Daisy Stracener: The New Flower in Voiceover

Daisy is as fresh as a spring day when it comes to voiceover. And although she may be new to the voiceover scene, she’s no stranger when it comes to the business of show. And right away, you can see the promise of the future:

With less than one year in the business full time, Daisy Stracener is showing encouraging signs of what could be.

“I’m definitely doing this for the rest of my life,” She says.  And at 41 years old, she’s been looking for the brass ring all of her life.

Since her childhood, Daisy has been interested in the stage. Learning tap-dancing at the age of four.

“When I was 10, my dad moved to LA and he brought me to the private art school Louis Caroll Academy.” So, Daisy was given the luxury of studying performing arts at a very young age. Through this, Daisy by-passed many subjects that normal middle schoolers were required to take as part of their curriculum.  It’s a concept that most American school systems do not facilitate, but in Daisy’s life, it was what gave her somewhat of a shortcut.

Her parents knew that this little girl wanted to be a part of the arts. Above is a photo taken in the living room, when Daisy wanted her parents to see what she had come up with for very important audience of two.

In 1998, Daisy was cast in the independent film “Baby Blues” and unlike the other cast mates, Daisy had her mind only on the project. This was an unusual mindset for a teenager. “I never partied, and my dad was my rock of Gibraltar, always there to keep me steady and focused,” she says. 

Caption: Daisy on the set of the movie “Baby Blues” circa 1998

By high school, Daisy was fully focused on a career in performing arts and in the year 2000, she began to perform in coming-of-age theatrical productions.

Caption: “The Educated Heart” circa 2000

“To me working a 9-5 would be depressing,” Daisy tells me. “And that was the last thing on my mind.” 

As life would have it, Daisy would go on to get married and have a child. While not a 9-5, this took her out of the quest for searching for the rainbow for some time.

But in 2021, a friend of hers suggested she try voiceover. Lightning can strike twice. For Daisy it did.

And so now at mid-age, Daisy is using all she learned from childhood, education and experience to create yet another career, one as a voice actor.

“It’s all acting,” she says. “The only difference is your audience is your microphone.”

And as fresh as the morning dew, the woman whose name represents that of a spring flower, is blossoming again. 

Connect with Daisy:

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Website

Debbie Irwin: The Late Bloomer in Voiceover

To say that Debbie Irwin is a late bloomer would be an understatement. “I didn’t discover voiceover until I was 45 years old,” she says.

Debbie Irwin in her VO Studio

With an enriching childhood being raised off and on in Rome, Debbie saw the world as so many children do not. “Nature is amazing, and I had a front row seat.”

Young Debbie with a horse statue in Rome

With a father as an entomologist, and a mother as a therapist, Debbie was immersed from the beginning with the importance of knowledge, education and learning.

Her parents pulled no punches on the importance of only the very best in education. So, while Debbie started at the University of Chicago, she wound up being a student of Brown University.

For the uninitiated, Brown holds the distinction as one of the world’s finest academic institutions in the Ivy League with only a chosen few allowed to attend.

“Brown was a happy healthy place, and I picked semiotics as my major which is the study of signs and symbols in cultures.,” Debbie tells me. And it was there at Brown, that Debbie took an interest in radio and TV.

Before voiceover she experienced the NYC scene in the 80s, working in various jobs, discovering herself and experiencing the phenomenon of disco. It permeated the New York night life and had an effect on millions of people around the world, and Debbie was right in the thick of it.

She even spent five years as a stockbroker. But when voiceover intercepted, Debbie became hooked…

Nowadays, Debbie’s forte is medical narration. It’s THE most difficult genre to master and THE leanest of all voiceover genres amongst voice over artists. But it appealed to Debbie because of its difficulty.

Hear Debbie’s masterful delivery of medical narration on her website: https://debbieirwin.com/medical/medical-narration/

Debbie’s talents are not limited to just medical narration:

Treasures of New York – Museum of Modern Art – Narrated by Debbie Irwin

Deeply entrenched in wellness, Debbie cares deeply about mental health issues.  Her devotion to living a full and happy life is evident in her work involving people’s emotions. It’s evident in her voice.

