Potential in Radio... The Secondary Voice

[PierceVoice]

Often the "secondary" voice for a radio station will be a female compliment to the "primary" big male voice. BUT, in the case of one client I work with, adding some spice to a basic message (this includes writing my own "flavor" into the pieces) is getting a nice response from the Program Director at an Alternative Rock station in NJ.

It's a secondary voice that isn't just the other half to a dueling "announcer pair". It's more of a go-to for extra character entertainment that the Big Guy can't offer up.

I don't hear an awful lot of this out there... perhaps an un-tapped market?

I've attached an example. What do you think?

[jsgilbert]

The only problem I find with demos that have same sex pairings is that you really, really, really have to establish who your voice is first and make sure that it is the only voice that you truly highlight. Fading an and out on the other talent and ocassionally sticking yourself completely in the clear works well. I liked your beginning and think a modified intro could work on a general demo. I should probably preface this by sayingthat while I work in many manner of v.o. and also hire many different talent for projects, imaging ain't my bag. This might be much cleare to radio folk who might hire you. (Just tossing my 4 cents in) the question I guess I have is "Are all the voices on here you?" I seemd to think not. If they are, maybe say that upfront.

--j.s.

[PierceVoice]

It's all me... well, except Mr. Cajones, Ziggie.

I greatly appreciate your thoughts... Evolution's not just gonna fall on my head. I'm gonna have to go out and start butting into stuff. Sure, you crack a few bones... but who is to say that tree couldn't have been The Answer?

Anyway, thanks. I walk a tightrope of producer/voice and am responsible for the entire sound of many of the projects I'm a part of (writing, voice, charaters, beats, booms...).

THANKS!

[Robert Jadah]

I kind'a thought it was a fairly enjoyable listen, PiereceVoice, but I, too, am as far from radio imaging as I am from Montenegran hoop dancing.

Might have been a tad long, though; especially considering the similarity of most of the spots. I'd cut 'er by :20; even though I have no idea what I'm talking about.

Qualifyingly, I remain,

[PierceVoice]

I DO certainly appreciate your approach to the audio I posted as a "demo"... but it's not really meant to be that. Well, I guess, not to potential hirerereres. To you, as a plural, I am asking thoughts on the idea of marketing ourselves as "secondary" voices to radio. Even tertiary.

It's all about the snagging that MAIN voice slot when guys and gals go for radio voice gigs-- which is perfectly fine-- but not everyone gets to play Romeo and Juliet in the school play. Somebody has to be Mercutio. Mercucio? Uh... You know what I mean.

I want to throw out the idea of going after stations with the SOLE purpose of joining as a complimenting role as a supporting talent. Plenty of stations use 'em in "announcery" form. Outside an extremely involved and talented producer or three, I haven't heard many successful attempts at this new version of the secondary voice-- a comedic insert.

See, radio imaging (my forte) is in a constant state of flux. If you can become an improvement to the existing "formula", the forward thinkers might actually jump at the chance to have access to you. I don't know. That's why I brought it up.

While the best argument against is that radio won't spend money (i hear and see that a lot), don't you think it's worth a try? Because we don't really know.

I can only think of a few really good people outside of Ned Spindle at Q101, Chicago... John Frost of Premiere Radio Networks... and me... who do this constantly-- and we're all producers. I know more are out there, but where they aren't there MIGHT be opportunity. Maybe someone just needs to give the idea a little push into management's ear to consider it.


WHEW! I'm done. NOW.... YOU!

[Joe Rodriguez]

There are fortunes to be made in niches big and small. If you believe in the niche, go for it! I am in Jersey so let me know if you if you need another voice in the niche. After all, Ed McMahon made a heckuva living being 2nd banana so why not a VO guy too?

Late-uh!