Lots of Auditions no jobs - Through an agency- I get work?

William Alexander

Perhaps it's my demo's. If anyone with experience, and who is successful with Voice 123 can go to my page and critique my demo's sound quality, read or whatever the curse that stops me from getting anything on Voice 123?

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[url) http://voice123.com/williamalexander

Deby Cedars · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008, 02:45 (GMT) Post subject:

Well William,
My guess is that your stuff sounds dated and production wise not good in the MP3 modern world that we are in. I suggest you put your commercial demo first.

This is going to be a bitter pill for you to swallow, but the announcer "voice that will say anything for money" sound is considered to be yesterday's news. Conversational is in. That is going to require changing everything you ever learned......

Please don't hate me....I'm just the messenger. strichauge

Bob Bergen

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008, 04:02 (GMT) Post subject:

Interestingly, a lead came thru on voices-dot-com just this week looking for a vocal clone of the old 1950's film-reel sounding announcer, something you could do without blinking an eye, William.

Yes, the demos sound decades old and the quality is very poor compared to what's out there today. And I agree with Bob, what you do, you do very well, but the old-school announcer is out of vogue.

With your voice and experience, I'd be willing to bet if you took a hiatus for a while, relaxed, took some acting and voice acting classes, listened a lot to what's really being used on the air nowdays.... well you could be right there duking it out with the best of the bunch. No question you have talent.

My late stepfather was one of the most amazing pianists I've ever heard. He played piano around the world for about 70 years, wrote dozens of movie scores, played with Count Basie on a few things, yadda yadda. But late in life he was very frustrated that he couldn't get any gigs. Sadly, as good as he was, he had failed to move his craft forward with the times. And believe me, I LOVED the music he played. But it wasn't what people wanted.

Give 'em what they want, William, and they'll be beating a path to your door!

Dave DeAndrea · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008, 06:42 (GMT) Post subject:

William-

Personally, I love your sound... it reminds me of a great era of radio... before the "Over-the-top Mr. Big Voice" sound and way before the monotone "I don't really care" sound.

Yes, the samples are poor sound quality. Kinda makes me nostalgic for all those air check tapes I used to have.

I'd love to hear one of your more current auditions since I assume that you're sending out custom auditions in addition to your samples. Post a couple if you can.

As to why you're not getting any gigs... I don't know if anyone can tell you (or anyone else) with any certainty. Could it be the delivery style? Maybe. Or maybe it's just that truth that is universal for all of us most of the time...it's just not the voice they're looking for on that project. I'm sure there will be jobs that come along that fit you perfectly.

How long have been with V123 and how many audition do you send out (average) per month?

William Alexander

Deby, Scott, Bob and Dave,

Thank you so much for taking the time for very thoughtful insights.
You are witnessing a man who is facing his delusions. I learned my craft from and with my contemporaries , Byron McGregor, Grant Hudson, Tom Shannon and all the other Detroit greats through the late 60's and 70's. No matter where I went around town, as soon as I spoke people inevitably would ask, "aren't you Bill Alexander?" Following that. I spent years as a news anchor, which called for that "authoritative sound". And now, with a decade away from the broadcast mic as I "grew-up" and got that responsible job in finance, of which I've always hated, I really am out of touch. Your words hit me like a shovel across the head, but added to things directors have tried to tell me, the revelation has finally arrived. Monday will see calls to join some classes, followed by a brand new demo. You have done a great thing for me. Hope to speak with you in the near future.

Bob Bergen

Lee Gordon · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008, 19:48 (GMT) Post subject:

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008, 21:18 (GMT) Post subject:

Let that fine wine out to breathe!

I hear amazing new possibilities in store for you. Please come back and share the next step in your voiceover journey when you're ready. I know I'm looking forward to it!

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008, 21:52 (GMT) Post subject:

I got a delightful e-mail from William (Bill), and between reading that and his response here, I suspect he'll do well. He has a wonderful attitude and spirit to accompany his wealth of experience and talent. I, too, can't wait to hear what comes down the pike from him over the coming year(s). Go get 'em, Bill! You have a huge cheering section rooting you on!