VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

misterb · Joined: 19 May 2012 Posts: 5

Hi,

Here is a demo I recently recorded, it includes some imaging and 2 commercial spots, I don't like it, I feel it sounds like quite unprofessional, but I've listened to it around a million times, so anything will sound tired after that many times.
I'm just after a quick bit of feedback, as to how it sounds, what could be changed etc etc

http://soundcloud.com/paulcohen/paul-cohen-imaging-commercial

Many thanks guys for the advice

Paul

Philip Banks · Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 2:01 pm Post subject:

That's a fun "impress your mates" demo. I quite enjoyed it for that reason but it does rather scream out to "them what knows" that you lack experience. Don't panic we all started somewhere and most of us SUCKED big time.

Bruce · Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 6:21 pm Post subject:

I agree with Philip. And the all dance music all the time feel will send folks to the "next" button in a hurry. There's no call ever for a mixed imaging and commercial demo. Keep 'em separate.

B
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misterb · Joined: 19 May 2012 Posts: 5

Thanks guys, as I thought... yes I could do with some professional guidance I think. Any recommendations?

Have a listen to this, it's another recording I made, now is this a step in the right direction???

How does my voice sound? Yes, perhaps it's produced badly, but could I get work with this voice and style?

http://soundcloud.com/paulcohen/commercial-demo

Thanks for taking the time to give me this excellent advise !

Paul

Philip Banks · Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 12:59 am Post subject:

Clip 1 and 2 are roughly 12 hours apart. Did you learn anything during the intervening time? Forgive me if that question is a little too direct but I think you get the point.

Get one lesson on something and then post a clip on what you have learned, I look forward to hearing you grow in leaps and bounds.

misterb · Joined: 19 May 2012 Posts: 5

Ok thanks, a bit of work to do then? I guess I didn't learn anything in the intervening time because I'm not sure what I need to learn.
I guess this is where the professional coaching comes in.

Bailey · Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 4:15 pm Post subject:

I've listened to both clips, and now realize that I have been spoiled by the vocals of Philip Banks, Peter bishop, and a few other Brits on the board. I'm not sure if it's the processing but your voice sounds a bit forced.

I tried to hear your natural voice in clip 2. It didn't show up until the end with the "financial" clip. For my money, that is the voice you should build upon.
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Benjamin Stovall · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 8:22 am Post subject:

Sorry for the late reply, but I could sense your confusion as to what exactly was the problem with your demos. Here is what I think:

It seems like you are trying to sound like other commercials you've heard. If you are, then I think you've achieved that. But the folks on here are voiceover artists. They want to sound like THEMSELVES. It's a very subtle difference, but a critical one. If a talent agency can't find what's different about you versus who they've already got in their stable (for example), they'll simply pass. YOU need to shine through and connect with the audience.

In my opinion, you could probably find a niche for yourself in radio somewhere if that's what you were interested in. You sound just as good as any of the radio announcers I've heard out there. But, if you want to do more than that, you'll have to find a way to connect with each piece and find your own unique voice if you want to truly become successful at VO. For most, that's where coaching comes in.

Those are my thoughts. I hope that you will continue to hone your skills and post back here in the future. I think you have the potential to become a very good voice actor.
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Bish · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 9:48 am Post subject:

The biggest revelation I had during my journey was exactly the one that Ben is talking about. Once I decided what I wasn't, it was pretty easy to work out what I was, and that's me. I'm not the commercial guy... there are plenty of others that do that far better than I do, and when I try to be them, it sounds like I'm trying to be them... i.e. something I'm not.

This is where I go out on a limb and risk being drummed out of the Brownies... so much commercial work is (to my ears) very generic... almost anyone could be doing it and I usually cannot differentiate or work out who it is (there are obvious exceptions). In a lot of cases, a producer will be presented with thirty interchangeable voices... and that may be exactly what he wants for that spot. But... if you have a signature sound, a personality that comes through, something that makes you less generic but still colouring between the lines... then you win.

I loved a small story I saw recently (and this happens all the time)... an exchange between two VO-BB stalwarts.

"Hey, was that you I heard in Jiffy Lube the other day?"
"Sure was."

Wins all round.
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