proTALK: Sorin Brouwers

Sorin Brouwers

proTALK: What was your very first VO that made you say; wow…I’m legit now?

I did a series of spots for Angels baseball a few years back.  They were the ‘I love this game’ spots. Its always fun when friends call you to tell you they heard you on the radio.

proTALK:  How has technology changed your business?

I’m also a musician and composer, so I’ve always had a home studio in which to record either auditions or actual spots. Home recording technology has become so accessible over the last few years that almost anyone can set up a decent little studio with their laptops. I know some folks who use handheld recorders for auditions.  The technology is that good now. With enough tweaking, you can get a decent enough sound that can work for most auditions.

proTALK: What types of projects are you most fond of? What is on your wish list?

I’m also an actor in the three dimensional sense.  I work in television and film as well as motion capture (I’ve been a motion capture artist with Warner Bros Interactive for a few games; Mortal Kombat, MK vs DCU and Injustice; Gods Among Us), so I’m always excited about the next gig. And with a varied skill set, you never know what awaits.

proTALK: A lighting director has lights, a photographer has his cameras your tool of trade is your voice. What are some of the things you have learned about your voice since you started?

I feel like I’m always discovering little things about my voice. The big trend these days is ‘to sound natural’ and to ‘not act’. Coming from a theater background, this was initially a little tough. So, adopting a ‘less is more’ approach has helped.  And now, depending on the spot, I’ll dial back a bit for a more casual or conversational approach. But some clients still want an ‘announcer’ from time to time. Being the Voice of God can be fun too.
proTALK: Finish this sentence; ‘if I weren’t a voiceover artist, I’d be a____.’

A full time furniture maker. I make furniture out of wood in my free time and love it.  I’d love the chance to develop certain designs for market. I’d also love to compose more for film.  I’ve written a few film scores and countless theatrical sound designs, so that’s a world I’m comfortable in as well.

proTALK: What are some of the challenges in this business? What do you least look forward to?

We’re in a business where we’re always looking for work.  Having equal parts left and right brain is pretty helpful when negotiating the realities of the business. The seeming conflict between the artist and business person inside us can be the real consistent challenge.

proTALK: What is your favorite piece of gear? Mic, Console, etc.

I love this little PreSonus tube pre-amp thing. It’s simple. It just boosts and sweetens the sound, that’s it.  It’s a great, affordable, almost necessary piece of gear.  But I’m not a gear-head, so take that with a grain of salt.

proTALK: What are you doing when your not voicing? How do you unwind?

Well, I mentioned the furniture stuff and the composition stuff.  I do those things occasionally to unwind. But I love the outdoors as well and being in California affords me the option to really get out and experience some beautiful stuff.  I love hiking, exploring.

proTALK: Are you working on any personal projects?

I’m always cranking away at something or another. With bands, I’ve produced and recorded several records and toured to support them. I’ve had the pleasure of writing and directing a handful of short films recently. I also just wrapped the score on a feature and I’m really proud of it.  It should hit festivals soon. In the furniture realm, I just put the finishing touches on a three-legged chair design, using sustainable materials and inspired by an Italian $4000 chair. But right at this moment, I’m writing a bunch of funk tunes inspired by Shuggie Otis, so we’ll see how that all winds up.

Sorin’s work can be found here www.sorinbrouwers.com