So now fully outfitted with a home studio, Debbie Irwin has reinvented herself into a medical and wellness voice talent that cares very much about the message she sends using her voice.

And at 67, Debbie, the late bloomer, has finally arrived.

Debbie and her husband Michael

Connect with Debbie on her website and social media:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

LinkedIn

Byron Wagner: The Wizard of Words in Voiceover

To say that Byron Wagner is not a wizard is beyond the grasp of how anyone would describe him. As one of the nation’s premier audiobook narrators, Byron is in a distinct fraternity of sound, which is popular only with the very few because “99 percent of all voiceover artists do not work in narration,” he tells me.

Byron describes his youth as less than impressive. ” I was the classic underachiever,” he tells me.   Born in Nebraska, the oldest of three boys,  Byron now lives in the thick of it in Los Angeles. But he was given a talent grant from Ohio University. And it was there that the philosophy of education was distinct. “Broadcasting and journalism should be fused.”  So, under that alignment, Byron began to think of voice and information as one item. “It had a huge effect on me.”

Byron (center) with his family.

Carved out by the system in his childhood as a gifted and talented student, “it wasn’t helpful because schools were molded for the working class,” Byron tells me. So, the now very well-known narrator could lean on his childhood background, being highly involved with acting and magic.

Byron, then and now, using his voice and creating “magic”.

Now, at the peak of his career as a narrator, Byron mentors (25) students at the same time to teach them everything he knows about voice and how to use it in the digital age. “And I realized early on that the radio business was not about art but about sales. “So, upon realizing that, I got out of the radio business.”   This opened him up to new audio worlds outside of radio, which was his beginning in the world of sound and voiceover.

As the inventor of audio codec, Byron was in a class of his own.

He created technology and taught others how to develop their talent while working in the voiceover business and audiobook narration.

But to be clear, “I did not create the underlying mathematical algorithm for compressing the digital audio. However, I created the first successful commercial real-time hardware implementation. Disney first used it on Lion King and increased $300 million in revenue.”

Now, at 72 years old, Byron produces thousands of words daily under the glowing pressure of authors and publishers, and it all works well. His career is that of a sophisticated artist in the purest sense. Audiobook narration from top writers. Teaching twenty-five students at a time. And remaining highly active and focused on technology as it continues to affect our modern world.

Just completing the audiobook of Henry Kissinger titled “Genesis,” Bryon is in a unique position. It’s called the top. The top of voiceover where very few can hang. But for the very few that can, they are in a class all by itself. It truly demonstrates wizardry. And that’s what makes Byron Wagner a wizard of words.

#voiceover #voicetraining #voiceactor #audiobooks #narration #ByronWagner

Rebecca Haugh: The Dream of Voiceover, that came from a Dream, Literally

Rebecca Haugh has a very cool life. She’s a voiceover artist who splits her time between Italy and California.

“And it all came to me in a dream,” she says. “I dreamed I saw a microphone through a window.”  Some people pay attention to dreams, and some don’t. Rebecca did. And that resulted in this.

Heavily cultured and degreed in television, film, and broadcasting, Rebecca had ample experience in all forms of show business before voiceover became a full-time occupation.

So, it wasn’t until later in life that Rebecca had an epiphany. “That’s how I’ll live internationally; I’ll do voiceover.”  And that’s exactly what she did, and it worked.

Rebecca’s first national ad.

Here, again, is an example of the gift that voiceover offers the cultured person. “I’m a digital nomad,” she says, “and I can be anywhere on earth from California to Rome and still deliver with the very same effectiveness.”

And she’s right. All the producer of any project is looking for is an exceptional performance. And Rebecca does that.

So, being as creative and seasoned as Rebecca, in fact, is - she imagined how to live a fascinating life in the arts, as she lives on the planet wherever she wanted to. It worked. www.LovethatRebecca.com

Educated at San Jose University, her fascination with broadcasting and all it entails took her down a road for years of being on-camera and remaining relative. And with a professor for a father and living as a playful kid in Culver City, Rebecca became an original. 

