Music Interfaces with Japan…the incredible evolution of voice over artist Tony Waldman

By Keith Brunson

So how does a professional drummer who's a former resident of Japan, educated at Columbia, and fluent in Japanese become a world-renowned voice actor at 40? In the back of his mind, he thought, "Well, probably I can do voiceover," that one word…would change Tony's life forever. www.TonyWaldman.com

To say that Tony Waldman is not a worldly man is an understatement. He is a prominent international voiceover artist, an accomplished drummer, a former resident as an American of Japan, and is fluent in Japanese. On an educational level, he has a degree in music from The College of the Holy Cross in music and can read sheet music on drums. He holds a master’s degree from Columbia University teaching English as a second language.  His quiet and respectful demeanor is overwhelmingly obvious as he practices stoicism when you speak to him. Right away, you get the impression that Tony is special.

Tony Waldman - voice over actor

That's the setup. But here's the story. You'll discover that Tony's influences are rooted in art, communication, the Far East, listening, and speaking carefully. Japanese culture has profoundly affected this gentleman's character and talent.

Born in Long Island, Tony lives in Queens. He lives and breathes in the world of creativity, and as you'll learn, he accomplishes at an Ultra-high level and is not frustrated that he lands 1-2 auditions out of a hundred, "and those are pretty good numbers." He's right. And yes, you read that right. Tony gets cast in two percent of what he reads for. But when he's hired, it's not for something you haven't heard of. You didn't know it was Tony Until now.

He was the original voice of Bottomless Potamus, the yellow hippo from “The Hungry Hungry Hippos”.

"I was a founding member of the band "Edensong," at 13 years old. He was heavily musically influenced by the band "The Left Banke," who had the hit "Don't Walk Away Renee." For the uninitiated, that song was a major hit, and its writers still enjoy publishing residuals to this day.

But even a highly cultured man who's multilingual and knows the most difficult language in the world can have challenges. All those problems led him to where he is today. So, his obscure fascination with Japan introduced him to this world-class voice artist. "I lived in Japan for four years and became fascinated with the world of video games and music production for video games."

But in 2009, Tony hit a snag: " I could not get a job, and realized I didn't want to teach all of my life." But it wasn't until 2016 that Tony experienced his cosmic shift. "The true ah-ha moment was when a friend was producing a videogame and needed extra sound effects." So, Tony enlisted the assistance of voice star Dan Green, the voice of Yu-Gi-oh anime. Tony then produced a demo of voice acting for demos. And this led to his first paying voice gig for the Buzz driving ad counsel with the responsibility of saying one word, "probably."

"It was one word that created a new life in using words, not music, to communicate." He is the voice of Mr. Monopoly.

He is highly prominent in the world-famous video game Genshin Impact.

He is the voice of Clue Junior for the trailer.

He is the voice of the Kentucky Derby.

He was also very popular as the voice of choice for the national campaign when Burger King ran the campaign “The Return of the Surge of Burger King.”  

Here is his commercial demo.

Here is his animation demo.

And his prominence in the Hasbro world of characters is unparalleled, with multiple famous characters, including the original voice by of Bottomless Potamus from "Yellow Hungry Hippo." He comments, "I saw that character as a stoned Barney." He is the voice of Shah Torre in the game "Mobile Legends."

And, all the while, in a chaotic world, Tony's life of Zen is in the middle of the uptight urban world of New York City. "Japan changed my life."

He operates out of a home studio and is respected for his ability to envision a character in his mind and make it come out using his voice. So, it's staggering to believe that this Renaissance man has been able to manifest such success. But there is no question that Tony Waldman will "probably" do just fine now, tomorrow, and for all time. So, here's to harmony and the fascinating person that Tony is and will always be.

It All Started at Macy’s for this Voiceover Artist

By Keith Brunson

For professional voiceover artist Dominica Ivey, it all started at Macy’s. “I was the voice you heard over the public address system nationwide.”  Bear in mind that Dominica created this voiceover in-store opportunity for herself “by asking.” Given her perfect diction with no detectable accent, Macy’s thought she was the perfect voice for the retail floor in All Macy’s nationwide. She was in her mid-twenties. But she just didn’t feel like she fit in. And that’ll be important later in this story.

