Behind The Mic: Kelly Malone
We are so excited to have Kelly Malone join our roster! She’s got a versatile voice that’s perfect for any station. Oh and total side bar…she has a Stanley Cup ring…WHAT!
What radio VO work have you done in the past? I have been voicing radio stations for close to 15 years; mainly in the Northeast including markets around New England and Pennsylvania.
What are you up to presently? Freelancing and loving it! I spent close to 8 years hosting mornings on WBMX in Boston and have been doing voiceovers ever since. Commercial and radio imaging are my passions.
What do you love about your job? I’m a media geek. When most people turn off commercials, I love listening to the latest production and radio station imaging…and I still love hearing myself on radio and TV!
How did you get started as a VO actor? What was your first gig? My VO career began while I was hosting mornings in Boston. I picked up some commercial gigs and radio stations to image. One of my good friends, the great voice talent, Damon Oaks, was the Imaging Director at the station and helped me gain a few clients to voice after I was off the air in the morning.
Have you ever had a voice coach? Would you recommend it? Yes! and Yes! I’ve worked with the legendary Marice Tobias. Her guidance has been worth its weight in gold.
What is your dream gig? I spent 11 seasons as the Public Address Announcer for the Boston Bruins…but I’m still waiting to voice a McDonalds commercial. 🙂
The Bruins Stanley Cup Ring Ceremony in 2011 after they won the Cup.
Can you offer 3 helpful tips for newbies trying to make it in the voice-over industry? Don’t give up; you won’t get every gig, but you’ll get the gigs perfect for you. Talk to audio engineers for advice on affordable equipment. Never correct your clients. And don’t wear headphones.
If you weren’t doing voiceover, what else do you think you’d be doing for a career? Media in general has always been a passion. I’ve hosted a TV show for the local CBS affiliate in Boston, but radio and voice work has always been what I love. Although I’d love to be on a sitcom.
What’s it like being a part of the voiceover community? I’ve been lucky to have many ultra-successful friends in the industry who have been nothing but supportive!
How do you schedule/prioritize your work? Work is always a priority. I’m constantly in contact with clients in case there is a scheduling conflict or if I’ll be out of studio. Courtesy goes a long way.
How much time do you spend auditioning for new work? Depends on the length of the script. I try not to get caught up in my head too long, but always listen back to the audio with a critical ear while trying not to over think it!
How do you market your services to potential clients? Word of mouth has worked wonders for me and I’m in the process of updating my website while beginning to market my services.
Which production system do you use and why? Well…Garage Band, to be honest! I spent quite a bit of money on Logic a few years ago, which was unnecessary. A good friend of mine, who is an audio engineer, set up my recording system. It’s been highly effective for the last 8 years!
What gear do you use? Focusrite and M-Audio at home; Apogee One for Mac when I’m traveling.
How has new technology changed the way you work? You can work from anywhere!
What is the best voice processing trick or voice-over technique everyone should know? My audio engineering friends! 😉
When it comes to VO work, studio & gear, what are your most ingenious methods/discoveries for saving time and cash? Your closet is a pre-made sound booth!
Do you have a different approach to reading radio imaging copy as opposed to TV/Radio commercial ads? Absolutely. Voice coaches have really stressed visualizing the script and audience. Radio imaging is generally more tongue-in-cheek and fun than commercial ads.
What did it feel like the first time you heard your voice on the radio/television? Exhilarating!
If you could go back to any decade and hang out which one would you go back to and why? The 1980’s. The combination of music, movies, sitcoms…
What’s your guilty pleasure? Tequila and french fries.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would you go and why? Alaska and Iceland. I’ve been to many warm weather destinations and would like to see what else mother nature has to offer.
Links:
Benztown: https://www.benztown.com/brigade/kelly-malone
Kelly’s Site: http://kelly-malone.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_kellymalone
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