She could act. She could host. She could produce marketing and graphic design. She could do it all. And all that background led to the world of voiceover. “Because in VO, you do not have to live in LA or go to an office, and you can set the course of your life on your own terms.”

And Rebecca loves voiceover because of the anonymity. “Nobody knows who you are, and I like that,” she says. “I created this life.”

And amid this freedom, Rebecca created her project www.voimprov.com. It’s a way to teach the younger or older generation a great way to be original.

All of these ideas came to Rebecca through the course of several reinventions. From one stage to the next, she proved to herself that one size does not fit all. And she may be in the countryside of Rome, Italy, or somewhere in California, but you’d never know.

So, if you ever feel in a funk in your voiceover career, think about Rebecca Haugh. She took her dream of a microphone, which literally happened to her during sleep, and “I listened to that instinct.”

Next on her imaginative list is to host a show as the narrator. “I like animals, and I’d love to wind myself into narrating a show like that,” Rebecca tells me. “Not a serious show, but one written with a lighthearted touch.”

In summation, she is free to live in the business she loves and vagabond enough to live some in Italy and some in the U.S. Rebecca has the liberty to do anything she wants to do whenever she wants to do it.

Artistic people have a way, once seasoned, to create a life they want, not one a corporation has planned. And so, there is no question about it: Rebecca Haugh has a very cool life. What a dream!

Don’t Give Up - Get Started with Voiceover Recording

By Nate Meyers

Laying down the tracks of your voice can be a discouraging hill to climb. I know. It kept me from starting my journey for YEARS—no exaggeration—years. Just take that first step! I have some of the basics below for you. You’ll find that you can achieve great results with the right tools and a bit of practice! Let’s break it down step by step, making it as approachable as possible.

1. Choosing Your Equipment

Microphone

• Type: A good condenser microphone is your best friend in voiceover work. It captures the nuances of your voice beautifully. Don’t worry—many great options won’t break the bank! Models like the Audio-Technica AT2020 and Rode NT1 are fantastic choices for beginners.

Audio Interface

• Think of an audio interface as a bridge connecting your microphone to your computer. It’s essential for getting clear sound. Brands like Focusrite and PreSonus have beginner-friendly options that are easy to use.

Headphones

• Investing in a pair of closed-back headphones is a smart move. They’ll help you monitor your recordings without any distracting background noise. Models like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are popular for their comfort and sound quality.

Pop Filter

• A pop filter is a small, affordable accessory that can make a big difference. It reduces plosive sounds (like “p” and “b”) that can muddy your recordings. They’re easy to set up and well worth the investment.

Good equipment is essential but does not have to be expensive to get started.

 Acoustic Treatment

• Consider creating a cozy recording space. Soft furnishings like blankets or pillows can help absorb sound and reduce echoes. This is an easy way to enhance your audio quality!

2. Setting Up Your Recording Space

• Location: Find a quiet room to focus on your recording without interruptions. You’ll be amazed at how much this improves your sound quality!

3. Installing Your DAW

• Choose a DAW: A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is where the magic happens! Options like Audacity (free) or GarageBand (for Mac users) are user-friendly and perfect for beginners. Don’t hesitate to explore tutorials—they’ll make learning a breeze!

• Installation: Download and install your chosen DAW. The process is straightforward, and you’ll be up and running in no time!

Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Garage Band are easy (and free) to use to capture your voiceover recordings.

 4. Connecting Your Equipment

• Connect the Microphone: If you have an XLR microphone, simply connect it to the audio interface. USB microphones are even easier—just plug them into your computer.

• Connect the Audio Interface: Plug your audio interface into your computer via USB. Follow any setup prompts, and you’re almost there!

• Headphones: Connect your headphones to the audio interface to hear yourself clearly while recording.

5. Configuring Your DAW

• Open Your DAW: Launch your DAW and let the creativity flow!

• Audio Settings: In the preferences, select your audio interface as the input and output device. Although setting this up may seem technical, it’s a straightforward process that will empower you to record.

• Create a New Project: Start a new project and add an audio track for your voice. You’re officially ready to record!

6. Recording Your Voice

• Setting Levels: Do a quick test to set your recording levels. Speak naturally, adjusting the gain until your levels peak around -12 dB to -6 dB. This ensures you capture clear sound without distortion.

