Behind the Mic: Heidi Rew
If you’re looking for an imaging voice that is optimistic like Reese Witherspoon, leans in like a Drew Barrymore interview, can add a side of Aubrey Plaza and is typically like Kristin Bell, Heidi Rew is your voice.
What radio VO work have you done in the past (stations/markets)?
I’ve done radio imaging work for The JOY FM (The Jayar Show) and LF Radio for over 8 years. Before I went full-time in voice over, I was on-air at J103 Chattanooga, 104.7The Fish and B98.5 Atlanta.
What are you up to presently (freelance/on-staff at a station)?
I’m a full-time voice actor and on-camera actor. I also co-own Atlanta Voiceover Studio (a VO training and recording studio) with my husband Mike Stoudt.
What do you love about your job?
Great creative is my all-time favorite “high” from what I do. Whether that’s the copy, the collaboration or being able to improv to find new angles.
How did you get started as a VO actor?
A co-worker at 104.7 The Fish asked me if I did voice over because “he could listen to my voice all day?” I had no idea about the awesome world of voice over. He taught me and then he married me. The investment worked out.
What was your first gig? Any memorable ones since then?
I honestly can’t remember my first gig. It’s been so long ago. But I do remember my first national commercial booking! It was for Jiffy Lube and came at a great time. It was around the time Mike, my VO sensei and husband, and myself had left radio and qualified us for SAG Health insurance for three years.
Who are your VO idols/mentors?
Truly my husband, Mike Stoudt. He taught me so much and still does… even though he will tell you I never listen to him. There are many more that I could name but I’d worry I’d leave someone out. I not only learn from veteran VO talent but also those pursuing VO for the first time. Owning Atlanta Voiceover Studio has allowed us to get to know so many beginning voice actors and they’re inspiring.
If you weren’t doing voiceover, what else do you think you’d be doing for a career?
Interior Decorator or Bed and Breakfast owner. Interior decorating is my expensive hobby. I love creating beautiful environments as well as hosting people.
What did it feel like the first time you heard your voice on the radio/television?
Awful. Haha. My first radio boss encouraged me to “warm” up my voice on air. He said it was too high-pitched. Well, I did in fact warm it up…a little too warm. All the guys started joking about my new “1-900” voice (equivalent to a sexy Only Fans voice, for the younger gen). Thankfully I was able to find a happy medium and it was the start of learning my range.
How has new technology changed the way you work?
Things are so much more efficient these days. I try to embrace new technology. I’m excited about AI and how it will help us do our jobs better and easier.
What gear do you use on the road? In your studio?
Even though I don’t use a Sennheiser mic in my booth, that’s typically what we travel with due to varying recording environments. In my booth, I’ll switch between a Neumann U87 and Neumann TLM103. I use an Apollo pre-amp and learned editing in radio on Cool Edit (vintage, right?) so I use Adobe Audition.
Heidi’s Studio Setup!
Which production system do you use and why?
Adobe Audition…because I learned on Cool Edit back in the day. The Izotope RX7 plugin has been a game changer, specifically the de-clicker.
Have you ever had a voice coach? Would you recommend it?
Many, many voice coaches. And I still coach. Sometimes I’ll focus on different genres of voice over, specific vocal skills or just to refresh. Highly recommend it and I’m not just saying that because we own Atlanta Voiceover Studio.
How do you schedule/prioritize your work? How much time do you spend auditioning for new work?
Responding to clients quickly is my top priority. But the other aspect areas of business are ever evolving. Between running a studio, voice acting and on-camera acting, I am often pulled in many directions. One of the things that helped me prioritize action items was organizing an accountability group. We meet once a month and go over one goal for the next month. The other thing that helped was to create a dump list of all I need to do, then whittle it down to just a couple of key things each day.
How do you market your services to potential clients?
It’s all about a relationship to me. I don’t do mass marketing. For potential new clients, I love to use LinkedIn. It allows me to get to know someone a little before reaching out. I believe the best outcomes come from the best collaboration.
When it comes to VO work, studio & gear, what are your most ingenious methods/discoveries for saving time and cash?
I have my own synthetic voice that I can offer clients who have big projects but not a big budget to pay a talent. I can offer my synthetic voice for a lower budget but the client still gets to work with a human.
What is the best voice processing trick or voice-over technique everyone should know?
If you get stuck on a word/phrase and it just doesn’t come out right, place a pencil between your teeth and run through the word/phrase a few times. When you take the pencil out, you’ll be able to say it as smooth as butter.
Do you have a different approach to reading radio imaging copy as opposed to TV/Radio commercial ads?
With imaging and commercials, it’s similar to being a painter. You have tools (brushes and paint) and what you want/need to create will depend on which ones you use. The longer you’re in VO, the more possibilities you realize you voice is capable of.
Can you offer 3 helpful tips for newbies trying to make it in the voice-over industry?
1| Think of creating a sustainable career like gardening. It takes time to harvest. 2| Don’t try and emulate someone else’s VO journey. Everyone is so different. 3| Your top priority should be uncovering your unique value in this industry.
If you could go back in time and hang out in any decade, which one would you go back to and why?
70s. My favorite fashion.
Favorite 2 pizza toppings?
I’m so basic. I love plain cheese or a margarita pizza.
If you could invite one person to dinner, living or dead, who would it be?
Will Ferrell. You probably thought I’d say “Jesus” with my Christian radio background, huh? I love to laugh and a dinner with Will would be full of laughter.
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