Some changes will be happening around the site soon. Actually, the main site will be getting quite a facelift too. Why? Because we had an ugly baby!
Before you get too scared, let me explain. Sometimes a business just doesn't have the right name. It could be ego that misnames us. It could be an attachment to a particular word or phrase that we think we must 'make work'. This "ugly baby" that we love so much doesn't tell our customers or clients who we are, or what we do. It doesn't brand us in the way we need it to. So we have to let it go.
I'm not saying goodbye to Serious Vanity Music in every way (it's a pretty baby for other facets of my business), but soon, you will get a peek at Perfect Audio Solutions, and I think you'll understand why this is a much better plan (for us, AND our clients!).
The 100% Organic Podcast isn't going anywhere, though! We love bringing the all natural truth, and plan to keep doing so for many podcasts to come!
For more on finding your real business purpose, check out Bob Souer's recent blog on the subject!
Monday, March 17, 2008
100 Resources for Voice Over Talent!
Thank you to Vox Daily for including us in their 100 Resources for Voice Over Talent listing! Not only are there blogs and podcasts listed, but a TON of other great resources that I will be no doubt losing countless hours to! Check it out!!
Friday, March 07, 2008
The Art of the Edit
The past few weeks have been jam packed with both new and return clients. Our biggest project at the moment includes compiling and editing about seven CDs worth of our client's narration, which we recorded here at our studio. It's one of the greatest projects we've ever done, and I'm looking so forward to getting feedback from happy listeners!
As a voice artist AND an editor, it's inevitable that these experiences of editing someone else's voice teach me more about my own and how it performs. The recorded human voice is such a unique thing, and I get a lot of pleasure out of 'controlling' it in the editing environment. I have synesthesia, which basically means my senses get a little crisscrossed! This may sound like it would be a hindrance, but when I need to "see" sound, as I do when I'm editing, it makes it naturally a breeze!
My favorite part of the editing process? Making something work that, in theory, really shouldn't. Being able to take two parts of the same syllable from different spoken performances, and put them together flawlessly. Or nailing that "Rice Krispie" (y'know, the 'snap', 'crackle', or 'pop' that stands out in a recording), and leaving a smooth, cohesive performance in its wake.
The goal of any editing session is to make it sound like there was no session at all; that the pristine, clear audio you're hearing moved from the speaker to the recorded file with no effort or ugly artifact to get in its way.
Have a great weekend everyone, and love your jobs as much as I love mine!
As a voice artist AND an editor, it's inevitable that these experiences of editing someone else's voice teach me more about my own and how it performs. The recorded human voice is such a unique thing, and I get a lot of pleasure out of 'controlling' it in the editing environment. I have synesthesia, which basically means my senses get a little crisscrossed! This may sound like it would be a hindrance, but when I need to "see" sound, as I do when I'm editing, it makes it naturally a breeze!
My favorite part of the editing process? Making something work that, in theory, really shouldn't. Being able to take two parts of the same syllable from different spoken performances, and put them together flawlessly. Or nailing that "Rice Krispie" (y'know, the 'snap', 'crackle', or 'pop' that stands out in a recording), and leaving a smooth, cohesive performance in its wake.
The goal of any editing session is to make it sound like there was no session at all; that the pristine, clear audio you're hearing moved from the speaker to the recorded file with no effort or ugly artifact to get in its way.
Have a great weekend everyone, and love your jobs as much as I love mine!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Yay! More good news from the Voicey Awards!
Another SVM-affiliated voice artist is up for an award in the 2008 Voicey Awards! Jane Nolan is up for Best Foreign Voice! Right on, Jane!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Yay! Voicey Awards time!
The 2008 Voicey Awards finalists have been announced, and Paul and I have been named in the Best Voice Team category. Plus, it's an extra bonus that we're nominated with a very cool girl that we got to work with in the past year, Kara Edwards, and her voice partner!
Congrats to all of the finalists, and good luck to everyone. As cheesy as it sounds, it's truly just an honor to be nominated.
Congrats to all of the finalists, and good luck to everyone. As cheesy as it sounds, it's truly just an honor to be nominated.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Microphone Feedback!!
Ok--feedback is BAD when you're recording (unless it's guitar feedback, but as a guitarist, I'm biased), but GOOD afterwards. I mean, of course, the kind of feedback provided by a happy client or an enthusiastic audience.
But if you aren't getting feedback? How are you measuring your performances?
We all can think we're doing a great job, chugging along with the same techniques that we've always used. But are we keeping up? What's being innovated around us that we might be missing out on?
The truth is, feedback IS all around us, even when we're not getting it kicked back to us from clients or listeners. How's your response rate to auditions? How many calls are being returned? What do your sales look like or how many people from your mailing list are turning out to your shows after you announce them?