• Monitoring: Use direct monitoring on your audio interface (if available) to hear yourself through the headphones while recording. This can boost your confidence!

• Start Recording: Press the record button and let your voice shine! Take your time; remember, doing multiple takes is perfectly fine. Each attempt is a step toward improvement.

7. Editing Your Recording

• Stop Recording: Once you’re done, stop the recording and listen to your take. Celebrate your effort, regardless of how it sounds—this is all part of the learning process!

• Editing Tools: Use the editing features in your DAW to enhance your recording. Most DAWs have intuitive tools that make this process easier than you might think.

• Effects: To polish your audio, consider applying basic effects like compression and equalization. These are powerful tools that can help your voice stand out!

8. Exporting Your Recording

• Finalizing: Once you’re happy with your edits, export your final recording. WAV files are great for high quality, while MP3s are perfect for sharing.

• Settings: Choosing standard settings (like 16-bit/44.1 kHz) to maintain quality when exporting. You’re getting closer to sharing your voice with the world!

9. Continual Improvement

• Practice: Embrace the journey! Regular practice is key. Experiment with different styles and techniques to discover what resonates with you.

• Listen Critically: Keep listening to your recordings with an open mind. Each take is a chance to learn and grow.

• Learn: Explore tutorials and resources. The more you know, the more confident you’ll become!

Don’t be discouraged; start laying your first tracks TODAY!

Starting your voiceover journey may feel like a big step, but remember, the expert has failed more times than the novice has tried. With each recording (no matter how cringy), you’re honing your craft and building your unique voice. Embrace the learning curve, stay patient, and, most importantly, enjoy the process! You have the potential to create something truly special. Dive in, have fun, and watch your skills flourish!

Try a voiceover class at The Voice Shop. There is a wide range of online or in-person classes for beginners with top industry voiceover coaches.

Get started today and boost your voice-acting capabilities with proven techniques and guidance.

#voiceover #voiceactor #voiceoverclasses #voicecoach #voiceovertraining

Emily McGonagle: From a Lawyer to a Voiceover Artist

Emily McGonagle is a lawyer.

Well, she was. “It was three o’clock in the morning, and I was preparing for a case, and then it hit me,” Emily tells me. “I don’t think I want to be married to my job.”  And so, in that flash of a moment, Emily decided that the field of law that she was practicing in the UK was not for her. “I didn’t care about doing this job, and my heart just wasn’t into it.”

And that’s a recurring theme in the world of voiceover. People reinvent their lives because of the circumstances they are in, which they don’t want to remain in. After all, when have you ever cradled your baby as you speak to your spouse and say, “Honey, someday she’ll be a voiceover artist.”  It doesn’t happen. Everyone who’s in voiceover got there unintentionally.

Emily hails from Colchester, England, in Essex County, and grew up in a close-knit family. “It was a normal childhood, and I was singing and dancing at three years old,” she says. And while always academically inclined, the arts were not on her teenage radar.

Emily attended the University of Bristol in England and also spent a year studying in Bordeaux, France. She got a Law and French degree and went on to train as a lawyer with an international law firm in London. “It was that TV show “Ally McBeal” that was the image I held in my head, but it wasn’t like that at all.”

Emily got married and suffered an ectopic pregnancy, undergoing emergency surgery, which devastated her. But luck smiled on Emily, and she had a successful pregnancy. That was followed by another child. And all along, she was searching for a business she could practice at home while caring for her children, and that’s when voiceover appeared in her life. “I had no acting background, but I loved the idea of doing character voices and animation.

Within a month, Emily booked her first job. Ultimately, Emily would book one in twenty-four. And for the uninitiated, booking two in a hundred is considered a success. “I’d always had an ear for accents, so Irish and Australian and Regional English and the general American dialects” were voices she could do.

“Gargoyle Doyle” the trailer

Emily has an affinity for cartoons. “I love entertaining characters and find that joy in cartoons.”

“Me, The Family Pet?” voicing Rex and Sally.

