals are discouraged from singing, often stemming from childhood experiences. Xann emphasises the lasting impact such negative feedback can have on a person's confidence in using their voice.
"Your voice is part of who you are. In the same way that the height that you're going to be is predisposed, like that it's just a genetic part of you. And so, you should feel confident in the thing that is your own. It is such a specific tag, human tag of who you are."
Xann encourages individuals to embrace their natural voice, drawing a parallel between the uniqueness of one's voice and other inherent characteristics. She advocates for finding comfort in one's own voice, regardless of external judgments or standards.
“I encourage you to just find your favourite music that you love to sing that moves you. And maybe at first you put it on loud enough where you can't hear your voice, and slowly over time, you turn the music down. So, you become comfortable hearing the sound of your voice, using your voice. That comfort will come with practice. The best advice I can always give is just use it.”
Xann challenges the notion of a universally 'good' singing voice, citing how different music genres require varying vocal qualities. She highlights the importance of context and personal expression over conforming to traditional standards of vocal excellence.
"What does 'good' mean? It doesn't mean anything. If we look at singers like Bob Dylan, who maybe on a traditional scale wouldn't have been considered a good singer. But how profoundly moved an entire generation is by the stories that he's telling through his voice."
Xann offers practical advice for those hesitant to sing, suggesting starting in private settings like a car, gradually getting accustomed to one's singing voice. She highlights the importance of using one's voice as a personal journey of discovery and healing.
"The best advice I can always give is just use it. And if you feel uncomfortable using it in front of other people, you don't have to give that gift to somebody else. You can just share it with yourself."
Xann not only addresses the challenges many face in embracing their singing voices but also provides a nurturing perspective that encourages self-acceptance and confidence. Her insights serve as a reminder of the power of music and voice in personal expression and healing.
Xann, drawing from her extensive knowledge and personal journey, challenges conventional views on music literacy and its necessity for enjoying and creating music.
Xann begins by exploring the historical significance of musical notation. She explores its initial purpose as a means for composers across different regions to share and evolve music. This evolution facilitated by notation, Xann notes, played a crucial role in the expansion and continuity of music, especially in classical genres.
Xann questions the current emphasis on reading music as a prerequisite for musical engagement. She argues that the primary purpose of making music is to connect with others, to be moved emotionally, and to tell stories. Xann emphasises that music's ability to connect and move people often transcends the written notes on a page.
"What is the purpose of making music? It's to connect us with other people. It's to be moved, it's to be emotionally moved. It's to be taken on a journey, to be told a story to connect to other things around us."
In founding Biiah, Xann was adamant about focusing on learning music by rote rather than through notation. This approach, according to Xann, is about engaging with music and removing barriers that prevent people from singing, especially in community settings. Xann stresses the importance of experiencing and engaging with music directly, rather than through the intermediary of sheet music.
Xann expresses enthusiasm for programmes that promote learning music by listening and using one's voice, like circle singing. She admires movements that encourage comfort with vocal improvisation, citing examples of musicians like Bobby McFarrin and Jacob Collier, who inspire audiences to sing and engage without the need for a musical background.
Xann's story provides insights into the importance of balancing intense work commitments with self-care and wellbeing practices. She reveals a meticulous method of tracking wellbeing through a detailed spreadsheet, noting factors that positively and negatively impact her health. This method includes monitoring heart rate, sleep patterns, and daily activities, underlining the significance of a data-driven approach to self-care.
At the core of Xann's wellbeing strategy are basic yet essential practices. These include maintaining a balanced diet to stabilise glucose levels, ensuring proper hydration, and prioritising adequate sleep. Xann emphasises the noticeable difference adequate rest makes in cognitive abilities, especially with changing seasons.
Xann also talks about taking proactive steps when feeling anxious or overwhelmed. This includes going for walks, engaging with music playlists tailored to their mood, and even seeking professional therapy.
As expected from the founder of a music-based platform, Xann incorporates music significantly into her wellbeing routine. She describes how different playlists help transition their mood and energy throughout the day, highlighting music's versatile role in emotional and mental health.
Xann's approach to wellbeing is holistic, encompassing various activities like acupuncture, Thai massage, and spending time with friends. She stresses the importance of recognising what activities refill their 'wellbeing bucket,' whether it's enjoying live music, singing in a choir, or simply soaking up the sun.
Concluding the conversation, Xann discusses the importance of finding and acknowledging what uniquely works for each individual in terms of self-care and wellbeing. Xann's story serves as a reminder of the diverse ways we can support our mental and physical health, especially in demanding and dynamic work environments.
In summary, our conversation with Xann Schwinn has been a journey through the realms of music, workplace dynamics, and personal wellbeing. Here are some key resources:
Listen to the Full Podcast: Dive deeper into Xann's insights on the latest "Create your Kindspace" episode.
Explore Biiah: Discover how music can enhance productivity and wellbeing at biiah.com.
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