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The Next Generation of Amtrak Acela Trains Is Worth A Look As you may know already, trains are an important part of my life.  I grew up fascinated by them, rode them constantly and watched them at any chance I got.  Today, I continue that same passion for the rails and even with a bit more fervor than before.  Seriously, I'm nuts about the rails.  So when Vice President Joseph Biden recently revealed new federal financing for additional Amtrak Acela trains, I couldn't have been happier.  And when I discovered Amtrak's plans to do a complete overhaul of their high speed trains, I jumped for joy.  Train travel in America is really no laughing matter, as we are still behind most other countries, especially in Europe.  However, the installment of these bad boys and girls from manufacturer Alstom, could be a blessing the U.S. is in desperate need of, at least on the Northeast Corridor.  It restores faith in the overall system and the possibility of something to look forward to in our country once this new line is in full operation. Here are some of the key highlights from the article on Amtrak's website: Continued expansion and modernization of current infrastructure Increased travel comfort and perks A 40% increase in the number of train sets, adding to those already in operation Improved and upgraded interior design Way better food and Wifi (we'll see about that) More departure options during peak hours A 20% reduction in overall energy consumption Now, how does that sound?   As you can see, much to look forward to (including no more indigestion from eating pre-packaged, pre-made omelettes and sausage patties).  The coffee is still good though.  I'll give them that. Amtrak. “Amtrak Announces Next Generation of High-Speed Rail” Video. YouTube 26 August 2016. 30 August 2016 #amtrak #trains #future #highspeedrail #acela

A Great City Lives On Fifteen years later, I do remember this day well- where I was, what I was doing and who I was with. But most importantly, I remember what NYC was like prior to that day, as having been really just around the block (a Connecticut boy making regular visits to the city with his family).  Events of that scale tend to hit me much later and today is one of those days.  Much has changed since then, but the energy and magic are still alive, I feel.  Even with millennial hipsters, holding smart phones, roaming our streets, the feeling is there.  Even with more tourists than this city can sometimes handle, the feeling is there.  Even with rising rent and gentrification, the feeling is strong and present to this day.  I first saw this video sometime last year, and it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Manhattan during the times I visited in the 1990s.  Towards the end of the song, you'll even hear the late Michael Brecker on saxophone soloing. Interestingly enough, you'll also notice some footage of Times Square circa 1993.  See if you can find the advertisement for "Guys and Dolls" in the background.  I saw that very production with my mom, directed by Jerry Zaks and starring Nathan Lane, Peter Gallagher, Faith Prince and J.K. Simmons.  That show, that sound of New York is what I remember most.  So, all in all, a tribute to this great city before and after and for all time. #September11 #Tribute #Video #Memorial #NewYorkCity Silvestri, Stefano. “New York 1990s HD” Video. YouTube 19 Mar 2013.  11 Sept 2016

My Studio on Wheels Back in June, while visiting my native Connecticut for a doctor's appointment, I had the rare opportunity to audition from inside a very hot car.  This was my first mobile recording adventure on wheels - my initial experience recording inside a car, as I'm normally in the city and use the subway for transportation.  But after my appointment, a few projects arrived in my inbox with important deadlines.  I figured: why not test out my current set-up.  The video above showcases the recording rig, though not the actual recording in process.  I know - I'm such a tease! While mobile recording for voice over is common in our industry, this particular set-up is different.  I normally record in a closet or somewhere extra cozy and confined.  However, the vehicle acoustics here, while not the greatest, did produce very acceptable results. Unfortunately, I can't post the audition out of respect to my agents and the client. Sitting comfortably in the driver's seat, I'm equipped with a microphone resting on top of a steering wheel.  Without my usual trusty pop filter, I am far enough away that I don't have to worry about and popped p's or hard consonants distorting the audio. Thanks for watching! And if you have any questions, please let me know! #recording #audio #auditioning #voiceover #mobile