In terms of how she finds the voice, her explanation is simple. “It depends on the character, so I need an image in my mind.”

“Fire Spike” voicing Mummy Dragon and Dr. Purr.”

 Commercials are also within Emily’s voiceover range.

Dr. Beckmann TV commercial

 Corporate explainer videos are also an area in which Emily excels.

Nominated for the One Voice Award for 2024, Emily got the nod for Best Character Performance in Animation.

And of all the payoffs that voiceover has brought into Emily’s life is her family. Voiceover and being a mum work well in Emily’s life. www.emilymcgonagle.com

And so, at 40 years old, Emily reinvented her life and is one of the most sought-after character voices available.

No question about it; Emily McGonagle no longer reports to the boardroom, and her lawyer days are behind her now.

#voiceover #voiceovertraining #voiceoverclasses #voiceacting #voicecoaching #EmilyMcGonagle

Tips for a Newbie to Voiceover

By Nate Meyers

Embarking on a voiceover career can be an exhilarating yet challenging endeavor. It’s crucial to grasp the basics of vocal artistry to set a solid foundation. Begin by familiarizing yourself with various voice types—such as baritone, tenor, soprano, and alto. Understanding your voice type will help you recognize the roles that best align with your capabilities and enhance your versatility. In addition, mastering fundamental vocal techniques like projection, articulation, and breath control is essential. These skills ensure that you deliver your voiceovers with clarity and engagement, captivating your audience from the very first word.

Check out the “Fundamentals of Voiceover” class, which covers all aspects of voice-over recording.

As you explore the diverse landscape of voiceover styles, including commercial, narration, character, and corporate work, take the time to experiment with each. This exploration will aid in identifying your niche, allowing you to discover where your talents shine the brightest. Regular practice is paramount in developing your voiceover skills. Setting aside a specific time each day for vocal exercises and practice sessions will contribute significantly to your improvement and bolster your confidence.

Make it a habit to read aloud from various scripts— from news articles and novels to advertising copy. This practice enhances your versatility and helps you adapt your delivery for different contexts. Additionally, regularly recording yourself provides an invaluable opportunity to monitor your progress. Listening critically to your recordings will enable you to identify areas for improvement, refine your techniques, and make necessary adjustments.

Daily practice by reading scripts and recording your voice helps improve your voiceover skills.

Developing a unique voice is another vital aspect of your voiceover journey. Take the time to discover what sets your voice apart and embrace that individuality; your distinct qualities will distinguish you from other voiceover artists. Experiment with tones, accents, and inflections to uncover your signature style. Authenticity is key in voiceover work, so don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through in your performances, making them more relatable and engaging for your audience.

Learning from seasoned professionals can significantly enhance your skills. Immerse yourself in the work of experienced voiceover artists, paying close attention to their techniques, pacing, emphasis, and overall style. Consider enrolling in voiceover classes or voiceover workshops like those at The Voice Shop. These provide personalized guidance and constructive feedback opportunities that can significantly accelerate your voice acting development. Networking with fellow voiceover artists is also invaluable; sharing experiences and insights can foster relationships within the industry that may open doors to new opportunities.

Explore the wide range of voiceover classes, from animation to audiobooks and more, available at the Voice Shop

Creating a conducive home studio is important in establishing your voiceover career. Start by finding a quiet room in your home, free from distractions, to set up your recording space. Invest in high-quality equipment, beginning with a good-quality microphone—preferably a condenser microphone designed specifically for voiceover work. An audio interface is essential to connect your microphone to your computer, while a pop filter will help minimize plosive sounds (like “p” and “b”) that can detract from your recordings. High-quality headphones are crucial for accurately monitoring audio and ensuring you capture every nuance of your performance.

Additionally, ensure your computer has sufficient processing power and storage to efficiently handle recording and editing tasks. A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), such as Audacity or Adobe Audition, will be your go-to software for recording, editing, and mixing your voiceovers.

Effectively marketing yourself is just as critical as honing your craft. To start, create a demo reel showcasing your best voiceover work—a powerful tool to attract potential clients. Establishing a professional online presence is essential; create a website and utilize social media platforms to showcase your talents and connect with prospective clients.

