Behind the Mic: Kelvin Barnes

My name is Kelvin Barnes, broadcasting to you live from Tokyo, Japan. I’ve spent the past 15+ years behind the mic, with a particular love for radio imaging, station branding, and promos. I’m excited to be a new addition to the Benztown team!

When I’m not promo-ing, you’ll find me voicing commercials, animation, anime, video games, and more. Living and working in Japan allows me to jump between languages. Sometimes I voice projects in English, sometimes in Japanese, and sometimes somewhere in between.

I’d love to make some imaging magic with you!

What radio VO work have you done in the past?

I’ve been fortunate to work across a range of radio formats and markets stations including Nova FM, KIIS FM, and ABC Classical Radio as well as TV promos for Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, SBS and Ch 10.

What are you up to presently?

I’m currently the station sponsor voice for Hot Tomato and a commercial voice for BBC Podcasts.

Check out Kelvin’s demos!

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Kelvin Barnes - Hot AC

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Kelvin Barnes - CHR

What do you love about your job?

The variety. One minute I’m voicing a promo, the next I’m recording an anime character, or a video game character, sometimes even in Japanese. I also love the relationships that come with this industry. Some of my longest-standing clients have become genuine friends over the years.

How did you get started as a VO actor?

I stumbled into it. My acting agent told me I should record something called a ‘voice demo’. I turned up at the post production house, began recording my demo and was stopped halfway through. I thought, “Was I that bad?”. Luckily in another booth, they happened to be casting a campaign. They said, ‘Read this script like you’ve been tied to a jetty pole by your friends as a practical joke and you have to call a locksmith to explain where you are and get yourself unlocked’. It went to air and I got paid more than I made at my part time job for a whole month. So I thought to myself, ‘Hell yeah! This is the career for me!’ True story.

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

I worked with the voice of Pikachu and the original Japanese voice of Haku from spirited away. I was the only non-Japanese talent in the whole series, definitely a pinch-me moment.

Who are your VO idols/mentors?

I love voices like Joe Cipriano, Scott Rummell, Dave Fennoy, Randy Thomas and many more. I’m a bit of a VO nerd and have studied different top voices across all genres. I was introduced to most of them via the wonderful Chuck and Stacey on VO Buzz Weekly; I highly recommend checking it out on YouTube.

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

Casting and Directing. If I couldn’t do VO, I’d still want to be involved in the industry in some shape or form.

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

Surreal! I spent years listening to other people on the radio and TV, mimicking what they did. My inner 15 year old self with that awkward squeaky voice would’ve been proud. Still love it to this day.

How has new technology changed the way you work?

Tremendously! I can connect with any studio in the world from my studio here in Tokyo. It has opened opportunities, like this one, for which I’m truly grateful.

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

Luckily, I can take my studio gear with me whenever I travel, plus the Vocal Booth To Go. My gear includes the Sennheiser Shotgun 416, Steinberg UR12, TwistedWave, Source-Connect, and my MacBook Apple M4.

Kelvin’s Studio Setup!

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

I use TwistedWave. It’s fast, simple and does everything I need. I don’t really use any plugins, as most clients prefer raw audio files. I either send clean WAV files or connect via Source-Connect for live sessions.

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

Absolutely! I have had many coaches throughout my VO career. A standout was Pat Fraley, who taught me a lot about VO craft, he’s an amazing coach.

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

I break the day up into: Working on the business & Working in the business. Working in the business means scheduled recordings with clients and Working on the business is a combination of auditions, following up with clients, and any admin work etc.

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

Absolutely. They all require different pitches, tones, pacing, and energy levels. Each medium requires a specific approach to reach and engage with the audience or potential customer.

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

Don’t rush in. Learn about the industry, the craft, what the best of the best sound like and get coaching. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Build relationships, not just a client list.
Practice, practice, practice and never stop learning and growing.