Ask The Voice Cat

Demos: Dry Voice or Music Beds?

Find out if you should send demos as dry voice files or if you should add a music bed to them.

Hi Cat,

You have some great advice for v-o talent.

I am really in the rut of 'you just got off the air from the local radio station'.

I appreciate your comments on 'take the head phones off' when doing spots too. THAT was MY biggest draw back was hearing myself talk!!

When sending out demos, would you suggest sending them 'dry' or w/music under them? So far (about 100) I have sent all dry but maybe I need to (take off the phones!) send w/a music bed?

Thank you for your comments and suggestions.

Van Page

'Have voice, will travel'
vpage.voices.com


Van, your comment is very true.

Regarding your question, music should be used appropriately under copy. It shouldn't be placed under your auditions unless specifically requested.

For your V-O demo, some elements should be mixed with music, but not all.

Your demo needs to have a balance of elements containing copy only, copy with music or copy with SFX. And it should never overpower or distract from the sound of your voice.

Thanks again for your questions, and please let me know if I've been helpful with my answers!

Sincerely,

Marc


If you have any questions, please write to me and I’ll get back to you on the blog with my answers.

marc-cashman-logo.jpgMARC CASHMAN creates and produces copy and music advertising for radio and television. Winner of over 150 advertising awards, he also instructs voice acting of all levels through his classes, The Cashman Cache of Voice-Acting Techniques in Los Angeles, CA.

Cashman Commercials © 2006

Need a Voice Over?  Quick & Easy Project Outsourcing.  Get Your Job Done Today!

Comments


Are we talking about watermarking here?


Leave a Comment


Popular Items

Should I send demos to other agencies while waiting to hear back from one?

How Do People Get Jingle Singing Work?

Do Big Talent Agents Not Sign Talents they Really Want to Work With?

An agency wants to sign my daughter, are the fees they're asking legit?

Do Watermarks Hinder Auditions?

How Do I Interpret Scripts When There's No Direction Whatsoever?

Should Voice Actors Edit Punctuation in Scripts if it Doesn't Make Sense?

Help! Advice on Pronunciation for Voice Actors

I know I can do a better job than some folks on radio and videogames... how do I start?

Do I have what it takes to do Voiceovers?

Email Updates

RSS

About This Blog

  • Ask questions to an experienced voice-over coach and the in-house voice cat at Voices.com. Learn about voice over talent agents, agencies, voice acting and audio producers.