High Notes

High Notes: A Conversation with Sinead Garvan - From Radio to VOIn this episode, we talk to Sinead Garvan, the voice behind some of the UK’s favourite radio shows and podcasts. We chat about Sinead's journey from her early days as a young narrator in school plays to her transition from radio to voiceover.Sinead shares her experience of working with celebrities like Chris Evans, Claudia Winkleman and Nick Grimshaw, takes us through some major challenges she's faced, and shares her views on the evolving media landscape.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:24 Meet Sinead Garvan01:09 Sinead's Early Years and Love for Narration04:31 First Job in Journalism08:17 Experiences in Radio13:44 Challenges in Journalism19:12 Transition to Voiceover Work33:22 Advice for Aspiring Voiceover Artists35:03 Future Plans and Conclusion

On this episode of HIGH NOTES, we talk to award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Marverine Cole. Over the last 21 years, Marverine has worked as a reporter, producer and news anchor for the majority of Britain's most watched and listened to broadcasters, including Sky News, 5 News, Talk TV, Classic FM, 5 Live and BBC Radio 4. Marverine is one of only 10 Black British women to have ever presented national and international news bulletins in the UK during the last 40 years. She is currently best known as a newsreader for ITV's Good Morning Britain.We also talk to Marverine about her experience training as a VO with BRAVA, politics and grassroots democracy, her advice to those breaking into the industry today and her new podcast, The Trouble with Politics, which was recently recommended by The Independent as one of the top 6 podcasts to listen to in 2024. Marverine Cole: https://marverinecole.co.uk/ We are Black Journos: https://weareblackjournos.org/ Luck Be a Lady Tonight: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01mqmytBlack Girls Don’t Cry: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b9zfwsMarverine Cole & David Harewood talk about Black British Mental Health: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/black-british-mental-health-matters-with-marverine/id1645113032?i=1000586923149 Her Media Diary: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/her-media-diary/id1549480567The Trouble with Politics: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-trouble-with-politics/id173639788300:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast00:51 Guest Introduction: Marverine Cole02:14 Marverine's Early Inspirations and First Steps in Radio08:57 Transition to Television15:07 Challenges and Achievements in Media21:43 Mental Health and Resilience in Journalism30:16 Exploring Voiceover Work34:10 Launching The Trouble with Politics Podcast39:59 Advice for Aspiring Media Professionals42:20 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode, we talk to Adele Cutting - a respected sound designer, audio and voice director and in the video game industry. Adele's extensive portfolio includes work on both blockbuster titles and indie games. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including Adele's journey into the gaming industry, the evolution of women's roles and casting processes for video games. Adele also shares insights on the importance of natural performances in gaming, the potential impact of AI and offers advice for voice actors looking to succeed in a competitive industry.00:00 Welcome to High Nets: The Voice Industry Unveiled00:52 Spotlight on Adele Cutting: A Trailblazer in Game Audio02:02 Adele's Journey: From Musical Theatre to Video Game Soundscapes06:32 Breaking Barriers: Women's Evolving Role in Gaming13:28 The Art of Sound Design and Voice Direction in Video Games19:39 Casting Voices: The Search for Authenticity and Talent24:43 The Casting Process and Budget Considerations25:18 The Long Game of Voice Acting26:35 The Reality of Social Media Influence in Casting28:21 Trends and Changes in the Gaming Industry30:55 The Impact of AI on Voice Acting34:13 Real-Life Directing Experiences and Challenges38:32 Training and Professionalism in Voice Acting46:15 Final Thoughts and Future-Proofing AdviceRead the transcript here...

In conversation with Talent Agent, Natalie Edwards.In this Women in Games special, we sit down with Natalie Edwards, Talent Agent and Head of Voiceover Division at Excellent Talent, based here in the UK. Natalie talks to us about her career and her extensive work with games in particular. We also discuss important issues, including representation and diversity in the industry, as well as what talent agents look for when signing new VO artists. https://excellenttalent.com/So settle in, and let's hit those high notes, with Natalie Edwards.00:00 Welcome to High Notes: The Art and Business of Voice00:52 Special Guest: Natalie Edwards on Voiceover in Gaming01:58 Natalie's Journey into Voiceover Agency04:07 What Makes a Great Voiceover Artist?05:53 The Importance of Training and Audition Tips08:35 Diving Deep into Voiceover Demos09:55 Casting Insights and the State of VO in Gaming11:41 Addressing Diversity in Voiceover Casting21:40 The Role of Agents and Navigating the Industry25:07 Embracing Technology and Future-Proofing Your VO Career28:18 Key Attributes for a Long-Term Career in VO30:49 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Shakespeare's Women with Actor & Writer, Lorien HaynesOn HIGH NOTES Episode 4, Melissa talks to writer, actor, and artist, Lorien Haynes. From a teenager seeking an escape from her shyness and early experiences of abuse to living and working in America, Lorien's career has involved voiceover work, drama, screenwriting, and drawing. Throughout her work, especially in her recent play ‘Shakespeare's Women', which premiered at The Globe, London earlier this year, she addresses important social issues like domestic abuse, immigration, and sexual assault.Lorien's work gives a voice to individuals who often remain unheard, representing experiences not as narratives of victimhood, but instead as nuanced portraits that include humour, love, and strength. The interview also discusses collaborative efforts in Shakespeare’s Women and its potential future development, and her incredibly important partnership with Refuge - a charity that provides support for survivors of abuse.About the 'Shakespeare's Women' play Shakespeare’s Women Go Fund MeAmerica.2 Podcast00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast00:51 Interview with Lorian Haynes01:42 Lorian's Journey into Acting and Writing06:19 Lorian's Experience in America13:04 Lorian's Voice Acting Career18:21 Lorian's Work on Shakespeare's Women23:28 Shakespeare's Women in Modern Context24:01 The Inspiration Behind the Play25:14 Character Dynamics and Storylines27:37 The Importance of Humor in Serious Topics28:09 The Impact of the Play on the Audience28:51 Personal Experiences and the Influence on Writing31:20 The Struggle of Discussing Abuse35:08 The Collaboration with Jude Kelly37:24 Future Plans for the Play41:36 The Importance of Support from Organizations45:09 The Success of the Play and Fundraising for Refuge46:51 Closing Remarks