Dominica’s desire to speak properly and sound good began in childhood. Her Mother, in particular, emphasized the importance of speaking properly. But Dominica had eccentricities. She behaved like an adult, even in childhood.  

She desired to be perceived well and not just to have “good” speech; she wanted exceptional speech at a young age. “I wore heels and nice outfits to school in the third grade.”

 “So with such creative energy and adult-like behavior, my parents did not know what to do with me.” Dominica explains further, “No one in the family was interested in the arts.” 

Influenced strongly by the late Diahann Carroll of the hit shows “Dynasty” and “Room 222,” Dominica aspired to be as classy as possible. She was a little girl with thoughts like an adult mind.

At 13 years old, Dominica “started doing things with my voice.” Characters were her interest. Practicing the art of pretending to use her voice percolated inside her. But like so many, Ivey never thought that anything but a corporate job would ever suffice. She had been raised with an emphasis on education and a notable career with benefits, but she did not even think of the life of an entrepreneur. So, she graduated from broadcasting school with honors, “but the PAY was so low” that she abandoned being a broadcast journalist.

It’s true. Unless you’re in the nation’s top five to ten markets, you’ll work for years for very little money. It’s just the way the TV news industry is. You’re paid well if you’re in a top-ten market. New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta. Just six of ten markets pay a journalist well. The rest of the country is a low-paying field that requires years of living on a very low salary in television news. Dominica was not interested in that journey.

And then, “I started seeing all of these ads for voiceover education.” So, based on these advertisements and being encouraged by a friend to do it, Dominica entered the voiceover field late in life. “It’s the one profession where no matter your age, there is no discrimination,” she comments. “You can be 109 years old, and they’ll cast you if you sound right,” says Dominica. “And so, I have reinvented myself as the only self-employed person in my family.”

Dominica Ivey in her home studio

“I wanted to do something meaningful with my life,” and “I found it in voiceover.”

Her first client was Carolina Tractor. “I knew it would be a long time to get really good at voiceover, but I had no choice; I had to.”  And so, from that first client, Dominica discovered that all the voices she heard in her head as a child had value…and this is where this story gets interesting. While possessing multiple characters in her head, here’s Dominica voicing an elderly lady:

That character is just one that she does. Here are others:

 Listen to Dominica Ivey’s voice-overs here: https://dominicaivey.icanvoice.com/

Dominica discovered she could do more than just characters. Here’s her audiobook voice.

And here’s her commercial voice.

That genre led to narration, which, given her inability to regionalize her voice, worked Very well.

But the world of voiceover offered Dominica an identity that really had an impression on her. “I’ve never really felt like I belonged until I entered the voiceover world.”  In voiceover, Dominica can now be anyone she wants to be using her voice. “I remember working as a bill collector at one job, and they’d use my voice to get people to pay past-due debts.” But voiceover was about working at home in your own studio, which Dominica calls her “lab.”

 “And when I am in there, everything I have experienced in life is useable to communicate a message, just like in grade school.” But it all began at Macy’s, in the office, a million miles away from this A-lister on the rise. “I finally found where I fit.”

The Paranormal Investigator Who Became A Voiceover Artist

By Keith Brunson

Schuler Johnson is sure that ghosts exist. So convinced in fact, that he has made a career out of his passion. And it organically became a profession, landing him on Discovery Plus as the narrator for an episode. The show is called “A Ghost Ruined My Life.” Schuler is seemingly Very humble. Thousands of people attempt to get on Discovery each year, certified by NATPE (the National Association of Television and Programming Executives) as “the most prominent brand on earth.” But Schuler walked right into it with no resistance, and the first television show he voiced was on Discovery Plus.

Schuler himself is calm, collected, level-headed, and ultra-polite when he speaks of what has launched him into a voiceover career without aspiring to become a voiceover artist. All because of his uber interest in what some refer to as “the other side.” But before we delve further, here’s the back story on Schuler and how it is easy to see that investigating the paranormal would become his destiny.

Schuler Johnson

Raised in Indianapolis, Schuler took a special interest in the audio-visual world at 16 years old, “and I really dove right in while being a high school sophomore.” Schuler was extremely interested in the paranormal. “It always just fascinated me, and it always has.” But after high school, “I didn’t know what to do with my life.”

Shuler and friends during a paranormal investigation.

