In a recent episode of Voices Unleashed, host Alexandra Babbel sat down with Okanagan-based musician and vocal artist Jordan Chase to discuss his remarkable journey of resilience and healing. The conversation, filled with heartfelt moments and valuable insights, highlighted Chase's transformation from a struggling vocalist to a confident and influential artist.

Chase, now 41, reminisced about his early twenties when he was the lead vocalist for the band Stutterfly. Known for their intense and passionate sound, Stutterfly was gaining traction and preparing for major label showcases when Chase began experiencing severe vocal issues. "My voice kind of just started giving out," Chase recalled. "We were known for our screaming, heavy metal sound, and losing my voice was terrifying."

After consulting a throat specialist, Chase was diagnosed with three vocal nodes. The recommended treatment was surgery, a daunting prospect for any singer. "I didn't want to do that," Chase said, explaining his hesitation to undergo the invasive procedure that had ended the careers of other musicians.

Desperate for an alternative, Chase was referred to Alexandra Babbel, a voice technician with a background in opera singing. Babbel admitted she was initially skeptical about being able to help Chase. "I thought, here's another person asking for a magic pill to fix their voice in one session," she said. Nonetheless, she agreed to take him on, with strict conditions: Chase had to stop smoking and refrain from speaking for six weeks.

"I thought he'd never do it," Babbel confessed. But to her surprise, Chase committed wholeheartedly. From Venice, where she was touring, Babbel received an email from Chase confirming he was adhering to the vocal rest. "Dear Alexandra," the email read, "Two weeks down, four to go."

Upon Babbel's return, the real work began. "We started with just your speaking voice," she recalled. Chase, eager to recover, followed Babbel's guidance meticulously. Initially, even speaking was off the table, replaced with gentle vocal exercises. "I was so excited to finally speak again after those six weeks, and you were like, 'We're not saying any words yet,'" Chase laughed.

The rigorous process paid off. Chase's vocal cords healed without surgery, and he learned to use his voice correctly. "You wanted me to speak properly," Chase said. "I've never spoken like that again. I used to speak probably from my chest, using my vocal cords as muscles."

Babbel's techniques not only saved Chase's voice but also reshaped his identity as a singer. "You told me I'd never sound like my favorite singers, but I could make people want to sound like me," Chase recalled. "That was a power unlocked for me."

After Stutterfly, Chase continued his musical journey, joining and forming new bands, including Secret Whisper and Shreddy Kruger. He embraced his unique voice and applied the lessons he learned from Babel. "Screaming is never really good for your vocal cords, but there are ways to manage it," Chase explained. "It's about knowing when to stop and rest."

Today, Chase uses Babbel's techniques to warm up and down his voice and even helps others with their vocal challenges. "I'm no teacher like you, but I definitely take that forward," he said, expressing his gratitude.

In turn Babbel praised Chase's dedication and tenacity. "You had the courage of spirit and self-discipline to be quiet for six weeks," she said. "It's amazing to see how far you've come."

Voices Unleashed continues to celebrate and share stories of individuals like Jordan Chase, who overcome challenges and inspire others with their journeys. The show highlights the importance of perseverance, proper technique, and the transformative power of believing in oneself.