In this episode of the High Notes podcast, BRAVA master characters coach, Elaine Clark, joins us all the way from San Francisco and talks about her extensive experience in the industry. From starting as a theatre major in college, she then got into advertising and copywriting before moving into Silicon Valley and delving into the corporate world. Her career took a significant turn with the emergence of the video game industry, where she took on various roles from casting and directing to producing and audio engineering. Elaine values her early involvement in the industry and finds satisfaction in identifying potential in her voice-acting students, helping to solve casting problems in the industry. Elaine also talks us through what to expect from the Characters Foundation 6 Week course here at BRAVA.A Women in Games Special. Subscribe to our newsletterFind out more about Women In GamesEpisode guide00:03 Introduction to the Podcast00:52 Special Guest: Elaine Clark - Master Characters Coach01:44 Elaine's Journey in the Voice Industry03:51 The Evolution of Voice Acting in Gaming05:31 The Business Side of Voice Acting10:26 Elaine's Experiences in Voice Acting for Games12:13 The Six Week Characters Foundation Course at BRAVA14:36 Final Thoughts and Goodbye

In this fascinating talk, BRAVA Founder, Melissa Thom, welcomes special guest, Sebastien Croteau, an accomplished metal vocalist and extreme voicing expert.They discuss Croteau's extensive career - his unique skills as a Tibetan, Mongolian, and Inuit throat singer - and his contribution to a huge number of video games, including the recently acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3, Prince of Persia, Assassin's Creed, and more.Croteau explains how the fine control and understanding of the different parts of his vocal apparatus, developed through years of throat singing, have made him a sought-after voice actor for creating monster and creature sounds.He shares insights into the science of different voice techniques, along with demonstrations of extreme voices. Croteau also provides a glimpse into his Monster Factory, a talent agency specialising in extreme sounds. Sebastien offers valuable advice for aspiring voice actors interested in learning extreme voice techniques and highlights the importance of proper training and warm-ups.Find out more by subscribing to the BRAVA newsletter00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:16 Guest's Background and Achievements01:59 Guest's Journey as a Metal Vocalist02:40 Transition to Creating Monster and Creature Voices05:08 Guest's Training and Experience in Throat Singing06:09 Guest's Entry into the Video Game Industry07:03 Challenges and Experiences in Voice Acting for Video Games08:50 Demonstration of Throat Singing Techniques18:24 Application of Throat Singing Techniques in Creature Voice Acting27:36 Guest's Experience and Advice on Voice Acting Training28:59 Debunking Vocal Distortion Myths30:27 Recommended Channels for Accurate Vocal Distortion31:04 The Science Behind Rough Vocal Effects31:37 The Lack of Research in Extreme Voices33:04 The Importance of Proper Warm-up and Training33:44 The Role of Science in Vocal Distortion37:11 The Importance of Vocal Assessment38:38 The Journey to Creating the Monster Factory38:38 The Inception of the Monster Factory41:42 The Future of Voice Acting in Gaming41:42 The Future of Monster and Creature Voices45:34 The Importance of Proper Warm-up for Extreme Voicing Performance45:34 The Importance of Vocal Warm-up52:16 The Challenges of Teaching Extreme Voices

In this podcast (taken from an online talk), voice acting expert, coach, and founder of BRAVA: Melissa Thom, provides an in-depth introduction to the art and business of Voiceover.She talks through the necessary skills, experience, and mindset required to take the first steps into the industry - including the importance of training, understanding budgets, marketing, and finding the right coach.She also explores different ways of securing work within the industry, such as agents, pay-to-play sites, cold calling, repeat clients, auditioning, and more.This session is aimed at those who are new to voiceover, or have a budding interest in voice acting.Find out more by subscribing to the BRAVA newsletter00:02 Introduction and Welcome00:44 Getting Started in the World of Voice-Over01:34 Who Can Be a Voice Actor?05:11 Understanding Voice Acting and Voice-Over07:45 Finding Voice Over Opportunities10:33 Planning Your Voice Acting Career21:59 Auditioning and Booking Work27:15 The Importance of Training and Coaching29:02 What Makes a Good Voice Actor?30:17 Conclusion and Next StepsRead the transcript here...