Help, please, with my Chicago accent

Cara Carriveau · **Voice Talent** Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 10

I was told by a major agency that I she periodically hears my "Chicago Accent on the A's"...which is interesting, because I moved to Chicago from Michigan, so maybe it's actually a Michigan accent. Anyway, I am not quite sure what the accent even is...so please listen and let me know.

I suppose if you're not from the midwest, you'll probably hear the accent right away!

Thanks,
Cara Smile

Chip Hinshaw · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 65

Cara, I've lived in Chicago my whole life so I feel somewhat qualified to answer this.

I hear it a little bit, especially on the "Chicago Card" spot, which is, you know, sort of apropos. Other than that, I hear it a tiny, tiny little bit on a couple of spots. Frankly, I think it's kind of pointless that the agent is making a big deal out of it (if she is indeed making a big deal out of it).

Hey, if she wants to hear a Chicago "A", tell her to listen to the Chevy spot in my demo.

I think you sound fine. But, I guess being from Chicago makes me biased.

Vincent Jones · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

Hi Cara,

I would have to agree with Chip with this one. I work at a call center for a cell phone company (“With the fewest dropped call”…… but I’m told different every day) I’ve spoken with a lot of people from Chicago and area over the past three years, and I only heard a really small accent when you said “Chicago”. I wouldn’t worry to much on it.

Vincent

Cara Carriveau · **Voice Talent** Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 10

Thanks for the feedback.

Yeah, I thought it was GOOD to have a Chicago accent in the Chicago Card spot...go figure! Rolling Eyes

Cara

Nikki Saco · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 465

Hi Cara, I hear it on the "a" and "o" in "card," "back to school," and "HDTV Dotcom." In those three instances the broad "a" sound edges up into a very slight nasal quality. It is somewhat midwest and nothing I'd be concerned with either. It does work great in the Chicago Card spot. You're amazingly talented and your demo is excellent. I'm sure you know that. Few people are that good without having a good ear. What I describe above is only what I heard, not something you necessarily need to avoid unless you feel it's costing you jobs. I can't imagine it is.