Implement moments of clarity and pave the road to voice over success Today the voice over industry is slightly more competitive than it ever was and many of us are chomping at the bit to seize on as many opportunities as possible and secure a steady stream of gigs. The problem is not many of us book gigs.  We post demos on plenty of casting sites, sign with multiple agencies all across the country, and audition for many of the same projects as hundreds, if not thousands, of our voice talent competitors.  When this happens, many of us are stuck.  While there are many reasons why this may happen, sometimes a few simple observations go a long way to understanding ourselves better as talents and becoming more confident.  Personal insight and business go hand in hand. Invest in The Material The art of story-telling is not for sissies.  Just because we are speaking about a particular product or service doesn't mean our responsibility to the brand stops at words on the page.  A well-known voice over coach once told me, "Don't phone it in!"  At one point or another, we feel as if our business is not rocket science and/or that we are all able to do this in our sleep.  We wake up, brush our teeth, and hop in the booth - knock out an audition or two without thinking, and rush to complete our projects.  In this way, we may not completely invest in the material put in front of us. We may not immerse ourselves in a brand, an audience, in the particulars of the who, what, when, where and why of what we're selling or describing.  The fact that the voiceover industry is rather over-saturated and highly competitive are sometimes too easy a scapegoat.  Our lack of personal connection or directional capacity can sometimes be more at fault; do we actually believe in a brand's story? And with that in mind, do we take the time to consider all that means while we're telling these stories? Consider Proper Use of Technology It’s a mass cattle call audition but the creatives want to tie it down to a select group of talents with specific technological capabilities.  Sound familiar?  Do we have phone patch or ISDN?  If not, then how about Source Connect or ipDTL?  Do the people requesting our technological requirements actually know what these various connections are, and if not, can they be convinced of the efficacy of our studios?  For instance, many voice talent use Skype as a phone patch tool, and we know it to be quite effective in that regard.  However, this could rule us out when it comes to audition algorithms that require seekers to use technical requirements as a decision-making factor.  The truth is that many advertising industry professionals trust that a voiceover talent has all the proper technology to deliver materials from their end.  It's generally assumed that we know what we're doing and can put the voice seeker's worries at bay.  Carefully consider your market, what it requires as far as technology - where you will be delivering files and who will be requesting them.  Which types of technology will you require access to, and will you be able to install it in your home, or are you close enough to a professional studio to utilize their technology in a way that offers this to your buyers? Train. Train. Train. And then, Keep Training... Many of us are convinced that our industry is us "just talking," a means to a financial end, or worse, not something we need to keep working at because we are booking.  Those who do not seek to constantly better their skills will never improve (true of any industry).  The last two years of my career have proven incredibly successful as a voice talent, leaving me in a position to further what I have worked on thus far.  I've spent this time working with an incredible coach to keep me polished and increasing my voiceover presence.  A coach challenges us to grow in ways we could never imagine. We emerge armed with new materials and techniques, and our voice over career will only get better. The truth is we get rusty when we live these isolated booth lives, and even when we think there's no one looking or paying attention, there's always (always) someone at the other end, listening to what we're producing.  Any improvement is a step in the direction of booking more work. Invest in Time We all have busy lives and experience last-minute changes in our schedules; it's challenging to keep track of important deadlines.  When is our next audition due - this morning, yesterday, three days ago? Either way, it's tough trying to keep track of a producer’s time-frame.  It happens to us all.  When submitting auditions that seem to come in round the clock, I submit as soon as possible, not as quickly as possible.  There's a distinct difference.  We remain invested in the material and mindful of the ticking clock.  Otherwise, some careless oversight costs us a great opportunity. Invest in an Agent Many voice talent are successful without an agent.  Able to start and build relationships without any middleman, they achieve their strategy with hard work and perseverance.  After all, it simply takes a successful self-marketing and social media campaign and voila: clients come a' knockin right?  Well, not exactly.  While this may be a "new world" of freelancers and non-union work, voice talent remains blocked from higher profile work without agency representation.  Cold-calling large ad agencies, production houses and networks as a freelancer?  There's a reason agents have these relationships, foster them, and have inroads within these worlds, negotiating on our behalf.  This makes the difference between small time and big time. Invest in the Right Agent Lately, it seems as though agents all over the country are in a rush to sign anyone they can get their hands on.  I'm not quite sure how to explain this recent phenomenon, but something seems abuzz.  Chances are, the majority of us nowadays are signed with multiple, non-exclusive agents, meaning we're able to freelance with as many as we'd like.  