Rock imaging demo. NEED help

Josh Mahler · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008, 19:00 (GMT) Post subject: Rock imaging demo. NEED help

Hey all, I'd love input on this demo. It's a little old and I'm getting ready to do a new one, but I'll like input on what to do differently before proceeding. (although I did a remix to shorten it up and add one piece for this post) I've been having trouble getting work and I'm assuming it has to do with my reads. Let me have it please.

Thanks,

Josh

Naslot Claude · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008, 19:26 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello Josh,

I'm not so qualified and I'm French (in France jingles are very different) but I feel a good bass voice and a very rythm mix, I like that...good job

Brook Stephens · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008, 19:44 (GMT) Post subject: In my honest opinion....

I am not an expert at this by any means, but, I am an Imaging Director and have worked multiple formats....this is what I would think if I was listening for the purpose of hiring....I think your demo is good...but I am going to get picky with you....

1. you have very little in terms of "reading" in the first 1/4 or more of the demo...it's all one word at a time...this would have me asking if you are the "i can grunt out a word at a time" guy or if you are a versitile voice...plus, I find myself saying 'come on come on' stations need liners and stings of course, but promos and other station identification needs to have a good read also...so i would move a little more of your longer reads closer to the beginning. This will also give you an advantage because if you don't catch em in the first 1/4 to 1/2...you may never catch them at all..

2. most of the time, we're not looking for production, we are looking for a voice...cut down on some of the production that is inbetween your cuts, still produce them, but give me more of YOU... Towards the end you have less processed reads that are CLEAR and sound great...gimme more of that

3. HAVE FUN with it...keep it quick paced...and don't be afraid to think outside the box...there is nothing in your demo that I wouldn't have heard on a standard rock station...

if you produce yourself...kick it up and challenge yourself...I know this can be hard...but I have to tell myself that all the time...if you don't produce it yourself...try listening to other stations online or listening to other demos for ideas and take those to your production house...kinda like taking a mag pic to the hairdresser

I think you have a good voice, you seem to push it a little...relax have fun and you will most likely see results...This is a tough business but you seem to be off to a good start....you sound much better than most beginners Smile

Josh Mahler · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008, 20:01 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks Naslot and Brook!

What you said is EXACTLY the kind of input I'm looking for, Brook.

"you sound much better than most beginners"

That's the problem, I'm not a beginner. Embarassed

That is where my sticking point is. I know I've hit a plateau and can't seem to move past it. That's one reason I've been reluctant to post a demo. I feel for the number of years I've been doing this, I'm a little, or a lot, behind the curve.

When you say towards the end of the demo, were you referring to the 'Rockiversary' piece? If so, that is one I just recorded and produced yesterday with a new mic.

Again, thanks Brook!

Josh Mahler · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008, 20:17 (GMT) Post subject:

Here is n example of a promo with a longer read from last week that I did, rather than just one hits. More of what you were talking about, Brook?

Thanks everyone. I appreciate ANY input.

Cheers,

J

Josh Mahler · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008, 02:04 (GMT) Post subject:

113 views and no more comments? Son of aaaaaaa! LOL

I really would love to hear from some of you pros. For the past few months I've been feeling like that person on American Idol that can't sing, but they think they can, but everyone around them knows they can't except for them. Maybe it's just a case of 'creative blues'.

Anyway, I'd love some constructive criticism, no matter how rough it may be. It would be much appreciated.

Thanks again,

Josh

Lance Blair · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008, 02:37 (GMT) Post subject:

Ah, my response was a little unfair since it was too much based on the first sample. Basically, the idea was that the "song" of your voice is too samey in the first sample. For example, the word "rock" is almost exactly the same each time in the first piece...you can cut and paste them. I suppose that's a good and a bad thing for imaging.

I'd say experiment with reads and inflections that are unnatural for you that take you out of your comfort zone. Try saying "rock" in a way that you simply would never do, but work it. Really mess with your inflections and timing, and then bring it back to your own voice. That can be a good way to get past the plateau.

Take your voice on a vacation...not a hiatus Wink

but a vacation...bring it to some places it hasn't been, then bring it back. Not impersonations, but seriously different timing and inflections. I know you do this as a professional as part of your training, but revisit this. I hope that makes some sense without being flaky.

Josh Mahler · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008, 02:46 (GMT) Post subject:

Lance Blair · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008, 04:19 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Josh...you mention "trying to emulate"...that's part of the problem. I was an engineer originally and I still have some of bad habits that I picked up from some of the stiffer talents I worked with. I recently listened to the old demo of one of the first talents that I worked with a lot, and he taught me a lot of good things...and a lot of bad things!

Don't try to emulate, but think about what makes a delivery likeable, what makes it work. Then, think about what you have to offer in your own voice, and make that work. You certainly have plenty to offer.

What are your warm up exercises, and what are the types of scripts you practice with? Change 'em up.

Josh Mahler · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008, 18:01 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks Lance. PM sent.