Behind the Mic: Doug MacAskill

Doug MacAskill’s radio career spans 32 years. Based out of Boston, he’s been on stations all over the world and is available through CESD Talent Agency.

What radio VO work have you done in the past (stations/markets)?

I have been on or still am on in Boston, San Antonio, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, Corpus Christi, Boise, Hartford, Canton, Modesto, Providence, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Milwaukee, Fargo, and many more.

What are you up to presently (freelance/on-staff at a station)?

I am presently Creative Services Director at Hot 96.9 in Boston, been there for about 8 years now, but I’ve been working out of my home studio for the past year with the Covid-19 pandemic going on.

What do you love about your job?

The freedom it gives me to explore my creativity! The perks that come along with the job. The flexible hours. And all the great people I have met along the way.

Check out Doug’s Demos:

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Doug MacAskill - CHR/Rhythmic Demo

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Doug MacAskill - SpeakerToyz Demo

How did you get started as a VO actor?

It all started for me back in 1989 when I met John Garabedian who had a Nationally Syndicated show called Open House Party. I started out answering phones and gradually worked my way up to being Production Director. In the 5 years I was there I learned a lot from John, how radio worked, how to edit an interview, how to produce a radio program, amongst many other things. It was like radio boot camp. John was a hard guy to work for because he expected the best of you and nothing less. He was a genius and still is.

Then in 1994, I got hired as Creative Services Director at Jamn 94.5 in Boston, that’s where my VO career really started. I had always voiced commercials and never thought of myself as a “voice guy” till our afternoon drive guy “Kobe” told me I should make a demo and shop it to the agencies, so I did and received a call from Mark Guss from the William Morris Agency the next day. I was with William Morris for a few years but then I came across Nate Zeitz from CESD Talent Agency and immediately was impressed with him so I switched over to CESD. Nate is a great guy and I have now been with CESD for well over 10 years now.

Who are your VO idols/mentors?

Of course, I need to start with the legends Don LaFontaine and Ernie Anderson. Those guys revolutionized the VO industry. Then there’s Billy West and Seth Macfarlane, those guys are so versatile and creative. I must mention Chris Corley as well…man did he have great pipes! Then there’s someone local to me that I’m sure you’ve heard of – Jeff Berlin. A great talent. He helped me out immensely when I was first getting started with advice and critique…Thanks, Jeff!

If you weren’t doing voiceover, what else do you think you’d be doing for a career?

I’d probably be working in the trades. I was always good with my hands.

What did it feel like the first time you heard your voice on the radio/television?

I don’t remember the first time, but I do remember at the beginning I was embarrassed because I thought I wasn’t good enough. Believe it or not, I still feel somewhat the same way today. I’m very critical of myself.

How has new technology changed the way you work?

Well…since I started with reel to reel and razor blades, I’d say technology changed everything, and fast. I remember switching to the “DSE” (Digital Sound Editor) which evolved into the “Audicy” and I used that for years. I could play that thing like an instrument. Then, PCs took over and you know the rest.

What gear do you use on the road? In your studio?

I’m the most un-tech VO guy out there. Not to say I’m not knowledgeable about equipment, but I don’t get all hyped about the new gadgets and such. The stuff I use is old, but it sounds AWESOME!!

Doug’s awesome studio set-up!

Which production system do you use and why? Any favorite plugins?

Like I said I’m old school. My board is a Pacific Recorder ABX26 and my mic is a Shure SM5B. Both are probably at least 35 years old but I guarantee you I have the best sounding studio in town. I record into Adobe Audition and do all my multitrack editing in Vegas.

Do you have a different approach to reading radio imaging copy as opposed to TV/Radio commercial ads?

I think you have to have a different approach with every piece of copy you read. It doesn’t matter if it’s radio or television. It’s all about the intent of what you’re trying to portray.

Can you offer 3 helpful tips for newbies trying to make it in the voice-over industry?

1. RUN!!! No, I’m kidding. The VO biz is harder and harder to break into – It seems everyone who has a computer and mic thinks there a voice guy/girl…so don’t give up!

2. RUN!!!! This time I’m not kidding – I don’t need any of you young whippersnappers trying to take my work!

3. But seriously – being great in the VO world cannot be taught. I believe it is something you’re born with and either you discover it or not – I’m sure there’s plenty of people out there who would dominate the VO world but never realize it.