Good and bad.  Good in the sense that we're exposed to more opportunities and bad in the sense that some agents see this as a showcase of loyalty.  Chances to gain new representation can be lost if a voice talent appears over represented.  How does an agent know this person isn't going to submit to another agent instead?  The non-exclusivity clauses have the effect of making us all just a wee bit paranoid.  When looking at the people representing us, we consider their market, their relationships, and their ability to garner us projects and deals.  A mutually beneficial relationship with a great agent results in them wanting to book you - because they'll consistently make money.  If you're investing in your career, a solid agent will want you on board.  Just remember that you're still in charge of your career.  Choose an agent who will represent you the way your career needs to be represented. Get Your Marketing ON The age of self marketing has dawned, and voice over is following its trends.  Advertising houses aren't hitting us up for huge campaigns every five minutes, but we do see internet videos with our voices running on Hulu all the time.  For many aspiring voice talent in today's competitive business frenzy, self-marketing is a bit of a learning curve.  It may come as a challenge, especially for the veteran voice actor indoctrinated in the golden age of VO, devoid of advanced computer skills and/or social networking savvy.  Easier to hire a marketing firm, isn't it?  But that's not really the world we're in anymore.  It's constantly evolving and changing before our eyes.  People want the authenticity of misspellings and blurry faces.  There's something real about these new networks which are designed to display ourselves in a new way.  We are learning to be self promoters and marketers of our own work when we (most of us anyway) don't have this background.  We learn how to be authentic online, how to showcase more than our voice but our personality - our, what's the word?--BRAND!  How to sell who we are as a talent without over-selling.  Talking about ourselves without talking about ourselves.  It's tough and there is no one secret that works for everyone.  We struggle to figure it all out, and luckily, we're doing it together.  Whatever you do - DO SOMETHING.  Get your face out there, either via an agency, casting site, social networking site, or some way for producers and casting directors to find you.  When the herd of voice talent go in one direction, take the road less traveled and reap the rewards.  Marketing encompasses anything that will get you hired. So get creative!  You'll be glad you did. #voiceover #success #tips #advice #marketing #smallbusiness #solopreneur

It was a real honor and pleasure to be featured as VO Of The Week in a recent interview with radio imaging powerhouse,  Benztown. I love everything about these folks and they're a joy to work with! Be sure to check it out! #benztown #radioimaging #voiceover #voicetalent #interview

One Ad Agency is Taking Chances You may remember my recent post defending Commercials in the current digital landscape.  And you may also remember me highlighting their efficacy in the grand scheme of things. We know that not all commercials are bad and some, in fact, place such a heavy emphasis on brand awareness and, in most cases, offer good ol' fashioned entertainment, as in the case of our favorite Super Bowl Ads. With the 2016 Super Bowl behind us, one company seems to stand out in its understanding of brand direction in advertising. Any brand or company would be remiss if they didn't do other things in tandem with a super bowl commercial to create a more cohesive 360 campaign. Nick Maschmeyer, Sr Strategist, Droga5 It is clear that Droga5 is quickly becoming one of the hottest digital advertising agencies in town - and rightfully so.  In the past several months we've seen a number of articles relating to this agency, some favorable and others, not so favorable.  But the main verdict seems to be that this particular agency is not only breaking new ground; It's constantly evolving and redefining what it means to have a successful advertising campaign.  The above-referenced video, "Why A 30-Second. $5 Million Super Bowl Ad Isn't Enough,"  recently published on Wired.com, speaks to this evolving mind-set. It immediately captured my attention as a representation of what goes into creating an ad. Consider yourself connected, not just from the point of impact of a traditional :30 TV spot but from all aspects of engagement and on all feasible platforms.   I am by no means an advertising/creative expert, as I only specialize in one element of the entire process, however it is fascinating to watch these changes unfold from such a unique perspective. Wired.com  “Why A 30-Second $5 Million Super Bowl Ad Isn't Enough” Video. Wired.com 11 Feb 2016. 21 Feb 2016 #advertising #superbowl #digital

Network Affiliate Collaboration Got a brand new TV Affiliate Demo hot off the presses! I really enjoyed working on this project with Eric Romanowski of Ear Blowing Audio.  We always have a blast and, as usual, Eric delivers! #Affiliate #Voiceover #EarBlowingAudio #EricRomanowski #VoiceOverDemo

