Behind the Mic: A Voice Over Blog

New Single "Grounded" out May 1st! 

 

Derek Daisey Releases New Acoustic Love Song "Grounded"

 

Charleston, SC - Derek Daisey, the talented singer-songwriter, is excited to announce the release of his newest single "Grounded" on May 1st. The song, which is an acoustic love song, is set to captivate fans with its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody.

 

"I wrote the song while attending Catawba College. It's about the feelings of something new in a relationship," said Derek Daisey. "It's been one of these songs that's been sitting in a drawer, and I was afraid to mess it up in recording it. I finally decided to get brave and just do it. I have tons of songs just waiting to be revealed, and hopefully, this is the start of letting them out into the world."

 

"Grounded" is an emotional and powerful song that showcases Derek Daisey's talent as a singer-songwriter. The song is sure to resonate with fans and listeners, and it is a testament to Derek's dedication to his craft.

 

Derek Daisey's fans eagerly anticipate the release of "Grounded" and look forward to hearing more from the talented artist. The song will be available to stream on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music on May 1st.


 

The Benefits of IVR Voice Over for your business 

An Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system can be a valuable asset for any business. By using automated phone menus, an IVR system allows customers to quickly and easily access information or services without having to speak to a live operator. Here are just a few ways that an IVR system can benefit a business: 

Improved efficiency. An IVR system can handle a high volume of calls simultaneously, allowing a business to handle more calls in a shorter amount of time. This can free up staff to focus on other tasks and improve overall efficiency. 
Increased customer satisfaction. An IVR system can provide customers with quick and easy access to the information or services they need, improving their overall satisfaction with the business. 
Cost savings. An IVR system can reduce the need for live operators, resulting in cost savings for the business. 

As a voice actor, I understand the importance of a professional and effective IVR system. My clear, confident voice and ability to adapt to a wide range of styles and projects make me the perfect choice to voice your IVR system. I have the technical skills and experience to deliver high-quality recordings and help your business improve its efficiency and customer satisfaction. If you're in need of a professional IVR system, please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your project.

Making Character Voices 

As a voice actor for video games, the ability to perform a wide range of character voices is essential. Here are some tips for performing different character voices in video games: 

1. Study the character. Before recording, take some time to get to know the character you'll be voicing. This includes reading the character's script, studying their appearance and personality, and considering their background and motivations. 

2. Experiment with different vocal qualities. To find the right voice for a character, try experimenting with different vocal qualities such as pitch, tone, and accent. Pay attention to how each vocal quality affects the character's personality and try out a few different options to see what works best. 

3. Practice and rehearse. The more you practice and rehearse a character's lines, the more comfortable you'll become with the voice. Take some time to run through the lines and get a feel for the character's personality and vocal style. 

4. Use your body and facial expressions. Your voice isn't the only tool you have for bringing a character to life. Use your body and facial expressions to help convey the character's personality and emotions. 

5. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. It's natural to make mistakes when trying out different character voices, so don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. With practice, you'll find your stride and be able to perform a wide range of character voices with confidence. 

Performing different character voices in video games can be a challenging but rewarding aspect of voice acting. By studying the character, experimenting with vocal qualities, and practicing and rehearsing, you can bring a wide range of characters to life and add depth and personality to your video game performances.

Meeting Deadlines 

As a voice over artist, meeting deadlines is crucial for maintaining professional relationships and keeping your business running smoothly. Here are some tips for meeting deadlines in the voice over industry: 

1. Set realistic deadlines. When setting deadlines for a project, make sure to allow enough time for any revisions or changes that may come up. It's better to overestimate the amount of time you'll need than to underestimate and risk missing a deadline. 

2. Create a schedule. To stay on track and meet deadlines, it's helpful to create a schedule and block out time for specific tasks. This can help you manage your time effectively and stay focused on the task at hand. 

3. Communicate with your clients. If you're having trouble meeting a deadline, it's important to communicate with your clients as soon as possible. They may be able to adjust their own deadlines or provide you with additional time to complete the project. 

4. Stay organized. Keep all of your project files and materials organized and in one place to help you work efficiently and meet deadlines. 

5. Don't overcommit. It's important to know your own limits and not take on more work than you can handle. While it's important to be professional and reliable, it's better to be honest about your availability than to risk missing a deadline. 

Meeting deadlines in the voice over industry requires a combination of time management skills, organization, and communication. By following these tips, you can build a reputation as a reliable and professional voice over artist.

Enhancing Your Project with Voice Over! 

Voice over can be a powerful tool for enhancing a wide range of projects, from commercials and documentaries to video games and animated films. Here are just a few ways that voice over can bring a project to life: 

1. Narrate stories and convey information. Voice over can be used to narrate stories and convey information in a clear and engaging way. Whether it's a documentary film or an educational video, voice over can help bring the content to life and keep the audience's attention. 

2. Create atmosphere and mood. Voice over can be used to create a sense of atmosphere and mood in a project. Whether it's a serious, dramatic tone or a light, playful one, the right voice over can help set the tone and mood of a piece. 

3. Bring characters to life. In animation and video games, voice over is essential for bringing characters to life. A skilled voice actor can give a character a unique personality and help bring them to life for the audience. 

4. Sell products and ideas. Voice over is a key element of many commercial projects, and can be used to sell products and ideas effectively. A strong, confident voice can help convey the message of a commercial and persuade the audience to take action. 

Overall, voice over is a versatile tool that can add depth and richness to a wide range of projects. Whether you're working on a film, a video game, or a commercial, the right voice over can help bring your project to life and engage your audience.

Preparing for a directed session! 

As a voice over artist, preparing for a directed session with a client can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here's what the process is typically like: 

1. Review the script. Before the session, I'll take some time to review the script and get a sense of the tone and style of the piece. I'll also make any necessary notes or marks on the script to help guide my performance. 