So, Schuler attended Vincennes University and got an associate degree in I.T. computer science with a minor in A/V. And that degree prompted additional confidence in Johnson that would make a real difference in his career trajectory. “I was just so passionate about the supernatural, but I had no idea it would lead me to what evolved in voiceover. I had launched a podcast in 2018, but I still didn’t feel I was a voice that would make the cut for what was to come.”

Enter Eli Roth, a producer for his show on Discovery Plus, “A Ghost Ruined My Life.”

Eli Roth, producer for Discovery Plus.

Eli read an investigation Schuler was involved with and contacted him. “We talked, we connected, and from that conversation, he chose to feature an investigation I was involved in.” For the uninitiated, Roth is a highly respected writer and director who’s decorated with accolades for his auspicious career. So, it’s almost ghostly on its own merit that Schuler would have direct access to a well-known producer on all platforms for being a true talent and an A-list producer. And yet, here he was…directly communicating with Schuler. That is in itself like something as odd as an apparition itself. It was now 2021.

Roth wanted to produce an episode about one of Schuler’s investigations. And within that interest, he asked Schuler to voice the episode. This is Unheard of. You can call it good karma or “right place, right time,” or just good luck. But no matter how you look at it, “I had always been told that people liked the sound of my voice, but to become the narrator of this episode was something I never even thought about.” Schuler is right.

Producers, 99 percent of the time, take an Idea and Do give credit under the category of “Story By” to the show’s origin. However, producers typically hire an established V.O. artist who matches the content to evoke the most effective response when viewed by the audience. “And even though that’s true, I did, in fact, become the narrator of this episode, but it came out of nowhere, and it opened the door to voiceover I did not expect.”

Discovery Plus show with Schuler Johson doing voice-over work.

In 2023, Schuler began associating with ACX and garnered his first audiobook credit. Johnson had led a podcast about the supernatural launched in June of 2019, demonstrating that Johnson was no novice to the controversial topic of ghosts. https://www.piotparamornal.com

The site offers information about all things paranormal but is a cut above what is good. The site is excellent, and the stories are all part of the paranormal journey that Johnson is passionate about. “I know that ghosts exist, but I do believe it to be unusual that my interest in this topic would create a whole new arena of professional opportunity that I never even thought about.”

So, if you’re a believer of things that go bump in the night, you’re not the only one. The New York Times, in 2021, with a story written by Anna P. Kambhampaty, wrote that many people believe in ghosts and that it is a real thing to many people. But then Schuler had always felt this way, and it is now strongly believed that spirits, ghosts, whatever you want to call them, are a supernatural reality that will remain in the thoughts and perhaps the nightmares of many people who believe in spirits that can terrify a person or calmly fascinate them.

I'm an Accountant/Lawyer/Banker/Tax Consultant and Want to Make a Career Change!

By Nate Myers

Line items and Excel sheets. Every night, when you close your eyes, you see cells and rows with VLOOKUPs and formulas. Sound familiar?

If you're looking for a career change, voice-over can be a lucrative path to take. Just like anything in life, there are pros and cons. So, let's break them down so you can make the right call.

Oh, and if you want to sign up for voice over classes…We've got you covered ;)

Yes, voiceover can be a viable career path, even with a non-creative work history, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows. It requires dedication and effort.

Pros:

• Flexibility: Voiceover work often allows for a flexible schedule, which can be appealing if you want more control over your time.

• Creativity: You can express yourself creatively through different scripts and characters.

• Demand: The demand for voiceover artists is growing in various industries, from commercials and audiobooks to e-learning and video games.

• Low entry barrier: Compared to other creative fields, you don't need a degree or certification to establish reputability.

Cons:

• Competition: The voiceover (VO) industry is competitive; standing out and landing consistent work can be challenging.

• Unpredictable income: Especially at the beginning, income can be inconsistent and may require supplementing with other work.

• Investment: Building a home studio requires some initial investment in equipment and software.

Voice acting is a skill that takes practice and refining. Taking voice acting lessons with the Voice Shop (online or in-person) is the best way to start. 

Okay, that all makes sense. The real question is: "How long will it be until I start making money for VO work?"