Being Comfortable is Nice and...Safe? If you're a New York City dweller like me or reside in a busy urban area, you may know a thing or two about being in your own comfort zone.   I say NYC mainly because this city is notorious for being a frantic playground for smart careerists.  Being comfortable, frankly, feels nice.  It's a great thing to know that sometimes we don't have to go that extra mile.  That being patient is better than just doing it.  That we really can wait until just the right time to take the leap. But then, comfortable is also safe.  And thus, it equates somehow to seeing the glass as perpetually half empty.  It is a life of remaining single and playing the everlasting NY scene vs. putting ourselves out there and finding the love of our lives (or the safety of that perfect marriage with a mortgage, puppies and children).  The difference between the things we always do vs. the things we never seem to get around to. Volunteering at a soup kitchen on a Saturday morning or staying in to play video games (yet again) in our pj's.  Traveling the globe, meeting new people and immersing ourselves in other cultures, people and places.  We don't have the time now, but we'll eventually get to it.  Yeah, eventually.  It's easier to live in our safety zone. A friend recently published the above link on their Facebook page.  Do yourself a favor and watch the video.  It's quite remarkable.  When I first saw it, I thought to myself, "Ah, herein lies the problem."  It reminded me of a wonderful conversation I recently had at a conference.    I was chatting with someone on the subject of pursuing your dreams, choosing happiness, and the struggle to maintain long-lasting friendships.  The conversation was so intense and fulfilling because I felt as though this person was speaking my language and understood exactly where I was coming from.  I have been on an incredible journey over the last few years, pursuing my ultimate dreams of success, with each year passing adding to that journey's success.  More opportunity = more growth.  More knowledge of who I am, and understanding of my essence. And what I've come to understand is that this growth and understanding - the long-term development of myself and my career - has not come without compromise or hurdles along the way.  It is the change that develops us, and it certainly doesn't involve being in a 24/7 comfort zone.  Not every month is a "golden basket" of opportunities.  While work has been plentiful, the friendships, on the contrary, are not always consistently perfect or stable.  And change becomes necessary in order for progress to happen. Several years ago, I was in a job I hated with many friends to hang out with - party with, drink with, go to the movies with. We were all in sort of similar situations, complacent with our current jobs, not entirely happy with where things were and hoping ultimately for something better.  While I knew I needed to make a difference in my own life, it was still a kind of a comfort zone, as everyone I knew was in somewhat of the same situation.  Change was not going to come about by moping around in a stagnant place.  So I broke away, and left that comfortable place of dormancy. When I started actively pursuing my voiceover career, I began to gradually see many of my close friends fade away.  We began to live different lives, and this break in routine caused me to see the world differently.  Initially thinking it was something personal, I was second guessing many of my friendships. Why were so many people drifting away? Where was my comfort zone? What's the saying?  "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans..." And mine certainly has. I see this all the time.  People become trapped in energy-wasting comfort zones, paying off grad school debt and taking the road often travelled into conventional landscapes.  Ask someone how they are and chances are they'll respond by saying they're "busy."  This answer is a very American response - especially in a city like New York, where the majority of people favor being busy over being productive.  Because there is a difference.  We fear risk-taking because it requires a different thought process.  We fear things like the loss of our jobs.  Our friendships.  Our possessions.  But do we fear the loss of our passions?  Our time.  Our energies?  Which things are more important to us, and where should we be concentrating our thoughts? In early 2011, I was developing that new thought process and veering off into an unfamiliar path when I discovered what my true passion was.  When I really sat down and evaluated my life. I just had to create a plan and execute it.  And as every year built upon itself and I began to feel more fulfilled and happier, more relationships tended to fade into the background of this new life.  Now, with my voiceover career at an all-time high, and with "booth" life being an often times isolated one, I'm spending a lot more time alone and less in social situations, but this is my choice now, and one I've developed with passionate intent.  I have a fabulous core group of three or four close friends with whom I regularly spend time, but it's certainly not the same as it once was in that systematic "comfort zone" I once lived so anxiously inside. The place where life consisted of The American Dream.  The Comfort Zone.  The safety net where people's opinions mattered more than my ideals about my own life.  I lived there for too long, and seemingly had everything going for me - top job at a top movie studio, tons of friends, hot dates in a hot city... But get this: I wasn't happy then. Moral of the story: Break out of your comfort zone. Find all that life has to offer. Collective Evolution. “What's Your Biggest Regret?" Video. Collective Evolution. 2 Feb 2016  21 Feb 2016 #comfortzone #dreams #passion #NYC #video

