#sparkchamber 072423 — Dene Menzel
The quote, “Where words fail, music speaks,” by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, perfectly introduces today’s #sparkchamber guest. We welcome thought leader, human connector, and music creative Dene Menzel, a multi-award-winning Australian entrepreneur musician, composer, arranger, speaker, and author driven to create and share her love of music with the world.
Following a 10-year career running a successful performing arts company and three renowned pop choirs in Melbourne, Dene published, The Voice Factor, a how-to-sing book subtitled from shower to stage in five easy steps. The book offers a contemporary twist on voice coaching, emphasizing core fundamentals with common sense, plain English, and a big dose of fun. It was a #1 Best Seller in four categories on Amazon in both the U.S. and Australia.
Dene’s 2016 rewrite of Waltzing Matilda — the unofficial national anthem of Australia — for the International Day of Peace that year featured the iconic, soulful, luminous singer/songwriter Kate Ceberano, with back-up by 200 singers from over 20 countries. It took a #1 spot on the iTunes charts. “I have always been drawn to change-makers and visionaries since I was very young, fascinated by innovators challenging what has been done before and stepping fearlessly into possibility by bringing new elements together.”
These days, Dene focuses her powerful light and energy on her award-winning music-branding agency Branthem which she founded, and for which she serves as Creative Director. Branthem services forward-thinking businesses wanting to rise above traditional content noise and connect deeply with their audiences. “We specialize in brand engagement — we just do it with music. As a musicpreneur, I have a great passion for tapping into the potential of music as a touch-point amplifier and emotive connector across multiple brand channels.”
And … she also has a side hustle! “I’m developing a singing-practice app based on genres of pop/rock/Rnb. A fusion of pop hooks and vocal practice in the palm of your hand for a more motivating, fun, and practical on-the-go vocal workout.” PopScongs is launching soon, and you know we will let you know when it does.
1.] Where do ideas come from?
I’m a big believer that ideas — even more specifically — the best ideas spark from a natural flow of inspiration. That quiet whisper to fuse two unlikely elements together, that light tap on your shoulder to turn around, that strong gut feeling to speak to that person — it all comes from ourselves, and when we feel really good about it, tells us we’re on the right track.
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
There has been a common thread with what excites me, drives me, and makes me feel alive. It is a mélange of creating something new, seeing people connect on a human level, and using music as my tool.
3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?
(c) I used to be a hare in some respects — manic and conscious of finishing things quickly, being somewhat arrogant enough to waste time and then scrambling to complete a task, but I’ve learned through some big life lessons over the years, that life is not a race — and there is value in being a tortoise — to slow down and appreciate what is in front of me, as well as the journey along the way, that there are others that can pass ahead at times and I’m ok with that, and to cross the finish line when I’m ready.
3 (b) Let’s just say I’m a night owl living the day life — because for now, the morning school run will be the death of me! So being super organised to plan around traffic, business hours etc. without feeling rushed is key to keeping this owl on track. That said, on the odd occasion if I needed to pull an all-nighter for a client — or even socially, I do love the freedom of night — it's where I feel like a bit more “me.”
4.] How do you know when you are done?
Don’t think I’ll ever be done in a “satisfied.. and eager for more” kinda way. That, I suppose, is the fun of the game, right?!