Behind the Mic: Adam Kecskemeti

Adam Kecskemeti (Ketch) is a baby-faced imaging producer with over a decade of production, writing and voicing experience. Having worked on various formats and rebrands including CHR, Hot AC, Rock (Alt and Classic), Talk, Sports and Classic Hits, Adam finds a way to inject each with its own style of personality. Learning from some of the best VO talents in the biz, he has created his own unique sound and style that brings humor and excitement to even the most basic scripts. With a wide array of characters, accents, and range, Adam can sing, shout or be subtle in his delivery. Adam is currently Senior Imaging Director for Virgin Radio Toronto as well as a commercial and animation voice actor.

What do you love about your job?

That feeling of walking in and delivering. Being a key part of making a project work. The collaboration with the director and addressing character development is a blast. Of course, walking out I always think “I’m getting paid for this?”

How did you get started as a VO actor?

When I first started as a producer, my voice talent was in-house, so we riffed ideas, pitches and characters. Eventually, he said we should cut a demo and send to his agent. Which we did and she agreed to rep me.

What was your first gig? Any memorable ones since then?   

My first voice gig was a National Radio Ad for Hyundai. I have been bumping around at auditions getting a good response, but no gigs. Finally landed what I assume was a called in favor (My Agent was a big hitter). My line was a joke about washing the car so much my hands were like giant raisins. Listening back I don’t love it…but the client loved it. So I was thinking “Ok…I can actually do this.”

Memorable ones since then would include working with RedBull. The unique challenge of not just lip syncing, but matching to an animation written to the German language. A bit tasking, but the RedBull guys are incredibly helpful and collaborative, so it was a great experience in dubbing.

Who are your VO idols/mentors?

Jamie Watson is one of the unknown greats. His ability to improv, riff and deliver is unparalleled. Watching him taught me that the VO artists is a writer too.

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

This is always a hot-button issue! I love pro tools. BUT I do appreciate that AA has some things going for it that the guys at Avid haven’t incorporated yet. I was an early adopter of Izotope Plugins. I really love Ozone 5. YES, 5! It has incredible master presets that V6 or 7 have lost. Nectar has some really good and funky settings that can take ALT reads and production to a strange and interesting place.

Have you ever had a voice coach? Would you recommend it?

I haven’t yet. I may down the road. I’ve heard some really positive results from friends who have used coaches.

How do you schedule/prioritize your work? How much time do you spend auditioning for new work?

What I am getting paid for already gets done first. Any auditioning comes after that. I try to audition for as much as I can. But if I see a script or product I don’t endorse or love, I walk away.