Thoughts on the voiceover travel studio set-up from The Everyman Voice Yes, the time has come to talk about voiceover mobile studio setups (or what I like to call mobile mouthings and configurations).  Have no fear - I'm not about to jump into an in-depth, super knowledgeable post, detailing my years as an audio engineer!  Not at all.  I'm just a regular VO guy who's been able to produce quality audio from some very basic and simple setups.  I have no expert standing in the audio world, but have been somewhat of an audio enthusiast over the years, and believe that a sense of the creative can lead to excellent sound quality.  A fascination with recording gadgets as a child was inevitable, as I was more or less the next in a succession of "Stereophiles" - our family's musical history didn't focus on the dynamics of sound at great length, but it was always there. My experience with newer recording technology has been somewhat of a learning curve, nonetheless... Mobile hotel room studio configuration. Tried and true Apogee USB Mic, 2nd Generation iPad, SE Electronics Pop Screen, Complimentary blankets and towels courtesy of the Hampton Inn and Suites of Buffalo, NY. In the VO world, we flash our audio jewelry to the world any chance we get. We stop at nothing and go to great lengths to prove that we're serious about our business by over-spending on the latest and greatest gear - as if this is the key to getting potential clients to take us seriously. We brag about our peak limiters, new plug-ins and used Avalon pre.  We include our gear in newsletters and in our social media posts, hoping it will showcase how our new audio setup makes our recording quality top-notch.  What I love about mobile studio setups goes beyond gear and into the realm of conceptual creativity: A great and truly effective mobile studio is more about ingenuity, really... The extent of my own interest in audio recording began with capturing sounds of passing trains and family dinner conversations on a micro-cassette recorder in my younger days  (Oh great, here we go with the trains again - this guy and his trains!).  Of course when I got home, the sound had clipped beyond recognition, but I thought it was SO COOL.  Still, I'm pretty far from being a devoted audiophile, nor am I the type of talent who goes on an island vacation and complains about having to break from the waves to record an ISDN session back at the hotel room.  That being said, I still care that my sound is more than merely acceptable to the people hiring me - the voice seekers, creative directors and producers.  I'm just not a die-hard techie wiz kid with a serious appetite for audio.  And there's nothing wrong with that.  I'm a voiceover artist, a creative type who loves the job I'm in.  Then again, I will admit that sometimes the audio and voiceover worlds collide in a mix of creative harmony - and this is definitely one of those times... As a kid, mobility was the best thing ever!  I loved designing bedroom forts to hide in (didn't we all?!).  I'd imagine that, under all those blankets propped up by desk chairs and home trampolines,  I was doing something really special - conducting important business transactions, carrying supplies from visiting travelers, building campfires, delegating assignments to my stuffed animal compatriots.  It was a child's play land then. Who knew that many years later, I would be conducting real business, those same stuffed animals long since tucked away in an airtight bag under my bed. So, here goes a simplified version of mobile VO and its quick points, without getting carried away with excessive technical jargon.  If you're a voice talent looking to embrace audio on the road for the first time or even more regularly, these cost-effective and already widely used setups might help ease the intimidation levels you're feeling from a brief online search.  Feel free to browse the pretty photos and get some of your own ideas as well.  If you already have the equipment and the setup, read with nicety or avoid altogether. If you're voice over talent with a decent amount of experience and are simply overwhelmed by the amount of audio gear out there and mountain of opinions toward creating your own successful studio on-the-road; don't be.  You can do this cheaply. And maybe with any of the following: Portable Booths Porta-Booth: A tried-and-true product developed by voiceover guru, Harlan Hogan of Voiceover Essentials.  Other cheaper and just as reliable versions have entered the market place since then but don't discount the effectiveness of Harlan's products.  I've never used them but they do come highly recommended by other colleagues within the industry.  If you're not interested in ponying up the $300-plus for this setup and/or don't want to lug it through security, perhaps a DIY version like this or something similar will help.  In addition, a good ol' closet or room corner with ample audio treatment, including blankets, pillows and quilts will do the job just fine.  