Demo feedback for the newbie?

Chris Boyle

So, my story starts the same as 95% of the people who get started in this business...
It all started with "wow, you've got a great voice, you should be on the radio!" And, after about 10 years of hearing it, I figured I should do something with it.
Here's where the story changes a little bit. I actually DO have a fair amount of training. I studied voice performance at KU, and have been a private voice student for about 9 of those 10 years. Now, that's singing rather than acting, but it's better than nothing, right?
Also, I got ahold of a book by Terri Apple about the basics of the voiceover industry and went to a producer who cut a demo for me. (Unfortunately this producer didn't have a whole lot of experience with voice over demos, and he sent me out with a 4 minute demo instead of a 60 second one I could actually use.)
Which brings me to today. I'm about to record a new demo, but before I do, I wanted to get some feedback from anyone who can make it through that original 4 minute cut.
Outside of the obvious (a lot more variety, make it shorter, etc.), what other suggestions can you make? The demo is available on my website www.boylesays.com.

Thanks from someone stuck between newbie and beginner. (newginner? beginbie?)

Scott Greenia · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008, 22:42 (GMT) Post subject:

Upload it in your post, and more people will be likely to listen to it. Wink

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 02:53 (GMT) Post subject:

Your voice is pleasant enough, but maybe a tad too pleasant. It's almost boring. It's not just the length of the demo itself (I spot listened) but the fact that all your reads sound exactly alike. Even with scripting and background music being different, you chose to read exactly the same everytime. I suspect you can hear that, since you mention you need more variety, but I thought I'd confirm that for you. Remember, it's not just reading, it's acting.

Doug Parks · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 03:38 (GMT) Post subject:

Yes, too little variance in the reads and from spot to spot. You should really start fresh with a completely new demo, but first maybe seek out a reputable voice coach that could give you some quality direction with the aim of helping you to get onto the same playing field as the big boys on Voicebank.net. Good luck to you.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 04:00 (GMT) Post subject:

Chris,

I listened, really wanting to like what I heard. You come across as a pleasant, likable guy right from the get-go.

And there's nothing wrong with your voice, but there was just never anything that jumped out and grabbed me. The one spot that came closest was the Babyland spot. Your voice was a good fit for that. But you already know you need variety. You'd do well on church spots, too. Anything that wanted a mega-friendly, utterly non-threatening voice.

I think probably Melba hit it on the head with "it's voice ACTING, not just reading".

You have a starting point, but you will need professional training to bring out the performer in you. Right now you're simply delivering an innocuous product, kind of like vanilla ice cream in a Baskin Robbins store. Nothing wrong with it, but when compared to all the other available flavors it kind of loses its luster.

If you're willing to invest a lot of time and money into training and practice, then you may make a go of this. And next time, when you get the demo remade, PLEASE leave off the voice-mail sample. For the life of me I don't understand why folks include those on generic commercial demo reels.

Don Randall · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 06:28 (GMT) Post subject:

Chris, there are people around here that are much more capable than I - but see if this is a little closer to what you need.

Chris Boyle · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008, 13:19 (GMT) Post subject: Thanks

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, the acting aspect was definitely an issue in that recording. I'm hoping that was a combination of "first time in a vocal booth" jitters and a producer who kept telling me to "bring it down, be more business-like" during recording. I've spent the last 2 months with a private coach who thankfully has had me going the complete opposite direction and letting me do a lot more of the acting than this producer seemed to want.

Thanks for all the input, and hopefully once I get something more servicable you all will be kind enough to give it a second listen.