10 Questions with ... Steve Stone

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started in radio when I was 19. Worked as a jock and production talent. Made my way from stations in California, to Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York. The last few stops were at WXDX in Pittsburgh, PA from 1996-2000 as Imaging Director and then 92.3 K-Rock (the now defunct) WXRK NYC as Imaging Director from 2000-2003. Have been a full-time freelance voice actor for sixteen years.

1) Where can you currently be heard?

I'm the male imaging voice of ALT98.7 in LA, The Beat 92.5 in Montreal, 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, 103.3 AMP RADIO in Boston and dozens of other great radio stations.

2)How would you describe your style?

Fun, irreverent, energetic.

3) Do you specialize in a particular kind of voice work? (radio/TV/commercials/trailers/ corporate).

Radio imaging and TV Promos.

4) How active are you with Social Media?

I really enjoy Instagram and Twitter. Facebook is difficult for me...it can be a little too much...but I'm on it.

5) Tech Set-Up... what kind of mics/processing/software/plug-ins, etc. are you using?

I have two studios. Main one is 10min from my house in an office building. I have a home studio as well. The set ups are the same. I use the Sennheiser MKH-416 mic, The Universal Audio "Apollo Twin" Audio Interface and Twisted Wave Audio App to record my voice. I love all the tech, but keep it simple. I use the Manley VoxBox plugin on my voice tracks.

6) What exercises/elixirs/remedies would you recommend to keep your voice in shape?

I try and drink lots of water. When my voice gets tired, I use VocalEZE throat spray and Throat Coat Tea.

7) What is the most challenging part of the job?

Working when sick. I've powered through with colds etc. But when you're battling something else its really hard to have the energy. Sometimes you need to take a few days and stay in bed.

8) What other types of voice work do you aspire to do?

I'd love to be the voice of a major national awards show on TV. That would be a blast!

9) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

Before radio I was seriously wanting to be a comic book illustrator and I still draw.

10) What advice would you give to programmers when it comes to dealing with voice talent?

Give as much information as possible. Beyond the phonetics of certain unique words, I love getting calls from my PD's telling me their thoughts on a promotion or something specific for their market. It makes it so much easier when reading the copy. A real connection.

Do you have a favorite hobby outside of voicework?

I play drums. Not as much as I'd like to.