See above photo for reference - creativity works, people! Kaotica Eye Ball : This neat invention is a bit on the over-priced side if you ask me and shouldn't replace a fully-functional mobile studio.  The Kaotica functions well as an augmentation to an existing portable studio and helps minimize any annoying room tone.  In my experience, I've noticed its audio quality somewhat diminished and a bit muffled.  For example: if you're a singer recording in a remote corner of a parking garage or gym, the EyeBall may help minimize unnecessary reverb, but to capture the richness and texture of the human voice alone, as in voiceover, the EyeBall still leaves much to be desired. Microphones Apogee One 96K Mic: You can't go wrong with Apogee products.  I still use my Apogee One Interface on the road, but once the 96K mic came out, I instantly fell in love.  It's worked very well with both my 2nd Gen iPad and my new Macbook.  Its quality is second to none,  very easy to use and hardly a hassle when it comes to travel time. Audio Technica 2020 USB: My first VO mic.  When I first got started, I picked up this microphone on Amazon for about $150.  It's now going to for as low as $99.  At the risk coming off as a strong supporter of USB microphones (aka "All you need is a USB mic and laptop"), I do stand by the AT2020 because of it's reliability.  If you're just starting out in VO and on a limited budget, or you've been out of the loop for a few years and your 416 or U87 is broken for some reason, start here.  However, it is probably a good idea not to stay here. sE Electronics Pop Filter:  Hard consonants and popping P's won't stand a chance with this one - a smaller, just as reliable option is also available at BSW for a bit more. The technology is out there.  You decide. #recording #travel #tech #voiceover #audio #microphone

so embrace them, and use their full potential... Commercials can be annoying.  But they don't have to be.  Chances are, you've read as far as the title and called it quits,  I don't really blame you.  "What could possibly be the justification for hearing ads online while I'm trying to load my favorite playlists?"  But hear me out.  With the holidays now come and gone, you've most likely had your fill of online adverts in excess because you didn't renew your Pandora One or Spotify Premium accounts.  Suddenly you're reminded of that Ford Tundra you don't need to buy, now that you're living in the New York City area and taking the subway and/or that Lexus RX you can't afford but hear about constantly.  You are bombarded with them everywhere - online, while streaming your favorite music, browsing YouTube for your favorite episode of Friends, Seinfeld or that Kimye/Trump moment - even on your parents' TV at home (remember those things?), or maybe on the radio during your commute.  Whatever your personal case may be, chances are you're getting hit hard with ads, right & left, coming at you with the strong sell, and you've had it. So, why the need for all these commercials? Quite frankly, it's because the advertising landscape has changed. Traditional means of reaching consumers has migrated toward online digital platforms, and we're all scrambling to keep up. Advertising Facts You May Not Have Known: The industry as whole isn't what it used to be (and is changing every day) The younger "Millennial" market reigns supreme with undefined, unspecific yet sporadic buying behaviors (yet smarter buyers, not fooled by traditional advertising) Conventional advertising methods are being used less (TV, Radio) and new methods (Video Marketing, YouTube Pre-Roll, Internet Radio) are taking over. Ads have become smarter and more consumer specific. Voiceover is more conversational as opposed to annnouncer-ish with a palette of different and unique-sounding talents. Younger creatives hold more leadership positions. While I do feel the frustration of having to sit through an ad (heck maybe even three in a row for the same product) while my 90s Hip-Hop playlist loads, I can appreciate their value.  Maybe it's because I'm a voice over talent who enjoys staying current with the latest advertising trends as well as listening to peers' voices in spots for Home Depot, Toyota, Lysol, LearnVest, et. al.  Hey, that's my competition! How can I improve or learn from this spot? And a few of them are even my friends, which is always fun to experience. Years before I began doing voiceover, I would mostly likely lower the volume dial as the commercials started or put my TV on mute.  Now, waiting for an ad to load is an inevitable part of the online experience, whether that's 15 seconds or, in some cases, a full 30, and I've fully embraced it. Granted, not all commercial ads are annoying.  But neither will all ads change your buying habits either.  The same way not all voices are annoying or will change the VO industry - it's a matter of personal preference.  Some can really knock it out of the park with stellar creative, combining good writing, memorable voiceover, stunning visuals and a driving music bed.  Like this new one from Alfa Romeo that I almost skipped until the VO drew me in. So, how DO YOU actually ENJOY online ads? A few tips that might help you get through a mandatory onslaught of ads: Be glad it's not the dreaded announcer screaming in your face to BUY NOW.  Let an easy-going, conversational voice ease you into the experience.  And, even if it IS an booming announcer, it's most likely a parody of that voice type. If you're in the car, all you have is your ears - eyes are pre-ocuppied.  Use them to your advantage. Most voiceover copy is now written more with the user in mind.  Ads are smarter, more engaging... The voices are too. You might even think about becoming more creative in your every day life. #advertising #commercials #internet #TV #radio #video