It's important to stay fresh, and keep challenging yourself by setting measurable 'feedback goals'. If your clients aren't giving you what you need, how about a nudge? A site like SurveyMonkey lets you set up a short questionnaire they can answer anonymously at their convenience, giving you the metrics you need. You can also put it on your site or social profile, letting casual listeners give you some hints, too.
And, most importantly, listen to your gut. Do you KNOW it's time to start doing something different? Are you still challenging yourself to learn a new skill or take a risk? Be critical of yourself and your performances and work habits, but also follow your instincts. You know your abilities--put them to the highest use!
But if you aren't getting feedback? How are you measuring your performances?
We all can think we're doing a great job, chugging along with the same techniques that we've always used. But are we keeping up? What's being innovated around us that we might be missing out on?
The truth is, feedback IS all around us, even when we're not getting it kicked back to us from clients or listeners. How's your response rate to auditions? How many calls are being returned? What do your sales look like or how many people from your mailing list are turning out to your shows after you announce them?
It's important to stay fresh, and keep challenging yourself by setting measurable 'feedback goals'. If your clients aren't giving you what you need, how about a nudge? A site like SurveyMonkey lets you set up a short questionnaire they can answer anonymously at their convenience, giving you the metrics you need. You can also put it on your site or social profile, letting casual listeners give you some hints, too.
And, most importantly, listen to your gut. Do you KNOW it's time to start doing something different? Are you still challenging yourself to learn a new skill or take a risk? Be critical of yourself and your performances and work habits, but also follow your instincts. You know your abilities--put them to the highest use!
Monday, January 07, 2008
Music Lessons from Seth Godin
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/01/music-lessons.html
A good read, not surprisingly. This guy becomes more of a rock star everyday!
A good read, not surprisingly. This guy becomes more of a rock star everyday!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Check this out, fellow bloggers!
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.
It covers:
- The best blogging techniques.
- How to get traffic to your blog.
- How to turn your blog into money.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Happy Holidays!
As we're preparing our holiday podcast (and trying to avoid cabin fever), we wanted to take a minute to say "Thanks!" to our readers, listeners, and outlets who've helped this become a fun part of our business routine. You rock!
What elements of your business have you customized for the season? Does your voicemail message have a special greeting? What about your email signature?
Sometimes the smallest or easiest change in your branding can be the most effective in communicating a warm message to your clients, colleagues, and contractors.
Now get some cider, and get to work 'decking out' your brand!
What elements of your business have you customized for the season? Does your voicemail message have a special greeting? What about your email signature?
Sometimes the smallest or easiest change in your branding can be the most effective in communicating a warm message to your clients, colleagues, and contractors.
Now get some cider, and get to work 'decking out' your brand!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Keeping your voice happy!
This time of year is a sketchy one for voice performers. Not only do we have germs from 'normal' sources that we have to dodge to keep our voice in top shape, but with all of the family gatherings around the holidays, there's even more chance for exposure.
Flu shots are one way to keep yourself safe. A regular regimen of vitamins and healthy foods are another way to keep sickness at bay. New over-the-counter products, like Airborne, are also gaining in popularity in the fight against the germs.
But every voice performer has their favorite methods of soothing the vocal chords and keeping our voices strong, sick or not.
Hot teas have been a sidekick to vocal performance for not just speakers, but singers, too. Caffeine can have a negative impact on performance ability, but in small doses, I find tea to be more helpful than harmful. My favorite is the tAZO family of loose-leaf teas, but I've been known to hit the fast and effective Good Earth and Bigelow teas from my corner grocer's, too.
Honey is another old standard. I'm lucky to live right down the street from a small feed store that also carries their own line, that's more like royal jelly than honey (re: VERY soothing to the throat when you need it!).
These are very basic, but part of my usual routine. Keep your methods of voice protection handy this season, and share your favorites with your fellow performers!
Flu shots are one way to keep yourself safe. A regular regimen of vitamins and healthy foods are another way to keep sickness at bay. New over-the-counter products, like Airborne, are also gaining in popularity in the fight against the germs.
But every voice performer has their favorite methods of soothing the vocal chords and keeping our voices strong, sick or not.
Hot teas have been a sidekick to vocal performance for not just speakers, but singers, too. Caffeine can have a negative impact on performance ability, but in small doses, I find tea to be more helpful than harmful. My favorite is the tAZO family of loose-leaf teas, but I've been known to hit the fast and effective Good Earth and Bigelow teas from my corner grocer's, too.
Honey is another old standard. I'm lucky to live right down the street from a small feed store that also carries their own line, that's more like royal jelly than honey (re: VERY soothing to the throat when you need it!).
These are very basic, but part of my usual routine. Keep your methods of voice protection handy this season, and share your favorites with your fellow performers!
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