"You can sound almost normal, which is rare."
The latest from underneath the desk in my sound studio.
What’s been happening in the sound studio this month?
For much of this month I’ve been a lift in Channel 4’s epic reality show RISE AND FALL. Top fun! I also taught a podcast hosting class with Leeds Conservatoire and led a quiet online work session with the Ivors Academy.
Then I went to Wales for a few days. Here are some sounds from my sunny cabin deck.
1. Voicing
This month I’ve voiced projects for London Underground, Marks & Spencer, Canon, Studio Lambert and the Arabian Radio Network. A lot of the stuff I’ve recorded this month is under NDA so I can’t talk about it. Booooo.
Here’s a character voice I created. A client asked me if I could sound elderly, posh and ‘slightly naughty.’
2. Composing music
I’m writing an a cappella opera. I’m also working on a piece that uses the machine-learned sound of human speech. Have a listen to a bit of one of the source audio samples I’m working with. It’s pretty spooky…
3. Reading
I’m reading a book of conversations between writer, broadcaster and musicologist Tom Service and composer Thomas Adès. In this little extract, Adès is talking about the concept of ‘magnetism’ between notes in relation to music composition. It’s fascinating.
4. Listening
Just listen to the incredible vocal virtuosity of Cathy Berberian. In the piece a singer—who is, in Berberian's description, not a singer who gives a recital but an actress-singer who plays the role of a singer who gives a recital —enters the stage to find that the pianist who is to accompany her hasn't arrived.
This piece was written by Cathy Berberian’s husband, Luciano Berio.
Best client feedback of the month: “You can sound almost normal, which is rare.”
Here’s a great truth about being a voiceover…
This is true. Trust me. I know.
Adorable pic of my dog
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