 Voiceover is considered a creative field, and income can sometimes be inconsistent initially. The time it takes to start earning money can vary greatly depending on several factors:

• Your existing skills and experience: If you already have strong acting, vocal, and technical skills, you may be able to find work sooner.

• The amount of effort and investment you put in: Building a solid portfolio, actively marketing yourself, and networking are crucial for success.

• The type of voiceover work you want: Some areas, like explainer videos, may offer quicker entry compared to commercials or audiobooks.

Want some inspiration? Listen to Alison Pentecost, a professional scientist who changed career paths to become a successful voice-over artist.

Here are some steps to get started in voiceover:

• Assess your voice: Record yourself reading and listen back to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

• Develop your skills: Take voice acting workshops or work with a voice coach to refine your technique. Remember how we said we've got you covered? Check out our Classes for Beginners page to start on the right path. We also offer free consultations if that helps identify the best path for you!

• Build a demo reel: Create recordings showcasing your voice in different styles and tones.

• Build your online presence: Create a website or profile to showcase your work and attract clients.

• Network and market yourself: Attend industry events, connect with other voice actors, and actively apply for auditions.

Remember, starting any new career takes time and dedication. While some voice actors find success quickly, others may need to build their skills and experience over a longer period.

Don't let your background hold you back if you're passionate about voiceover. Weigh the pros and cons, do your research, and be prepared to invest time and effort into building your new career.

The 30-Day Plan to Get Started in Voice Over

By Nate Meyers

Voice-over is the most common way to monetize a great voice. Voice actors are in high demand for various projects, including commercials, audiobooks, video games, and animated films. To get started as a voice actor, you will need to learn from someone who has already walked the path.

Many voice actors work with The Voice Shop as coaches who provide insights, examples, guidance, and teaching for all skill levels.

At The Voice Shop, we do just that! Check out the voice classes here:

The classes are part of the 30-day plan to get started in VO.

Days 1-7:

• Research the voiceover industry. Learn about the different types of voiceover work, the skills and equipment you need, and how to find clients.

• Listen to other voice actors. Pay attention to their vocal delivery, tone, and inflection. Try to identify your unique voice and what makes it special.

• Sign up for a Voice Over Training Class: https://www.voiceshopcoaching.com/classes-for-beginners

• Start practicing. Record yourself reading different types of scripts, such as commercials, narrations, and character voices. Experiment with different vocal techniques and find what works best for you.

Days 8-14:

• Invest in some basic equipment. You don't need to spend much money, but a good microphone and recording software are required.

• Set up a home studio. It can be as simple as a quiet room in your house with good acoustics.

• Attend the Voice Over Training Class. Come prepared with questions and take thorough notes. Don't be shy; put yourself out there and get the most from your time with a VO Instructor.

• Create a demo reel, a short compilation of your best voiceover work. It should showcase your range of voices and abilities.

Quality gear and the right type of software are necessary to record quality audio in your home remotely.

Learn more about setting up your home studio
in this Voice Shop article.

Days 15-21:

• Start submitting your demo reel to casting agencies and production companies. You can also find voiceover work on job boards and freelance marketplaces.

• Network with other voice actors and voiceover artists. Attend industry events and join online communities. This is a great way to learn from others and learn about new opportunities.

• Continue practicing your voiceover skills. The more you practice, the better you will become.

Days 22-28:

• Follow up with casting agencies and production companies to which you have submitted your demo reel.

• Audition for voiceover roles. Be prepared to read from different scripts and demonstrate your vocal range and abilities.

• Continue networking and practicing.

Days 29-30:

• Book your first voiceover job! Congratulations on all your hard work.

This is just a sample plan; you may need to adjust it based on your needs and goals. However, it is a good starting point for anyone serious about getting started in voiceover work.

Here are some additional tips for success:

• Be professional and reliable. Show up to classes and auditions on time and prepared. Be responsive to emails and phone calls.

• Be positive and enthusiastic. Clients want to work with people who are excited about their projects.

• Be open to feedback. Be willing to take criticism and use it to improve your skills.

• Be patient and persistent. It takes time to build a successful career in voiceover work. Don't get discouraged if you don't book jobs right away. Keep practicing, networking, and submitting your demo reel.

Good luck!

Everyone Tells Me I Have A Great Voice. How Do I Make Money With It?

