VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

MichaelN · Joined: 17 Feb 2015 Posts: 8

Hey everyone! I was recommended by a few people to join this forum and have found a lot of informative posts thus far.

I'm just starting out in VO and recently recorded my first demo for commercials. I would really appreciate some experienced VO ears to have a listen and share any critiques. A couple of issues have been brought to my attention from others I've sent it to, so I'll be curious what you guys have to say Smile

Edit: (changed extended 1:30 demo to 1 min demo)
https://soundcloud.com/michaeln-2/michaeln-commercial-60

Thanks for your time!

Jason Huggins · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 9:44 pm Post subject:

Hey Michael! Welcome aboard! I like your overall tone. As someone who has a similar vocal tone I can tell you that there is plenty of work out there for you. As for this demo, many of these spots sound pretty good...but they all sound about the same to me. I didn't hear any diversity, really just the same guy in the same voice. When I started listening I thought, "Hey! This guys has a great sound." But kinda tuned out after the 3rd spot because nothing exciting happened. It is also a bit long.

All that said, I believe you are off to a great start. You have a solid read, good overall tone, and a nice conversational style that is popular...at least with the clients I'm working with. Keep up the good work, you are off to a great start!

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 979

I think you are terrific! In fact, I think you are better than the demo. You have a conversational, honest, organic delivery.

Yes, it's a good 30 seconds too long.

You also have a lot of establishing music at the top of each spot. This is a common demo practice/mistake that alerts the listener when the demo moves from spot to spot. But it highlights the production, not the actor. And it's wasting valuable real estate on the demo. Better to edit voice, attached to voice, attached to voice, with opposing deliveries and intents next to each other. This will show off you, not the production, and will bring more versatility to you and the demo.

But again, you are quite good! b

MichaelN · Joined: 17 Feb 2015 Posts: 8

Thanks for the pointers Jason and Bob! I'll keep them in mind when I update my demo later on down the road.

I totally forgot to mention that the demo I had originally linked was my extended version. I've updated my OP with the 62 second version for others to listen.

Thanks!

yarg28 · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2015 4:00 pm Post subject:

I didnt hear the first one but I think this one sounds pretty darned good for your first demo. Could somebody nitpick? Probably. But it really is heads and tails above most first time demos that I hear.

You are starting from a good spot.

Dave DeAndrea · Been Here Awhile Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 206

Like Bob already said, I think you've got a great, genuine quality to your voice. The music transitions didn't bother me too much, but there are some segments that are stronger, and better suited to your voice, than others on the demo. There are a few subtle shifts in your delivery in this, but I think it would be great for you to show just a bit more range... it runs the risk of sounding "1 note".

You're getting in a good time. Your style is very popular right now. Smile

Best to you!
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Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

Fantastic first demo. Well done! I like you better in the second half, when your overall pitch is lower and it's slower and more conversational in that there are chances to pause and be thoughtful and show your personality more. Good luck!
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Ed Fisher · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2015 4:54 pm Post subject:

I agree with the consensus.

You have an extremely commercial sound that is very hot a the moment. You should be making some good bucks with that youthful voice of yours.

I thought the 2nd and even the 3rd cuts of your demo were weak. Some of the pauses awkward. Where you really shine is in the straight ahead peppy go-get'em voice that's so popular at the moment. There you kill.

I'd trim out anything questionable.. As Bob suggested...a super strong :30 is better than a :60 with weak spots. IMHO.
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Frank F · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2015 7:36 pm Post subject:

Michael, you are definitely marketable.

I concur with some other comments regarding pacing and unnatural acts. There is so much more to you than what you have portrayed with this first demo.

I would add this comment: pay homage to the words; share the emotion of each sound and what the phrasing is saying to the audience.

Watch your diction as in some areas it was a little sloppy. this is natural and I am not meaning this as a bad comment on your talent. It is a simple statement... be cautious of how you say the words.

Frank F
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MichaelN · Joined: 17 Feb 2015 Posts: 8

Thanks everyone for your kind words and especially for your advice. I'm looking to learn in as many areas as possible and hopefully once I get rolling with some gigs and more training, I'll improve.