Ear-Catching: New Radio Spot for Foxwoods Casino Lady Luck has a funny way of creeping up on us at the least expected moments.  For the record, I'm pretty far from being a gambler or avid casino go-er but that doesn't mean I can't help tell a brand's story - and have a little fun doing it.  Sometimes we voiceover people just get lucky voicing products about getting lucky. I've actually only been to three casinos in my life; once with my Dad many years ago (there's no story there, I promise - it was your average business trip), once with a friend whom I bailed on pretty early into the night, and again a couple of years ago in Vegas for the quintessential bachelor party experience (definitely a story or two in there, sadly none of which will make it into this blog, unfortunately). As voiceover artists, we constantly interact with clients who represent a diverse palette of brands, products, and services.  Every now and then an opportunity comes a knockin' to work on uniquely personal projects - perhaps with a client or company we always dreamed would cross our paths. Those places we drove past as kids or grew up knowing.  Interestingly enough, back in October, I had the pleasure of voicing a new radio campaign for Foxwoods Resort & Casino.  As a Connecticut boy, whose family runs a well-known Connecticut family pizzeria turned-corporate-franchise, I found myself representing another popular establishment with great pleasure.  The creatives behind this ad, Connelly Partners, of Boston, MA knew exactly what they wanted, gave great direction, and everyone walked away happy.  A month later we got the chance to collaborate again on some more work. Lucky?  I'm calling it more than that...something like fate, perhaps.  Collaboration meant to be. Check out the above clip to hear how much fun we all had! #advertising #voiceover #foxwoods #casino #radio

Review: Roswell Pro Audio's RA-VO Mic Is A Hit for Voiceover People Finally, a mic built BY a voiceover artist FOR voiceover artists. What is a voiceover artist without his or her trusted companion - the condenser mic? Most of the time these microphones can make us sound pretty and, other times, our finicky ear gets the best of us and we just want something more. We crave a particular sound and eventually get high-brow about our audio needs. Our perfectionist selves get the best of us and we seek the greener grass beyond the neighbor's fence. Well, this is it. Speaking with ease during recording sessions is enhanced with a new mic experience, without having to worry about a bunch of crazy editing and processing in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Where would we be without these golden rods (mostly black or silver actually and, in some cases, bronze, brass, and red) to help amplify our grand storytelling instrument? Probably not too happy. Well, it just so happens that a few voiceover artists in small pockets of the country are rejoicing over the new arrival of a finely-crafted piece of audio equipment. I'm speaking of the new RA-VO Microphone from Roswell Pro Audio. Created by owner Matt McGlynn with additional design help and technical expertise of audio producer and fellow voice actor Jordan Reynolds, a majorly trusted source in the voiceover community and a great friend, this mic is truly amazing. A few months ago I had the pleasure of purchasing this bad gal, hooked it up in my studio and I haven't looked back. We've been going steady ever since (you can hear a sample above). The only downside of this whole purchase being that my Neumann TLM 102, a trusted partner in crime for well over three years, sits in despondent early retirement off in closeted isolation. But I hope to bring her on the road with me more often in the future (and no, she doesn't have a name yet). What makes this mic so unique? How about descriptions like these from the owner's manual to whet your audio appetite: "hard-wired low-frequency attenuation" "neutral frequency response with subtle EQ built in" "less pre-amp gain than in other microphones" "Sibilance notched out, low frequencies rolled off" Just the description sounds like something that dropped from the heavens, doesn't it? More from the owner's manual: The RA-VO was designed specifically for voice capture. Every aspect of the microphone's sound, specifications, and physical structure was chosen to deliver authentic, high-fidelity reproduction of the human voice. The sound or 'voicing' of the microphone was determined through months-long research with voice actor Jordan Reynolds. The final prototype has been heard by millions of people on dozens of successful national broadcast campaigns. DAY-UM! Well, there you have it folks - and you don't even have to take my word for it. These guys clearly know what they're doing, and I have witnessed the device's greatness. Take the plunge. You won't regret it. #audiogear #microphone #RAVO #roswellaudio #voiceover #technology