Nate Meyers

Some of us are told we have a great voice by our mothers, friends, and a kind stranger at karaoke night. This comment usually follows when you sing, commentate, or express yourself. Sound familiar?

If that sounds like you, there are many ways to monetize a great voice:

Voice Acting

This is the most common way to monetize a great voice. Voice actors are in high demand for various projects, including commercials, audiobooks, video games, and animated films. To get started as a voice actor, you will need to receive training from a personal coach or through a service like The Voice Shop [https://www.voiceshopcoaching.com/]. After completing that course, create a demo reel showcasing your voice and range. You can then submit your demo reel to casting agencies and production companies.

 Voice acting is an exciting and rewarding career that starts with a solid training program from the voice coaches at The Voice Shop.

Voiceover Work

Voiceover work is like voice acting but is typically used for non-fictional projects, such as documentaries, explainer videos, and corporate presentations. Voiceover artists are also in high demand, and you can find work through casting agencies and production companies or by freelancing directly with clients.

Singing

If you have a great singing voice, you can monetize it by performing live, recording music, or teaching voice lessons. You can also find work as a session singer, backing up other artists on their recordings.

Podcasting

Podcasting is a great way to share your voice and expertise. You can monetize your podcast through advertising, sponsorships, or selling merchandise.

Teaching

You can use your voice to teach others if you have experience or expertise in a particular area. You can create online courses, teach workshops, or offer one-on-one coaching.

Voice acting students talking voice-over techniques and styles at The Voice Shop in New York City.

Whether or not voice-over is a good path for you depends on your interests and skills. If you are passionate about acting and have a good natural voice, voice-over may be a good fit. However, it is important to note that the voiceover industry is competitive and can take time to build a successful career.

Here are some tips for monetizing your great voice:

1. Identify your niche. What kind of voice work do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? Once you know your niche, you can learn how to excel at it.

2. Hone your craft. Training from a good mentor who can provide live or timely feedback will be the quickest way to get through the awkward phase where you know you're doing something but are not sure of what.

3. Create a voice-over demo reel. Your demo reel is your calling card, so make sure it is high quality and showcases your voice at its best.

4. Network with other people in the industry. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with other voice actors and voiceover artists.

5. Be persistent. It takes time to build a successful career in voiceover. Don't get discouraged if you don't book work right away. Keep submitting your demo reel and networking with people in the industry. 

If you are serious about monetizing your great voice, the next step is to request a free Training Consultation with us at The Voice Shop. Seriously- no $$$. Let us help you take that next step:

The Scientist Turned Professional Voiceover Artist

By Keith Brunson

This is the true story of a woman who was a professional scientist who became a full-time voiceover artist. Alison Pentecost, from the Greater Montreal area, had a moment when she decided to leave science. "A colleague handed me a big stack of papers he was excited for me to read, and I just didn't have the passion for it," says Alison.

Alison Pentecost

A bachelor's degree in Astronomy and Geophysics from The University of Western Ontario and a Master's degree in Planetary Science from McGill University where she was a research scientist. All to conclude, "I just wanted to do something creative."

And so, being highly educated, Alison took that ability to study and learn and began voice classes, and still, to this day, four years into her new career, she still takes voice classes. "My instructors teach me with feedback and not just the mechanics, but the importance of how the voice should make the audience feel."

Voiceover requires education. A good voice is not enough. "And it's not easy," says the mother of three children. "You have to learn how to market and have the discipline to audition daily in the morning," says Alison. "And you must invest in the equipment, so that's been my career for four years now, and I operate out of my home here in Quebec."

Now known for e-learning classes, short educational material, and commercials, Alison is the voice of Canada for a Decathlon.

Alison appeared in voiceover with no acting background and no communications background. So, as a proven scientist, Alison, now 48, changed careers repeatedly as she searched for what would make her happy. She had also previously been into the fitness business as a teacher and worked in I.T.  But voiceover occurred organically "because I took one voiceover class, and everything clicked."

Alison voices a commercial for Versacom.

As the Canadian voice for the convenience store chain Circle K, Alison explains, "I know what Circle K wants and what they are asking for," Alison comments. "It's all back to that ability to make the audience FEEL." And in doing so, her connection with the company has become one of many dependable repeating clients. "Communicating the brand is really the main focus, and that is to make the customer FEEL like a quick stop will get the driver to pull in." Fact: Almost all terrestrial radio is heard in a car, unlike thirty years ago when people listened to the radio at home or passively at work. So, Alison loves commercials because she knows the driver can be influenced. And radio advertising offers the ultimate captive audience.