Engaging with industry professionals at events and conferences can also be beneficial, as it allows you to meet agents, casting directors, and others in the voiceover field. Additionally, leveraging online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Voices.com can help you find freelance voiceover opportunities that align with your skills and interests.

Lastly, it’s important to cultivate patience and persistence as you build your voiceover career. Understand that achieving success in this field is a gradual process that requires dedication and hard work. Don’t be discouraged by rejection; instead, view setbacks as valuable learning experiences that can help refine your skills and improve your craft. Stay informed about industry trends and developments to maintain your competitive edge. With unwavering dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for voiceover, you can navigate the challenges ahead and ultimately realize your goals, crafting a rewarding and fulfilling career in this dynamic field.

#voiceover #voiceoverclasses #voiceovercoaching #voicecoaching #voiceacting

Moji Doyle: The Privilege of Voiceover

Little Moji Doyle was born into privilege. “From the beginning, we wanted for nothing.”

Enrolled in private school, Moji was exposed to the regal sector of society, with children from around the world—children like the heirs to the Guinness beer dynasty.

Educated in Europe, her mother was from Germany, and her father was from Iran, and he practiced medicine. This gave the family social and financial status that so many children are never exposed to.

Moji on her first day at school

 The school was for children of the world’s most privileged families.

As she grew into her teens, Moji remained interested in languages and continued to excel, “but never thought there was anything unusual about it; it was just so easy for me,” she says.

Her good looks, or what’s termed nowadays as “pretty privilege,” remained a dominant aspect in her life. She modeled. And here’s a shot of a professional photo shoot.

The opulence of wealth creates opportunities that so many are never privy to. So, here’s an example of one of her mom’s hobbies: flying. Her mother became a pilot. “And she was the most wonderful mother in the world,” says Moji.

As Moji entered her college years, she wound up studying in France, “and it was a language-based school, and I found learning different languages so easy for me.” She earned a bachelor’s degree in “Applied Languages,” encompassing German, French, English, philosophy, law and economics. “The goal was to become an interpreter,” says Moji.

Moji’s first job was as an event planner in Nice, France. “And my language skills were a real asset to work in this field because I could speak three languages fluently.”

In the early 90s, she met her husband and moved to the United States in 1994. Other jobs would come along, “and I’d get scooped up because of my language skills,” says Moji.

When she was a child, “We loved American movies with big stars like Rock Hudson; I was just fascinated by these big actors,” Moji tells me.

And that’s why she took such an interest in show business. “My first VO gig was to translate into French and voice a radio interview featuring Paula Abdul, which was later aired on a regional French radio station,” Moji tells me.

“My second job was in Florida, where I translated for free, and I loved it,” Moji comments.

Moji, then being a fitness buff, developed a school for pre-natal fitness. “I’ve always been into wellness,” she says. That lasted for fifteen years.

But in 2019, before her divorce, Moji experienced an ah-ha moment. “Voiceover kept coming back into my life, so I got involved with a trainer and entered the commercial voice world. It wasn’t without challenges. “I had to live on my savings to make it through the rough patch.”  But here’s what came of it.

But unbeknownst to her, Moji’s voice was needed, as always in another language, so she began to voice in French.

And then came yet another language that she’s fluent in - German.

Moji reflected on her early years and how no one really explained and coached her on how the voiceover business works. So, she started a school for newbies and those in later life who want to reinvent themselves. “Nobody tells you all of the details outside of your voice how to succeed,” she says. “I teach the full array of the business from finance to how to find your voice and how to market.”

Moji presently lives in Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic Isles, a 30-minute flight from Barcelona and the mainland of Spain. “I walk around and look at my surroundings and am baffled at what I see.”

And it is here that she lives as an international tri-lingual voiceover artist. And location doesn’t matter because she’s got a home studio.

She’s on her own now. The kids are grown. The marriage reached its conclusion. But the passion for life and its beauty is a staple in Moji’s life. She’s found a way to live on her own terms, where she wants to live.

And that, alone, is a privilege.

#voiceover #voiceoverclasses #voiceovercoaching #voicecoaching #voiceacting #mojidoyle