2. Warm up my voice. To make sure my voice is ready for the session, I'll do some vocal exercises and stretches to loosen up my vocal cords and get my voice in top form. 

3. Set up my recording equipment. I'll make sure that my microphone and other recording equipment is set up and functioning properly. I'll also double-check that my recording space is quiet and free of any background noise. 

4. Connect with the client. Depending on the client's preference, we'll either connect via phone or online for the session. I'll make sure to have any necessary login information or access codes ready, and I'll test my connection to ensure that there are no technical issues. 

5. Begin the session. Once we're all connected and ready to go, it's time to start the session. I'll follow the client's direction and make any necessary adjustments to my performance until we're both satisfied with the results. 

Overall, preparing for a directed voice over session requires a combination of technical skills and performance ability. With the right preparation and mindset, you can deliver a successful performance and satisfy your clients.

Competing against AI Voice overs! 

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more advanced, it's becoming increasingly common for voice over artists to compete against AI-generated voices for work. While this can be intimidating, there are ways that human voice actors can stand out and compete against AI. 

First and foremost, it's important to remember that AI-generated voices are not yet able to fully replicate the emotional range and nuance of a human voice. While AI can mimic certain vocal qualities and styles, it's still unable to fully convey the full range of human emotion. As a human voice actor, you have the ability to bring a level of depth and feeling to your performances that AI simply can't match. 

Another way to stand out is by offering a unique, distinct voice that can't be easily replicated by AI. This could mean developing a unique accent or dialect, or simply having a voice that is naturally distinctive. 

In addition to your vocal skills, it's also important to focus on the business side of things. This includes developing a strong portfolio and marketing yourself effectively to potential clients. Building relationships and networking with industry professionals can also be a valuable way to find work and stand out in a crowded field. 

Ultimately, the key to competing against AI in voice over work is to focus on what sets you apart as a human voice actor. By highlighting your unique skills and strengths, you can stand out in a competitive field and find success as a voice over artist.

Clean out your closet! 

If you're a voice over artist working from home, you may be looking for ways to create a dedicated recording space without taking up too much room. One solution is to build a studio in a closet. Here's how: 

1. Choose the right closet. Look for a closet that is relatively small and enclosed, with a door that closes tightly. Avoid closets with windows, as they will let in too much outside noise. 


2. Soundproof the closet. Line the walls and ceiling with soundproofing materials, such as foam panels or fiberglass insulation. You can also use weatherstripping to seal any gaps around the door and walls. 

3. Install a floor. Cover the floor with a layer of foam matting or other sound-absorbing material to help reduce echoes. 

4. Set up your recording equipment. Place your microphone, computer, and other equipment in the closet and arrange it in a way that is comfortable and ergonomic. If your computer makes noise, you may want to consider moving it out of the closet and connect it to a monitor and wireless mouse and keyboard in your closet. 

5. Test your setup. Record a sample clip and listen back to it to make sure the sound quality is up to par. Make any necessary adjustments to your soundproofing or equipment setup until you're satisfied with the results. 

Building a studio in a closet is a cost-effective way to create a dedicated recording space in your home. With a little bit of effort and the right materials, you can transform a small closet into a professional-quality recording studio.

Going the Extra Mile 

As a voice over artist, I understand that my clients rely on me to help bring their projects to life. That's why I always strive to go the extra mile in order to deliver the best possible results. 

One way I do this is by being proactive and taking initiative. If I'm working on a project and I have an idea for how to make it even better, I'll bring it up to my client and see if they're open to trying it out. I believe that it's important to be open to new ideas and to always be looking for ways to improve. 

I also make a point of being responsive and reliable. I understand that my clients are often working on tight deadlines, so I do everything I can to get them the finished product as quickly as possible. I also make sure to be available for any revisions or changes that may come up. 

Another way I go the extra mile is by being flexible. I know that things don't always go as planned, and that's especially true in the world of voice over. Whether it's last-minute script changes or unforeseen technical issues, I'm always ready to adapt and find a solution. 

Finally, I believe in the power of strong communication. I make sure to keep my clients in the loop throughout the process, providing updates and asking for feedback to ensure that we're on the same page and working towards the same goal. 

Going the extra mile for my clients is just part of who I am as a voice over artist. I believe that it's the little things that can make all the difference, and I'm always looking for ways to exceed my clients' expectations and deliver the best possible results.

Getting a Coach in Voice over 

If you're considering a career in voice over, you may be wondering whether you should invest in a coach. The short answer is: yes, a coach can be an invaluable resource for improving your skills and advancing your career. Here's why: 

A coach can help you identify and overcome any weaknesses in your craft. Whether you're struggling with a specific aspect of voice acting or just looking to take your skills to the next level, a coach can provide personalized feedback and guidance to help you improve. 
A coach can help you develop a unique and marketable voice. With so many voice actors competing for work, it's important to stand out and have a distinctive voice. A coach can help you find your niche and develop a signature style that sets you apart from the competition. 
A coach can help you navigate the voice over industry. Breaking into the voice over industry can be tough, and it can be hard to know where to start. A coach with industry experience can provide valuable insights and advice on how to find work, negotiate rates, and build your client base. 
A coach can help you stay motivated and focused. Pursuing a career in voice over can be a long and sometimes frustrating process, and it's easy to lose motivation along the way. A coach can provide encouragement and support to help you stay on track and stay motivated. 

In short, a coach can be a valuable investment for any aspiring voice actor. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, a coach can provide the guidance, support, and expertise you need to succeed in the voice over industry. 

Being a successful at-home voice actor requires a combination of talent, technical skills, and business savvy. With the right combination of these qualities, it's possible to build a successful career as a voice actor from the comfort of your own home.