"I've career pivot four times in my life," says Alison, "but this time, after four successful years, I'm sticking with voiceover because I left science for a reason." Fluent in French, Alison is also available to the French-speaking world as a voiceover artist. "That's a whole other market," she comments. www.AlisonPentecost.com  Next time you're in Canada, be listening. Alison will be on the air or on video in voice-over somewhere.

So it's easy to say, We're way past Einstein now.

I'm Not Making Enough Money… How to Make Money Doing Voice Overs

By Nate Myers

With recent inflation trends, unaffordability has affected each of us in our day-to-day expenses. More strain on budgets has me (and likely you) looking for additional income.

An Opportunity Not on Your Radar

If you have a good voice and are comfortable speaking in front of a microphone, then voice-over can be a great way to make money. Many different types of voice-over work are available, and with a little effort and training, you can find projects that are a good fit for your skills and interests.

A new voice-over student is using his skills in front of the microphone.

Types of Voice Over Work

• Audiobook narration: Audiobooks are a popular form of entertainment, and there is always a demand for narrators. If you have a clear and engaging voice, then audiobook narration could be a good option for you.

• Video game voiceover: Video games are a multi-billion dollar industry, requiring voiceover artists to bring the characters to life. If you have a range of voices and can create believable characters, video game voiceover could be a good option.

• Animation voiceover: Animation is another popular entertainment form requiring voiceover artists. Animation voiceover could be a good option if you have an expressive voice and can create engaging characters.

• Commercial voiceover: Commercials are ubiquitous in our lives and require voiceover artists. Commercial voiceover could be a good way to make money if you have a persuasive and engaging voice.

• E-learning narration: E-learning is a growing industry, and there is a demand for voiceover artists to narrate training modules and other educational materials. If you have a clear and authoritative voice, then e-learning narration could be a good option for you.

• Podcast narration: Podcasts are a popular way to consume information and entertainment, and many podcasts require voiceover artists to narrate their episodes. If you have a clear and engaging voice, then podcast narration could be a good option for you.

• Corporate training narration: Many companies use corporate training videos to educate their employees. These videos often require voiceover artists to narrate the content. Corporate training narration could be a good option if you have a clear and authoritative voice.

• On-hold messaging: Many businesses use on-hold messaging to provide callers with information while on hold. On-hold messaging often requires voiceover artists to record the messages. If you have a clear and friendly voice, then on-hold messaging could be a good option for you.

• IVR voiceover: Interactive voice response (IVR) systems are used by many businesses to provide callers with automated self-service options. IVR systems often require voiceover artists to record the prompts and messages. IVR voiceover could be a good option if you have a clear and friendly voice.

How to Get Started in Voice Over

1. Develop your voice. Developing your voice is the first step to getting started in voice-over. This means practicing speaking clearly, concisely, and with expression. You can also work on developing different voices and accents. The best way to expedite this part of the process is to sign up for classes at The Voice Shop:

New voice-acting students are learning voice-over techniques and practicing voice training at the Voice Shop.

2. Create a demo reel. A demo reel is a short recording that showcases your voice acting skills. You can create a demo reel by recording yourself reading scripts from different genres.

3. Network with other voice actors. Networking with other voice actors can help you learn about new opportunities and get your foot in the door.

4. Be persistent. It takes time and effort to build a successful voice-over career. Don't get discouraged if you don't land your dream job right away. Keep practicing and networking, and eventually, you will find success.

Tips for Success in Voice Over

• Be professional. Voiceover is a business, so being professional in your dealings with clients is important. This means being on time for auditions, meeting deadlines, and being easy to work with.

• Be versatile. The more versatile you are, the more likely you will find work. Be willing to try different genres and styles of voice over.

• Be promotable. Make it easy for clients to find you by creating a strong online presence. This includes having a website, demo reel, and social media profiles.

• Be persistent. It takes time and effort to build a successful voice over career. Don't get discouraged if you don't land your dream job right away. Keep practicing and networking, and eventually, you will.